A MAJOR survey is getting under way as part of efforts to improve services from rubbish collection to sports centres.

Hambleton District Council has chosen almost 4,000 people at random to take part in the check.

The results will be used to find out where the council is going wrong and what it can do to make life better for its residents.

The findings will also be compared to surveys in other local authority areas as part of Government efforts to ensure council tax payers get value for money.

The council's deputy leader, Councillor Arthur Barker, said: "The questions in our survey have been set by the Government and aim to ensure continuous improvements by delivering better quality services and value for money.

"It is vital that every household receiving the questionnaire returns it to us. The more we get back, the better the results can be and the more we can use them to help us improve services.