IN response to the letter ''Lessons in Consulting'' (Advertiser, July 5) Redditch Council has an excellent record in consulting and listening to local residents about its services.

This can be demonstrated by the way it uses various techniques that are both innovative and inclusive in engaging local people.

The student council was one of the first in the country that aimed to encourage young people to be more involved in local democracy.

The council has succeeded in its aim by involving thousands of young people through local elections in schools to get elected representatives. And the student council has been actively involved in the council's decision-making processes by having its views sought on local issues.

The council's neighbourhood groups are nationally recognised as a model of good practice by other local authorities to engage local communities. The council has listened and responded to local concerns from these meetings.

This can be shown by the way it dealt with public concerns over proposed development of Headless Cross Green.

By encouraging open dialogue, local residents were able to express their views to councillors and senior council officers on this proposal.

The information supplied assisted in changing council policies towards the Headless Cross Green and can be seen as an example of the council listening to local people.

Alex Urka

Research and Policy Officer

Redditch Council