A COUNCIL is calling on its residents and business community to help draw up a blueprint for future services.

Last month, Government watchdog the Audit Commission described Easington District Council as an "excellent authority".

Now the council has published an annual corporate performance plan, which is being delivered to homes and businesses throughout the district.

From the plan, people living in the area will be able to see at a glance what the council's ambitions are and how it is going about fulfilling its priorities.

The document will also give everyone the chance to comment on the planned moves.

Council leader Alan Napier said this week: "We are wanting to let our community know why the Government thinks we deserve to be categorised as an excellent council.

"We want to show how we are performing and, above all, we want to know whether our community feels that we have got our priorities right.

"Our work with our partners has shown that we need to focus our ambitions on the community strategy which is our vision of east Durham in 2010."

The Commission said one of the council's strengths was its ability to consult with customers. Coun Napier said it was determined to move on.

New assistant chief executive Ian Forster said: "Our summary will give everyone a taste of what will be included in our full document which will be published in June.

"In the meantime we welcome our community's views. Such views will help us shape our future plans.''