RESIDENTS who want to check on how North Yorkshire Police is being run are being invited to look at a new website by the force's watchdog.

North Yorkshire Police Authority has updated www.nypa.org.uk to make it easier for people to find out what is going on and to give their views on policing issues.

The site now has an online questionnaire which will be used in consultation exercises, such as the forthcoming campaign about the controversial police budget for 2004/2005.

Police chiefs are already discussing what level the precept needs to be set at. Last year's 76 per cent rise generated millions of pounds which is being used for reform and modernisation.

Authority bosses have also created an electronic newsletter, detailing key developments, which is sent to recipients by email and can be subscribed to on the website.

Member Carl Les said: "More and more people are using the internet to do business with local services and to find out what is happening.

"All of us in the public services need to make it easier for local people to contact us and tell us what they think so that they can have a real influence on the way in which those services are delivered."

Sue Evers, community engagement officer said: "We will continue to develop other, non-IT ways for people to communicate with us.

"But this is a major step forward which will allow us to engage much more effectively, and more efficiently, with a large cross-section of the community."

If you do not have internet access, or have any questions about the work of NYPA, please phone Sue Evers on 01765 641839.

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, November 15, 2003