TOWNSPEOPLE have already submitted 2,000 completed questionnaires on the structure of the council, writes Melina Cannon.

The form, sent out by Redditch Council, asked people to identify one of four preferred options for a new council structure.

As part of the council's Which Route Should We Take? consultation, 33,500 questionnaires were delivered to every house in the borough between February 15 and 18.

The questionnaire invited residents to choose either a council with an elected mayor and cabinet, an elected mayor and council manager, a leader and cabinet or a new streamlined committee system.

It also gave people the opportunity to state their preference on the new Worcestershire County Council system.

Redditch Council's director of democratic and enforcement services Simon Chappell said: "We have been consulting with borough residents since the beginning of the year on the four options.

"This has included our Democracy Bus which has been sited at a different local shopping centre each Saturday during February, a media and advertising campaign, consultation with local community groups and of course the questionnaire.

"I am delighted people have been so quick to respond and that we have had 2,000 completed questionnaires back already."

The consultation continues until March 9, during which the focus will be placed on reaching different community and voluntary groups.

Results will be passed onto Redditch councillors who will use the findings to shape their decision on the options at a Full Council meeting on March 26.

Meanwhile, the Which Route Should We Take Democratic Options hotline is still open on 598090.