A PARISH council is to investigate how it can use modern technology to keep residents better informed.

Hurworth Parish Council will set up a working group to see how it can get information across using the internet and email.

However, some councillors feel that older residents may feel sidelined.

Councillor Ken Pattison told members he felt that the council would work more efficiently if members used emails.

He also suggested an online forum where people could post messages to councillors and air their views.

Coun Pattison said: "People don't seem to know what's going on.

"I know there's a website, but not many people know about it.

"We need to advertise this to people and tell them that these things are there.

"We should be transparent and easy to get to.

However, Councillor Bal Shukla said: "I don't have a computer. I can meet with people and work for the community.

"One-to-one goes a long, long way."

The parish council agreed to set up a working group of four members which would report back to the next meeting with ideas about better communication with residents.