COMMUNITY involvement will make Atherton a better place.

Representatives from many organisations joined forces to set up the Atherton Township Forum and at their first meeting called on people to get involved and play a part in forging a brighter future.

The aims of the forum, run by a manager and chaired by town Councillor Sue Loudon, include finding solutions for local problems, giving residents a voice and celebrating achievement and success.

It will also produce a local plan and develop a township charter.

Membership includes public, private, community, voluntary and church groups who will work with council officers, the police, fire, probation and health service, the business community and schools and churches.

Cllr Loudon said: "The forum will work to create strong links with the many groups that are essential to our community and can help us achieve our aims. But we want to hear from everyone. We want points of view and ideas about the development of our community."

Anyone interested in becoming involved can visit the council website at www.wiganmbc.gov.uk or contact township staff on 01942 705544.