LOCAL meetings inspired by TV's Question Time have been hailed a success by the leader of New Forest District Council.

Members of the public were given the chance to grill leaders on council business and policies at various meetings across the district recently.

In answer to a question from Lib Dem leader Maureen Robinson, Councillor Mel Kendal told a council meeting at Lyndhurst that sessions in Totton, New Milton, Ringwood, Dibden and Brockenhurst are likely to be followed by meetings in other areas.

He said: "In general we learned that the attendees are very satisfied with the way in which we are operating and consulting with them."

Cllr Kendal added that the council refused to rest on its laurels despite being the only one to receive a 90 per cent satisfaction rating for its services in an Audit Commission survey of the UK's councils some months ago.

A total of 135 people attended the meetings ranging from a turnout of eight members of the public in Totton to 40 in Ringwood. Popular issues included recycling, traffic management and council tax levels.

The cost was met by the council's public relations budget with £2,000 spent on equipment and £2,000 for room hire.