A DETAILED action-plan to shape the development of Nelson over the next 15 years is set to be hammered out at a series of neighbourhood workshops.

Residents can have their say on how they want to improve their neighbourhood by discussing topics including housing, health, schools, the economy and the environment.

They are part of a nine-month consultation exercise organised by Social Regeneration Consultants for Pendle Council, to tackle problems associated with abandoned housing, anti-social behaviour and low employment. A series of walkabouts were conducted in February to help involve residents in any future plans.

These workshops will help form the Nelson Area Development Framework - a 15-year regeneration action-plan for the town. This will be used by Elevate East Lancashire to bid for government funding from the Housing Market Renewal initiative to tackle issues of poor quality housing.

Sally Thomas, director of SRC, is now encouraging residents to attend the meetings.

She said: "It is vital local people have an input into the creation of the Area Development Framework for Nelson. For those who didn't attend one of the walkabouts they can attend one of these workshops.

"Comments from the workshops and walkabouts will help shape the Area Development Framework and hence the development of Nelson."

Coun Alan Davies, leader of Pendle Council, said: "Nelson has a rich social history and money from the initiative can provide us with a unique opportunity to make a significant difference to the social, physical and economic regeneration of Nelson."

The workshops will last about two hours. They will be held on:

Monday April 26, at 6.30pm at Silverman Hall, Pendle Street, and 7pm at Unity Hall, Vernon Street.

Tuesday April 27, at 6.30pm Castercliffe Primary School, Marsden Hall Road North, and 7pm at St John Southworth Social Centre, Vaughan Street.

Wednesday April 28, at 6.30pm at Southfield Community Action Forum, Smith Street and at Bradley Primary School, Dover Street.