PEOPLE living in Hartlepool have been urged to have their say on an important blueprint for the town.

The call comes from the town's MP Peter Mandelson, chairman of the Hartlepool Partnership.

The partnership is producing the Hartlepool Community Strategy, which is being heralded as the most significant plan yet to take the town forward over the next 15 years.

All homes in Hartlepool should have received a leaflet entitled A Changing Community, which summarises the vision and includes a freepost questionnaire for residents to complete and return.

The draft blueprint lists a number of priority areas including jobs and the economy, lifelong learning, community safety, health and care and culture and leisure.

More than 250 residents have already responded to the consultation exercise, but Mr Mandelson wants more people to have their say and help influence the future shape of the town.

He said: "This is a very important consultation exercise and the aim is to get everyone in the town involved, including residents, local groups and the business community.

"This is not just partnership between key local organisations, it is a partnership with the whole community of Hartlepool and we want as many people as possible to air their views."

Residents have until September 28 to air their views and the plan will be finalised by the end of this year.

Copies of the consultation leaflet can be obtained from the Civic Centre, all libraries and neighbourhood services offices in the town.

For further information contact (01429) 523536.