PEOPLE are being asked to have their say in shaping the future of Pendle over the next ten years.

The consultation, launched on Friday, has been organised by Pendle Partnership, Pendle's Local Strategic Partnership or LSP, and the borough council's planning department.

They are encouraging Pendle residents, as well as those who regularly visit for work, study, or personal reasons, to say which issues are most important to them.

Topics include: l Improving education results l Reducing crime rates l Ensuring cleaner street; l Providing more affordable housing in Pendle.

All comments will help to form action taken which will improve the future shape of Pendle over the coming 10 years.

Alan Davies, Pendle Council leader and chairman of Pendle Partnership, stressed that this consultation offers people a real chance to make a difference locally.

He said: "People tell us they want greater choice about improving their neighbourhood and more say in how this can be done so we are hoping to get a good response from this first stage of the consultation.

"We want people to be actively involved from the very start so that they can be sure their views have been heard before any decisions are taken."

He added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to tell us what they want for the future of Pendle.

"By listening to what people think, we hope to put in place measures which will make a real difference to everyone."

The deadline for the first phase of the consultation is August 3.

All comments received will be reported to a series of public workshops during late summer.

For further information about workshop times and datestelephone 01282 661330.