PEOPLE in Hartlepool can now find out about services and jobs from the town council on their home computers.

Beginning this week, residents can forward their requests, complaints or complements about any service provided by Hartlepool Borough Council.

This could include anything from information about school admissions and fostering to street cleaning and leisure services.

Contact is made via the council website - www.hartlepool.gov.uk - and residents will get a reply the next working day at the latest.

The council's assistant chief executive, Andrew At-kin, said: "I think it is important to explore how we can use technology to improve efficiencies and improve services for the people of our town.

"Our aim is to respond to every inquiry by the next working day, and if we are unable to give a full response we will let people know who is dealing with it and when they can be expected to hear from us."

Visitors to the site can also request information about all council job vacancies.