Bradford is succeeding in building stronger and safer communities according to an independent report.

However, the Audit Commission, which carried out the work, said weaknesses in Bradford Council's approach to the problem made the prospects for further improvement 'uncertain'.

And the report is critical of the authority's work in reducing alcohol abuse and domestic violence.

The Commission's safer and stronger communities report praised much of the authority's work, particularly its commitment to residents.

But it said the large number of plans, strategies and partnerships that exist in the district confused people and made life difficult for some of those who have to work with the Council.

The Commission was asked to look at how Bradford Council was promoting community safety, including its work with partners like the police to reduce crime, and links between the area's different communities.

It found reports of antisocial behaviour had reduced, burglary had significantly decreased, car crime had fallen and that a drop in levels of re-offending among young people had exceeded national targets.

Inspectors also found that CCTV, street wardens and police community support officers (PCSOs) were being welcomed by members of the public.

However they were critical of the work done to reduce domestic violence and alcohol abuse saying the causes of the latter had not been effectively addressed.

Liberal Democrat Leader Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said: "The most worrying thing about this report is that it says repeatedly that the Council is failing to deal with the harm that alcohol causes.

"At a time when the Government has allowed pubs and clubs to serve alcohol until the small hours, it is appalling that the Council has not only fallen behind but has poor prospects for improvement."

Although the inspectors concluded that the Council's strengths in community building outweighed any weaknesses, they were worried about how the authority would improve further saying "key weaknesses threaten prospects for substantial improvement".

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton (Con, Bingley Rural) said street wardens and PCSOs have been a success, but added: "We know we need to do more about alcohol abuse but the Government has never put money behind it because it has never been a priority for them and resources are stretched.

"We have identified things that need doing and we already have action plans in place. We can improve and we will improve, because there is a huge commitment to do so."