A COUNCIL has been canvassing more than a thousand residents to learn what they are doing right and where they are going wrong.

People from Hartlepool were questioned as part of the Viewpoint survey, a 1,200-strong citizens panel set up by the council to listen to the community.

Residents receive questionnaires at regular intervals throughout the year and their views are sought on local issues facing the council and Hartlepool as a whole.

The latest survey covered four key areas - museums, arts and events, rights of way, elections and access to council buildings.

Statistics from the survey showed an overwhelming 91 per cent of people who attended the recent Maritime Festival thought it was either good or very good.

The majority of respondents who have visited an exhibition at the museum and the art gallery also said it was either good or very good.

However, when asked about the all postal ballot used for the 2004 Local and European elections, only 51 per cent found the instructions easy to understand.

And the results were split as to whether postal voting is as secure and secret as traditional polling station voting.

"We do value the information received through the survey and it does help the ongoing efforts to improve services," said Councillor Peter Jackson, the council's cabinet member for performance management.

"It also helps us to plan for the future and determine what the priorities are for the people of our town."