BLAENAU Gwent council can congratulate itself for substantial improvements made in the running of its once-troubled social services department.

Strong leadership, a new management team, different ways of working and extra staff have combined to bring about significant improvements in a department formerly described as failing vulnerable children.

The most recent review by the Social Services Inspectorate for Wales (SSIW) concludes that the improvements made since serious concerns were first raised in 2003 have been "substantial" and are "continuing."

Councillors welcomed the SSIW report at a recent meeting.

While not giving the department the all-clear, it heaps much praise on the work already done and on the clear plans for future improvements.

It highlights: * Strong leadership in driving improvements * Improvements in recruiting and retaining staff.

* A reduction in the number of children in the care of the local authority.

In 2004, so serious were the concerns about the way the department was being run and vulnerable children being cared for, that the then Assembly health minister Jane Hutt took the department into special measures.

This meant it was inspected every three months to ensure improvements were being made.

After a few false starts that close scrutiny has now ended and the department will be reviewed in the same way as any other in Wales.

Social services director Phil Hodgson said: "The report recognises continued improvements and it reflects well on our staff who have worked hard to deliver these improvements."

He added that the council's decision to identify social services as a priority had played a vital role.

It is the council and staff that have achieved this and long may it last."

Executive member for the department, Councillor Jim McIlwee said: "It is pleasing to hear about the improvements which could not have taken place without the help and support from staff members."

The next review of the department will be next year.