A TOWN'S key players will discuss a ground-breaking partnership at a forum's first meeting next week.

Representatives from Middlesbrough Borough Council, Hyder Business Services and local government trades unions will gather for the inaugural meeting of the Middlesbrough Assembly, at the Riverside Stadium on Monday.

At the top of their agenda will be the new public-private partnership between HBS and the council, which is predicted to revolutionise service delivery in the town.

Councillor Sylvia Connolly, the council's deputy leader, said: "The assembly provides an opportunity for stakeholders in Middlesbrough to come together and find out more about the direction the town and council is taking.

"Establishing the public-private partnership is the most important decision the council has taken since local government reorganisation, so there couldn't be a more appropriate topic for the first meeting of the assembly."

The £260m partnership is predicted to save £20m a year with the development of services including a one-stop shop at Middlesbrough House, and a regional business centre at Rede House, Middlesbrough.

About 1,000 staff will be transferred to HBS' employment