A SERIES of walkabouts have been announced for the people of Nelson to tell planners what they want for their town.

Six two-hour sessions have been planned for residents in different parts of the town to walk the streets with consultants and have their say about the improvements they want to see.

Their comments will be taken into account when an Area Development Framework is drawn up for the town, which will give specific detail of improvements to be made.

The 15-year framework will form part of the Elevate East Lancashire programme - a £5million government funding project to regenerate the area.

The framework will pay early attention to the Whitefield area, where the first stage of council plans to demolish more than 400 homes was overturned by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott last September.

Cardiff-based consultants Nathaniel Litchfield and Partners have been hired by Pendle Council to draw up the framework by September, and consultancy firm SRC have been contracted to carry out the consultation.

Residents will be asked for their comments on housing, health, schools, the economy and the environment during the walkabout sessions.

The exercise is the first step in a nine-month public consultation process to ask people how issues such as abandoned homes, anti-social behaviour and a lack of jobs should be tackled.

SRC director Sally Thomas said: "It is vital that local people have an input into the creation of the area development framework for Nelson.

"They can do this by attending one of the walkabouts and participating in further events and activities that are being planned over the coming months.

"Comments from the walkabouts will help shape the area development framework and hence the development of Nelson over the next 15 years.

"I would strongly encourage residents in Nelson to attend their local walkabout and make their views known about what the problems are and what possible solutions there may be to these problems."

Council leader Councillor Alan Davies said: "ADFs are already being produced for Colne and Brierfield and Nelson people need to ensure they have their say about the ADF for Nelson and how they want their town to develop over the next 15 years.

"Nelson has a rich social history and monies from the housing market renewal initiative can provide us with a unique opportunity to make a significant difference to the social, physical and economic regeneration of Pendle."

Meeting points for Walkabouts

Bradley - February 17, 10am, Hodge House Community Centre, off Regent Street

Marsden - February 17, 1.30pm, Marsden Hall Road Community Centre

Southfield - February 18, 10.30am, Southfield Community Action Forum, Smith Street

Whitefield - February 19, 1.30pm, Nelson Town Hall

Walverden - February 19, 10am, Vernon Street Community Centre

Clover Hill - February 19, 1pm, St Bede's Church, Railway Street.