A LOCAL authority says it is aiming to improve public access to its services as part of a major review.

New technology giving a round-the-clock cover and closer links with other service providers are to be explored by Hambleton District Council.

Council customers and visitors to the area are to be asked what they think of the way in which services are provided - and how they would like to access them in the future.

About 650 local people will be questioned at their homes, with another 100 visitors quizzed in market places.

Chief executive Peter Simpson said: "This review is looking at how people access our services now and how they may access them in the future.

"We will look at how people want to contact us, the possibility of working more closely with other service providers and the use of new technology. We want our customers to be able to access all council services, whether it be to find out the opening times of a leisure centre or pay their council tax at times to suit them."

The customer surveys will be undertaken next month