A DRIVE is being launched to get more council tenants interested in what is happening in their area.

A "tenant participation champion" is to be appointed in a bid to increase the number of tenants involved in decision-making in Stockton.

The post is to be created after an agreement drawn up between housing landlord Stockton Borough Council, its repairs and management company, Tristar Homes, residents and community groups.

Francis Hayes, chairman of Tristar Homes, said: "The agreement promises Tristar Homes will ensure residents are given the opportunity to be involved in the services, and that their opinions are heard through varied methods of consultation and participation, to enhance their quality of life."

The council and the company are to adopt a nine-point guarantee, which includes creating the tenant participation champion to "ensure tenant participation is at the forefront of all housing services."

Tenants, leaseholders and residents will be asked to give a commitment to work towards improving the housing service, their homes and the areas in which they live.