RESIDENTS in Derwentside are being asked for their opinions on the performance of their district council.

The authority has launched a survey which will provide feedback on the level of satisfaction of residents with the services it provides.

The survey will be carried out until November 30, with questionnaires being posted to 5,000 households selected at random.

Councils have to provide annual reporting on a set of national performance indicators and standards, with satisfaction surveys carried out every three years.

Corporate administration and police director Gordon Elliott said: "As a council, we performed well last time. We have continued to place great emphasis on consulting widely and regularly with the public, to ensure we deliver service improvements that local people have a right to expect.

"It is important that everyone who gets the questionnaire completes and returns it, so that the Government can assess how we are performing as a local authority."

For further information about the survey, contact Angela Harrington on (01207) 218430.