Linda Arkley has set out her priorities for action over her four year term of office, which includes listening to residents more and helping them benefit.

Speaking at North Tyneside Council's annual council meeting, she told members she would use feedback from residents during the mayoral election campaign to inform her key policies and projects for the future.

Mrs Arkley, who has already announced a comprehensive review of council debt levels, reiterated her commitment to maximising the efficiency of the authority.

"Families across North Tyneside are facing difficult financial decisions in the current economic decline," she said.

"They have to balance the books and take care with the housekeeping and they expect the council to do similarly."

Mrs Arkley added: "I will ensure that the council finances are sound and that we give residents of North Tyneside more for less."

Efficiency is being introduced to cut waste, including reducing the council's spending on posters and literature.

And the savings would put the council in a position to deliver her key priorities, including cutting town centre parking charges, extending discretionary rate relief for sports clubs in the borough, and tackling the shortage of facilities for youngsters.

Mrs Arkley said: "The best way to do this is to work with the voluntary sector, sports clubs, schools and businesses to widen the horizons of our young people and tackle the problems of crime, anti-social behaviour and obesity."

The four area forums will be reinstated to get residents involved in decision-making while regeneration groups will also be established for the borough's town centres.

"The residents have made it clear that they want a North Tyneside that is safe, prosperous and vibrant," said Mrs Arkley.

"By working together we can achieve that and deliver on these pledges."