Action promised after veteran speaks out.

The way Middlesbrough Council deals with councillors' requests for help and assistance has been blasted by a long-serving councillor.

But the council says changes are to be made to the system and councillors will see an improvement.

Liberal Democrat councillor Joe Michna has been a persistent critic of the way the authority deals with councillors' enquiries and requests.

He said in one recent case it took the council over six months to replace a missing No Ball Games sign after he put forward a request on behalf of ward residents.

Chris Davies, members' office manager at the council, said referrals from councillors which came into the One Stop Shop were dealt with either as queries and complaints or as service requests.

Service requests such as a litter bin needing emptying or a street light being out were simply referred for the work to be carried out.

There was no response back to the councillor.

In 2004-05 1,920 enquiries and complaints were received and all but 16 were responded to. A further 1,500 service requests were received and no response was made back to the councillor.

Mr Davies said following the service review an action plan had been drawn up. It included responding to service requests .

"Councillors will see an improvement in the next few months," he said.