John Harwood, Cumbria County Council's interim chief executive, identified seven areas where immediate action would be taken.

These are in addition to the plans already in place to improve children's services, following recent criticism over social services.

But he praised the council's strengths and the improvements already made.

In December 2003, the Audit Commission highlighted poor management and problems in social services which were failing vulnerable children in the county.

The seven target areas for review include waste management and disposal, highways maintenance and improving road safety.

'Take action'

Mr Harwood said: "This improvement programme addresses the recent criticisms of the council.

"Already, I have seen there is a lot of good work under way, but we do need to make improvements in a number of areas.

"Assessments of where we are now will be immediately undertaken and detailed, realistic action plans will be developed.

"We must aim to match our performance with the very best councils - that will take time but there is a willingness to take action and an enthusiasm to get started. "

Council leader Rex Toft said the council had given its backing to the improvement programme.

He said: "The chief executive has already got to grips with addressing many of the long-term, historical problems we face, and I fully support the action he plans.

"Significant improvements must be made quickly. We must build on the many strengths the council has, but also learn from those who are achieving better than Cumbria."