A council which is trying to improve its public image is planning to hold a regular Question Time session at which ratepayers will be able to demand answers from senior members.

Residents will be able to put their queries during a 30-minute session every quarter at meetings of Teesdale District Council, in Barnard Castle.

They will have to send questions in writing in advance, but will then have two minutes to make their point before the appropriate committee chairman gives a reply.

Mike Dennis, head of democratic services at the council, said yesterday: "We have been criticised at times in the past for not paying enough attention to what the public thinks.

"But this scheme will help to put that right. People who disagree with some points, or are doubtful about the way things are done, will have a chance to ask a question and have it fully answered."

A leaflet is being prepared explaining how residents can submit their queries. They will have to give them in writing a week in advance to allow time for answers to be prepared.

Details of the Question Time scheme are to be finalised at a meeting next Monday, and sessions will then be included at every second full council meeting.