PEOPLE in Durham will have the chance to say what they think about local services when the city council holds its first area forum.

It will be held in Belmont Community Centre on Thursday, at 7pm, for people in the Carrville, Belmont, Gilesgate Moor, Pittington, West Rainton, Sherburn, Sherburn Hill and Shadforth areas.

The forum is one of four covering the city and surrounding villages that are being launched to give people a chance to express their views about the council.

It will allow them to say what is needed in their communities, and allow the council to say what it is doing, and outline its plans for the future.

The move follows the council's adoption of the cabinet-style of local government. The forums will be held quarterly, but will have no decision-making power.

The council hopes that different interest groups - including pensioners, youngsters and disabled people - will take part in the sessions.

Organisations and services such as the police, parish councils and Durham County Council, have been invited to attend.

John Bowman, council member responsible for public consultation, said: "By setting up area forums, local people will be empowered to play a full role within their communities and influence the decision-making processes which affect their lives."