A SHAKE-UP could be on the way for council services in the Ryedale area of North Yorkshire.

A council review has shown that with the use of technology and one-stop shops in key areas, local people could have better access to a number of services including local government.

Members of the authority's policy and resources committee will be discussing the findings when they meet shortly.

The review highlighted that the way services are provided needs to change to meet the demands of local people.

Key findings include the need to provide members of the public with single points of contact through customer service centres.

It also showed a need for better access to communication technology such as the Internet in pubs, village halls, libraries and post offices.

Another theme was the need to share information between different public service organisations to ensure an improved service for the community

The review highlighted a range of ways in which new technology could be used effectively across the county to improve quality and efficiency of service.

Ideas under discussion include single 'phone number access, text messaging, video-conferencing and the role of broadband Internet.

Councillor Debbie Aubrook, chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee, said: "The review has raised many issues which should enable members and officers to have a better understanding of our customers, leading to better informed decision making.

"The way services are provided and the need for improved access to a wide variety of services has been studied closely.

" We must now use the findings of the review to determine the most beneficial and cost effective way forward for Ryedale District Council," she said.