TENANTS and leaseholders in Stockton are being urged to join the debate on the future of council homes.

Councillor Steve Nelson, the council's cabinet member for housing and community safety said: "We have been looking at all available options to ensure that additional investment is made available to improve the quality of council homes.

"This is one of the most important decisions we will ever take with regard to council housing, and I am urging people to get involved."

The council is setting up a Homes For The Future group, which will be led by independent tenants' advisors, and which will help to shape council housing services.

For more information about the process, tenants and leaseholders are invited to attend local meetings.

These take place in Dynastys at the Golden Eagle, Thornaby, from 7pm to 8.30pm, tonight, Swallow Hotel, Stockton, from 7pm to 8.30pm, tomorrow, and Forum Theatre Function Room, Billingham, from 7pm to 8.30pm, tomorrow.