SUFFOLK'S chief crown prosecutor has welcomed the results of a glowing inspection of the service.The Crown Prosecution Service led by Chris Yule was surveyed by Her Majesty's CPS Inspectorate (HMCPSI) which found the service was solid and sound in almost all respects.

SUFFOLK'S chief crown prosecutor has welcomed the results of a glowing inspection of the service.

The Crown Prosecution Service led by Chris Yule was surveyed by Her Majesty's CPS Inspectorate (HMCPSI) which found the service was solid and sound in almost all respects.

Making quality decisions about cases at an early stage was praised, although the reasons could have been recorded better.

The standard of witness care was good and prosecutors knew where special effort should be made to protect vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

But inspectors were concerned whether the current management could cope with all the major initiatives anticipated, and the relocation of some staff to work with police.

Some staff also said they were concerned about internal relationships within the service.

Stephen Wooler HM chief inspector of HMCPSI said: "There is a considerable amount in the achievement of CPS Suffolk about which staff and managers alike can feel justly proud.

"The public can be confident that it has an efficient and effective prosecution service.

"I hope that the area (service) will address the concerns raised in this report, and build on it to achieve an even better performance."

Mr Yule said: "I am very pleased with the findings.

"The staff of the CPS in Suffolk have undergone a sustained period of change as we implemented a report to move to much closer working and co-location with the police.

"A strengthening of the management structure is planned for the coming financial year.

"This report demonstrates that as we enter a new era of working with the new Criminal Justice Board for Suffolk, the CPS in Suffolk will provide a solid foundation from which to improve our service to the local community."