PHONE calls to council staff are being answered promptly, an internal audit has revealed.

Ninety-four per cent of calls channelled through to Wyre Forest District Council's call centre were answered in 15 seconds, with an average waiting time of five seconds, the audit revealed.

More calls were expected when the authority rolled out the new recycling scheme to an additional 3,000 properties across the district in November but there were fewer calls than first anticipated.

Leader of the Conservative-run council, Stephen Clee, said the findings revealed the authority was putting information across more effectively.

The new Worcestershire hub, which will accommodate all front line reception desks and council services, looks set to open in April. Councillor Clee hoped the new facility would further improve the service.

He said "It's pleasing to see that for the second month running 60 per cent of calls answered were dealt with at the first point of contact."