OFFICIALS have extended the deadline for returning questionnaires on housing after only a third were returned.

Durham City Council sent the survey to 13,000 owner-occupied and rented houses in the district. The answers will help to shape the council's strategies for housing and provide vital information.

But only 4,300 of the questionnaires have been returned and the council has extended the deadline to Monday.

Brian Spears, the council's corporate director of community services, said: "We're pleased that thousands of people have already put forward their ideas.

"The more questionnaires you return, the better chance we have of getting a true picture of what your main needs and priorities are.

"Each response is valued and will form an important part of how the city develops in the future.