SOCIAL services chiefs today pledged to visit all children on the Child Protection Register on time in the wake of figures which revealed they were among the worst performers in the country.

Lancashire County Council was blasted by Childline, councillors and local MPs after it was revealed how performance indicators revealed that just 11 per cent of children on the Child Protection Register were being visited once every six weeks -- a target demanded by the government.

Some 218 youngsters were on the register in June -- including those believed to be at risk of sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect. A social worker should visit them every six weeks.

Social Services bosses blamed poor record-keeping of visits for the low figures and today pledged to act.

A spokesman also said every effort was being made to fill the 20 social worker vacancies, and vowed the figures would improve.

Bosses said a report comparing the authority with others across the country, due out in the next few days, will show them in a better light.

But a spokesman added: "We are working 100 per cent to improve and hope to achieve our published target as soon as possible.

"We have installed a new computer which will make recording visits easier and all staff know this must be done. We are also recruiting to fill vacancies but there is a dearth of qualified staff at the present time."

MPs however, say they have yet to be convinced.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "Obviously, I am very pleased to hear that action has been taken, but I have written to the county council. I hope this matter will be dealt with effectively."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope added: "I hope they accept that they have a long way to go yet. It is good to see they are recognising their weaknesses, but there is a long way to go."

Figures for '99/'00 showed 52 per cent of cases were visited on time. That fell to 11 per cent in '00/'01.

In Blackburn, the figure for last year was 64 per cent, just below the national average.

Fiona Waddington, from the Social Services department at Blackburn with Darwen said: "We are pleased that we are improving with our performance on follow up visits within six weeks and will endeavour to meet our target of 100 per cent."