A REPORT by a government watchdog on the Island's Wight Leisure organisation has concluded it provides a good service with promising prospects for improvement.

A delighted Councillor Peggy Jarman, the executive member for leisure, welcomed the report published by the Audit Commission.

She said: "The report recognises the highest standards of customer service, commitment and dedication for all our staff in Wight Leisure. Such a strong endorsement of the organisation augurs well for its future as it prepares to embrace a not-for-profit trust status."

The report commended Wight Leisure for:

A high user satisfaction.

Its widespread consultation about services.

The wide range of programmes and activities at leisure centres for all ages and abilities and for both residents and visitors.

Working with the ISO 9002 quality management system, which makes a difference to standards of service delivery and customer care.

The important contribution made to the council's corporate objectives, particularly in respect of social inclusion and improving transport links.

The commission also believed prospects for improvement were promising because:

Wight Leisure's improvement plan was developed after the council carried out extensive consultation with residents.

A best value review thoroughly examined the need for the service and for improvements and charted the best way of delivering those improvements.

The council believed a good leisure service enhanced the health and fitness of Island residents and the Island's economic well-being through its contribution to tourism.

Wight Leisure has a track record of service improvements.

Among areas found to be in need of further attention were leisure facilities varying in quality with some buildings in need of refurbishment.

The inspector's final recommendations for the council included:

Developing a programme of planned and preventative maintenance for all the leisure facilities.

Ensuring good levels of joint working actions across all sections of the council.

Developing a programme to maintain the council's momentum for change.

Cllr Jarman added: "It is also pleasing that Wight Leisure's annual events programme is perceived as balancing the needs of residents and visitors, and contributes to the economic prosperity of the Island."