BOLTON is poised to be one of the first councils in the country to set up new-style "community forums." The forums will be "sounding boards" to give people a better idea of what the council has planned and to give them a voice. The move follows a recent Government initiative urging councils to involve people more closely in their decision making.

The first meeting will be at Mere Hall, Halliwell, on Wednesday, June 3.

It will be launched during Democracy Week and the forum will include councillors and people from local businesses, the voluntary sector, schools and community groups.

The forum will have an advisory role and will be independent of the council, though it will be able to call on council staff and services.

Cllr Bob Howarth, Bolton Council leader, said: "I urge people to become involved in this activity.

"The new forum will cover the whole breadth of council services to people.

"The meetings will be extremely useful, for as well as being areas for voicing new thoughts and ideas, they will provide feedback and valuable interaction between the council and the citizens of Bolton."

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