COUNCIL chiefs are opening up the decision-making process by creating an interactive discussion forum on the Internet.

Hambleton District Council has become one of the first authority's in the country to launch such an initiative.

It will allow people to voice their opinions on key planning issues.

Officials in the authority's planning policy section are hoping to use it to garner more views on their planning blueprint for the future.

"Town and parish councils, local organisations, business groups, major employers and developers are frequently asked for their opinions on the future of the district," said head of planning policy Mick Jewitt. "But the discussion forum opens the debate up to everyone. This is a first for Hambleton but one which we hope will be well used and will prove a useful tool to both residents and the council."

The website is at www.hambleton.gov.uk, then click on Discussion Forum.