PEOPLE in Hartlepool are being given the chance to have their say on social services provision in the town.

Inspectors from the Audit Commission and Social Services Inspectorate, known as the Joint Review Team, will arrive in the town on Tuesday to take an in-depth look at overall performance and the way services are provided.

Councillor Cath Hill, Hartlepool Borough Council's cabinet member with special responsibility for social and health care, said: "The review team is keen to consult with as many service users or carers as possible as part of their information gathering exercise."

Hartlepool social services came through a tough quality check earlier this year, when it was given a two-star rating by the department of health, putting it in the top third of social service departments in the country.

To express views on social services write to Shirley Williams, Hartlepool Lead Reviewer, Joint Reviews, 33 Greycoat Street, London, SW12 2QF.