COUNCIL tenants across the borough of Stockton are being invited to help make a difference to their homes.

Volunteers are needed to join the Repairs and Maintenance Focus Group, whose members include tenants and staff of Tristar Homes, which manages the area's council houses.

The group has been operating for just over a year and Tristar chief executive Elaine Corney said: "Participants have had a direct say in improving our repairs service but after 12 months of success we would like some new faces involved.

"Those who join will be expected to attend one meeting a month, lasting between one and two hours, and hopefully join fully in the debates that take place.

"We are committed to tenant involvement and consultation and would like more of our customers to play a key role in making decisions that make a positive difference to the service."

The group helps set standards of service and reviews information given to tenants.

Gary Bolton, the repairs and maintenance manager, said: "This is an opportunity for our customers to have a real say and assist in shaping the future of our repairs service. We want to meet their needs and aspirations as far as possible and would like to hear their suggestions."

Anyone wanting more details can contact the Tristar Homes Customer Services team on (01642) 393839.