A NEW approach towards healthier communities was outlined at the latest meeting of Bury East area board.

Bury Council's assistant chief executive, Carolyn Wilkins, spoke of how the local authority had taken over the responsibility for raising awareness of health scrutiny and consultation at the beginning of January, having previously shared it with Bury Community Health Council which ceased to operate at the end of last year.

Ms Wilkins told the group that it was "vital that the council raise awareness of health scrutiny" so that the programme could reflect any local health needs and improve health services.

However, some at the meeting expressed doubts that the health scrutiny plans would be effective in tackling important health issues.