MORECAMBE people are being offered a chance to point the way forward for the resort's controversial West End.

A drop-in event is to be held at the United Reformed Church in Sefton Road in two weeks time.

Planners and would-be developers want to get local people's ideas and views on the table and hear how they think investment promised for the area should be spent.

Lancaster City Council has joined with the West End Partnership, English Partner-ships, the Northwest Development Agency and County Palatine Housing Association to secure a change in the area.

Geraldine Smith MP has also pushed forward the case for funding and action.

Now, independent experts from a company called BDP have been appointed to develop a 'masterplan' for the area.

They are to spend the next three months looking at the West End to gain an understanding of its weaknesses and opportunities before suggesting a 'vision' for the future.

The 'drop-in' at the United Reformed Church on Wednesday, May 19, from noon until 8pm comes as part of the brief.

West End Partnership chair-man Cllr Peter Robinson says: "It's is an opportunity for people to not only to find out more about what's going on but also to have a say on the future of this important part of Morecambe.

"Major investment has been promised but that has to be based on a plan agreed by all of the partners and, crucially, the community. This 'masterplan' has to be in place before investment can begin."

He promises that the partnership will be working hard over the next few months to keep local people informed.

Anyone with any comments to make can call him on 01524-401164."