A RAFT of recommendations have been put forward to improve access to a housing association.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's housing and community safety select committee have suggested 39 ways of improving access to Tristar Services, including enhancing disabled facilities.

The measures include:

* Making housing centres more disabled and child-friendly

* Creating a tenants' panel to monitor and aid service delivery

* Improvements to the repair call centre service, especially out of hours.

Councillors on the committee have made the recommendations after carrying out research and talking to staff and tenants.

Chairwoman Councillor Suzanne Fletcher said: "The committee has worked hard to produce the report with the aim of helping Tristar to make improvements.

"We are delighted they have accepted the report and hope it is the 39 steps to the three stars they need."

The managing director of Tristar Services, Jon Mallen-Beadle, said: "I would like to thank the select committee for their hard work in assisting Tristar Homes to formulate a comprehensive improvement plan to ensure our tenants receive a top quality service."