A TOP government minister has warned Blackburn with Darwen Council not to rest on its laurels even though he said it was performing well.

Nick Raynsford came to Blackburn yesterday to see "how a top council delivers its services to residents".

Blackburn with Darwen was judged to be among the best in the country and given an "excellent" rating after an Audit Commission inspection last year.

It was the second year running the council had been given the top rating, and came after the authority was named Council of the Year in 2002. Mr Raynsford, the Local Government Minister, was shown a new call centre building in Preston New Road, built by Capita -- one of the council's partners.

He later met residents whose homes have been improved by regeneration projects. Mr Raynsford said he had been impressed by Blackburn with Darwen Council when he first visited two-and-a-half years ago.

He added: "I'm even more impressed now. This is a successful council which has proved its ability to work with a range of different partners, and the proof is that it is transforming Blackburn."

But he said it was important for councils to carry on working hard for the people they serve.

Mr Raynsford added: "Councils like this can be used as an example for others across the country, but they must not rest on their laurels.

"The audits are helping to drive up standards for those who are not performing so well. There are no councils who get absolutely everything right all the time, but councils like Blackburn are proof of what can be achieved."

The minister said he was also keeping an eye on Rossendale and Hyndburn Councils.

Rossendale was judged to be a "poor" council this week, and Hyndburn is trying to solve a £1.8million budget crisis.

He toured Bank Top to meet people whose homes have been renovated.

Albert Monaghan, 54, of Lois Place, said: "They have done a wonderful job. It was practically derelict when I moved here 14 years ago and the work has changed my life. It is good for this part of the town and good for Blackburn."