DARWEN residents have been told to 'get off their backsides' and help shape the future of their town after a poor turnout at a vital meeting.

Councillors and organisers were dismayed that fewer than 20 people attended the initial workshops to consult locals on their ideas and views on the town centre in March. Now people are being warned not to 'shoot themselves in the foot' by failing to turn up at the next get-together.

Coun Paul Browne, of Sudell ward, said: "People should get off their backsides and get to this meeting. Nothing can be solved by sitting around at home. In order to make this town into what we want it to be, we need to work together to achieve it." Coun Dave Smith, of Sunnyhurst ward, said: "We want as many people to turn up as possible. A number of problems with the town centre will be discussed and this process is a chance of making money for the town. It's so important for people to get involved if they want Darwen to improve as a town. People will be shooting themselves in the foot if they don't attend."

Darwen MP Janet Anderson, said: "I hope we have a good turnout because it's a real chance for the people of Darwen to put forward their ideas."

Blackburn with Darwen Council will hold the community conference at Derwent Hall next Wednesday from 7 to 9pm. Topics are expected to include the A666 congestion, town centre parking and the future of trade in the town. Workshops were held as a means to securing millions of pounds in funding for Darwen, focusing on environmental, retail, transport and cultural issues. Initial workshops revealed that shoppers wanted a greater variety of shops with a better market. Coun David Fenton said: "The meeting is in everybody's interest. In March there were between ten and twenty people and that wasn't good enough.

For more information and to book a place at the meeting, contact Darwen Town Hall on 01254 222101 or visit regeneration@blackburn.gov.uk.