THE way people in the borough of Stockton are able to have their say about services is to be reviewed.

In some parts of the borough residents are already represented on area partnership boards, where they are joined by voluntary groups, businesses and service providers, including Stockton Borough Council, the police and the health sector.

The Billingham Partnership, the Stockton Area Partnership Board and the Thornaby Regeneration Partner- ship - help shape the way services are delivered, promote the social and economic regeneration of their towns and address social exclusion.

They also discuss issues affecting the borough, establish some priorities and influence service provision, as well as developing a plan for their individual areas.

In turn, they are represented on the borough-wide Stockton Renaissance Partnership Board.

However, people living in Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Eaglescliffe or the rural areas to the north, west and south of the borough, do not have an area board.

Stockton Renaissance is seeking to change this to give everyone a voice. This could mean changes to the areas already covered by boards and the creation of another.

Councillor Bob Gibson, chairman of Stockton Renaissance, said: "We want all areas of the borough to have dedicated representation on their own area board and, through them, on the Stockton Renaissance Board."

Leaflets have been produced to explain the options, with a tear-off reply slip inviting comments. These will be widely available from council offices, voluntary and community organisations.

The council magazine Stockton News will also carry an article about the proposals and a reply slip.

For further information contact Dawn Welsh on (01642) 415519.