WHITWORTH and Bacup residents are being urged to share their views at a special meeting.

People living in both towns are being invited to speak up about issues which concern them.

According to the council, Rossendale Area Forum meetings are already proving a big success, with the first two gatherings in Haslingden and Rawtenstall having attracted a good turn out.

Organisers are hoping even more people will be at forthcoming meetings in Whitworth and Bacup, which have been set-up to enable people to raise issues of local concern, help councillors represent their constituents and allow the council to explain how it provides services and ask members of the public how those services can be improved.

Representatives from key partners such as the police, health bodies, Lancashire County Council and voluntary sectors will attend the meetings over the coming months.

Every session is due to include a public question time and those attending will also be able to complete a form on concerns they would like to be raised at future meetings.

Rossendale chief executive Owen Williams, said: "We've been really pleased that so many people made the effort to attend the first two meetings and hope that such a good turn out continues throughout Rossendale over the coming months.

"We were especially impressed that so many young people came forward to make their voices known at Rawtenstall as we are keen to gain the views of all residents and all age groups."

Bacup's area forum is at the leisure hall on Monday and Whitworth's is next Monday, July 21, at the civic hall. Both meetings are due to start at 7pm.