NORTH Yorkshire Police Authority wants to hear the public's views to help them deliver better policing.

A number of roadshows will be held throughout the county to discuss with people just how much they are prepared to pay through their council tax for improvements.

The authority will also explain to residents that police spending will have to rise by more than inflation to maintain services.

Graeme Robertson, vice-chairman of the authority, said: "We know that the council tax will need to go up to maintain existing services due to the fact that the money we will receive from the Government next year does not meet our inflation costs and costs imposed on us. But people do not want the service to stay the same, they want an even better one."

The Chief Constable, Della Cannings, believes she can deliver a better service if taxppayers pay extra.

The authority will visit each of the districts in the force area in January to discuss options with people.

Mr Robertson said: "We would like to see a large attendance at these meetings because they will be important events for policing in this area."

Meetings are at Hambleton, Selby, Craven, Ryedale, Harrogate, Richmondshire, York and Scarborough.