INFORMAL discussions have replaced parish forums in Richmondshire, with the first new- style event held next week.

The district council's approach to flooding and recycling will be issues at the open meeting, at the Swaledale mountain rescue team headquarters, in Hipswell Road West, Catterick Garrison, next Wednesday, at 6.30pm.

After a break for refreshments, residents will have a chance to chat with councillors and officers about local authority services.

There is a similar event at Askrigg village hall, in Wensleydale, on September 26, at 6.30pm.

At the end of each session, the issues will be summarised for feedback and council action.

The discussions, at venues across the district, replace the former parish forums, which were held twice a year in each area, but which were criticised by some residents as too formal and over-long.

Councillor Melva Steckles, council leader, said: "I hope an overhaul of our parish forum meetings will allow residents the time and space they need to feel they have really been heard, and that people who may never have been to any kind of council meeting before, will come along."