THE Liberal Democrat party of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is asking the council to consider creating an elders' congress to scrutinise the work and policies of the council.

The party has submitted a proposal to Colin Moore, chief executive of the council, that the council considers setting up a group of 59 residents, all over the age of 50.

They would be independent of the council, and would play a major role in making and scrutinising the council's policies.

Councillor Chris Abbott, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "We would like the council to create more opportunities for our senior citizens to participate in the work of the council."

Coun Abbott has put forward a motion for the suggestion to be discussed at a meeting of the full council, next Thursday.