RESIDENTS in Colne and Brierfield are being asked to help plan for the future of their towns

Hands-on events are taking place to allow people to have their say about how to improve their neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and environment.

They will also be asked to put forward their views on more controversial issues, including abandoned homes and anti-social behaviour.

Their comments will then be used to help consultants form proposals for each town as part of a ten-year plan for the future that will be used by Elevate East Lancashire to bid for Government funding under its Housing Market Renewal Initiative.

Pendle Council leader Alan Davies said: "It is vital that local people have an input into the creation of this development framework.

"I would strongly encourage local people to attend one of these events and make their views known about what the problems are and what possible solutions there may be to the future development of both Colne and Brierfield."

There will be two sessions for Colne residents, at Colne Municipal Hall, Albert Road, Colne. The first is on Saturday, September 20, from 11am to 4.30pm, and the second is on Wednesday, September 24, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

And Brierfield residents can attend a session at the Community Centre, in Colne Road, on Thursday, September 25, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, or one at Walter Street Community Primary School, on Saturday, September 27, from 11am to 4.30pm. A separate women-only workshop will also be held at the school on the Saturday, from 11am to 1pm.

Coffee, tea and light refreshments will be provided at all sessions.