Castle Morpeth Council is bowing out amid glowing praise from town hall watchdogs for making major improvements in its performance.
The independent Audit Commission says the Northumberland rural council has gone from being officially rated as weak in 2003/4 to becoming a good authority with an ambitious programme of further improvement.
In addition, the council responded very well when its capacity and capability were severely tested by September's severe flooding, says the Commission.
In its two final audit reports before the council disappears under local government reorganisation in April, the Commission praises the strides it has made in political, community and managerial leadership since 2005.
It says the arrangements ensure that all councillors from all parties work effectively together to plan and deliver improvements for the borough.
The final inspection letter says: "It is difficult to overstate the complete transformation this has brought about, and the focus it has brought to the improvement agenda."
The Commission says the higher external profile of the council is leading to increased inward investment in Castle Morpeth.
Source: JournalLive
