THE MAYOR of Sedgefield wants to give local organisations in the town more of a say after becoming involved in a community network.

Councillor Maxine Robinson is the Community Empowerment Network representative for the Sedgefield area, along with Paul Davison.

The network is designed to help organisations and individuals to raise issues of concern, share good practice and influence the way services are delivered locally. It is also responsible for ensuring certain moneys are directed towards local needs and grant applications are made.

The mayor's spokesman said: "Coun Robinson is aiming to establish a network of people who she can get information out to quickly and easily as it arrives, which might be of interest to local groups and individuals.

"She is looking to obtain contact details from as many groups as possible." Coun Robinson is also establishing a file in the town council office's library, which will hold documents that local people are being consulted on.

Coun Robinson said: "I want to ensure local people have a voice."