COUNCIL chiefs are confident that new political structures are proving a success in bringing local government to the people.

A recent meeting of the Hambleton area committee of North Yorkshire County Council was the first to take place after the authority's changes to a cabinet system.

New chairman Bill Barton said: "This is an historic event for the people of Hambleton. The area committee will become the interface between the county council and local people.

"It will give them the opportunity of having their say in the way in which the county council operates on a whole variety of issues. It is our intention to ensure the widest possible consultation and communication with the public of the area."

The committee will give the public a chance to speak on certain issues. Councillor Barton said: "We welcome contributions from the public. We intend to hold the meetings as informally as possible to give every opportunity for debate.

"Our views will then be passed to the county council and we will expect that they will take notice of them during their debate."

The area committees will have a small budget to spend on local initiatives.