MORE than 70 people turned out for the first in a series of six roadshows organised by Burnley Council.

The event at Daneshouse Community Centre provoked debate on a range of issues, from the clearance of homes in the area, to the work of the police and what the council is doing to create jobs in the borough.

Mike Cook, the council's project director for market and community renewal, outlined the multi-million pound Elevate housing regeneration programme to residents.

He talked about how it would affect not only the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme area, but also bring benefits to the whole borough.

Superintendent Steve Hartley, from Pennine Division Police, was also on hand to talk about what they were doing to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

The roadshows also give residents the chance to ask questions and raise issues concerning them.

Questions that could not be answered on the night were collated and will be answered by the relevant council department.

Council leader, Councillor Stuart Caddy, said: "I am very pleased that we had such a good response to the first of our Face to Face roadshows.

"There was an open and honest exchange of views, which was well received by the community.

"One of the comments made at the meeting was that the council does not listen to people.

"But we are listening and these roadshows are a result of our commitment to go out into the community and meet people, hear what they have to say about their area and their concerns and explain what the council and its partners are doing to tackle those concerns."

The next roadshow is on Wednesday, at Christ the King Primary School, in Calderbrook Avenue, when guest speaker will be from Lancashire County Council talking about education issues.

Details of the others are as follows: Tuesday, March 9, Enterprise Centre, Rossendale Road, Burnley, when the guest speaker will be from Burnley and Padiham Community Housing; Monday, March 15, St John's Primary School, St John's Road, Padiham, when the guest speaker will be from Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust; Wednesday, March 31, Worsthorne Primary School, when the guest speaker will be from Burnley police; and Thursday, April 1, at Casterton Primary School, in Thames Avenue, Burnley, when the guest speaker will be from Initiative Burnley..