Coventry City Council’s successes, achievements and innovations over the last 12 months have been highlighted in an entry for the Local Government Chronicle Best Council 1999 awards.

The six page document brings together more than 30 success stories under the entry categories of council as regulator, enabler, innovator, service provider and representative of the community.

Leader of Coventry City Council John Fletcher said:

"1998 has been a difficult year in some areas of the council’s work. We have acknowledged that and have implemented steps to address problems and areas of weakness.

"It would be easy to allow our difficulties and the high profile publicity they attract to swamp us, but I believe it is important that we also acknowledge the strengths of the city council. This entry has reminded us of the huge amount of success the council has enjoyed both in its own projects and in its co-operation with partner organisations across the city. The entry is subject to a word limit – it was difficult to choose which of our achievements to include and many will remain largely unsung.

"It is the first time we have entered for this award, and the judging process will provide an excellent opportunity for our efforts to be measured against those of our peers across the UK. If we want to be amongst the best, we have to compare ourselves against them.

"Copies of the entry will be available from city libraries next week. I hope the public will agree that it presents a picture of dedicated work to achieve an improving quality of life for everyone in our community."