THE people of Wiltshire have every reason to feel confident about the county's Crown Prosecution Service, according to an inspector's report.

Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate published the report last week, finding much to commend, and praising the professional service.

But the inspector did point out some inefficiencies in the service, due to the rural nature of the county.

"My management team are pleased with the report which recognises the achievements of our area staff," said chief crown prosecutor Nick Hawkins.

"We accept the recommendations in the report as ways of further improving our performance and are already working on them."

Areas for improvement included giving timely advice to police before charges are made, making sure the continuing review of cases is better and improving the quality of instructions to counsel.

Mr Hawkins said an action plan, with deadlines, had been agreed to cover the recommendations made by the inspector and some issues would be dealt with by the end of the year.

One issue the inspectors highlighted was the fact that the police and prosecution service work from separate buildings.

"We will look at this issue," said Mr Hawkins. "Our position is that although we are not in the same office we have veryclose ties. I have lawyers in police stations virtually every day."

The inspection took place during a week in May and a week in June.

Earlier in the year inspectors removed about 100 files of completed cases and assessed them. The last inspection of Wiltshire CPS was four years ago.

"This has been a very good report but we cannot be complacent," said Mr Hawkins. "The inspector found our core court business of reviewing cases and taking them to court was good."

"People were found to get a fair trial and our decisions are the right ones. We are confident that the service will not only continue but we will be able to build on the recommendations made."

The service was particularly praised for its handling of child abuse cases.

CPS Wiltshire operates from an office in Chippenham and employs the equivalent of 46 full-time staff, serving five magistrates courts and the crown courts at Swindon and Salisbury.