PEOPLE in Sunderland are being given the chance to say how they would like their area of the city to develop.

Sunderland City Council's Sunderland South Area Committee and the Sunderland South Healthy Cities Group have commissioned a survey to find out the views of people in Silksworth, Tunstall, Doxford Park, Farringdon, Ryhope and Grangetown.

Residents will be asked what they think of their community, what it needs, and what money should be spent on.

The study, by Quaternion Research and Consultancy, will help develop a strategy for the area, by identifying priorities and providing information for future funding bids.

It will also add to the City of Sunderland Partnership's understanding of the communities, and will link into the Government's national strategy for neighbourhood renewal.

Interviewers will call at homes throughout February. They will carry identification cards.

Councillor Peter Gibson, chairman of the Sunderland South Area Committee, said: "I would ask people to cooperate with researchers as we are seeking their genuine views on key issues."