Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority's newly appointed leadership provides a wonderful opportunity for continued improvement and a readiness to meet the economic and social challenges which lie ahead for all public bodies.

This was the view of the Welsh Audit Office which has recently completed a thorough corporate assessment of the Park Authority.

After commenting that the authority's day to day management and control of its financial resources plus aspects of partnership working were positively supporting improvement, the audit report went onto highlight the National Park Authority's willingness to engage in joint working initiatives in an effort to increase efficiency while reducing the financial burden.

The report draws attention to the fact that the new management structure is in the process of revising the Park Authority's strategic corporate objectives. This provides an opportunity to reflect updated thinking and the format adopted is looking to focus on stakeholders and on measures of success.

Said the chairman, Richard Howells: "The Welsh Audit Office pulls no punches and gave the authority clear guidance as to where improvements may be made. For example, we need to make more effective use of available data in the management of performance, which is being addressed.

"What was most pleasing was the recognition of progress made and the wonderful opportunity an entirely new leadership presents for a root and branch review to meet the challenging times in which the country finds itself."