RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on facilities across Rossendale in a bid to win government cash.

Organised groups have already been asked for their views on the area's planned cultural strategy -- and now it is time for other residents to get involved.

People are being asked their views on museums, heritage, tourism, children's playgrounds, leisure, parks, arts and sports.

Every local authority will need a cultural strategy in the future to have any chance of attracting grants and Whitehall cash, so councillors are keen to involve as many people as possible.

Ken Claxon, Rossendale Council's acting leisure manager, said: "We have appointed consultants and they have already met a number of organisations and sent out a lot of questionnaires.

"People have taken to the concept very enthusiastically and are particularly interested in seeing better marketing of the services we already offer and in seeing us make better use of the countryside to develop tourism.

"Tourism, however, is only a small part of the strategy. It may be that people want to see better sports facilities or more children's playgrounds , it is entirely up to them. Showing we have public support is vital to ensure we have a chance of getting grant support to pay for these things. We know we have no chance if we cannot show the public support the strategy's objectives."

Pan Leisure, an independent consultancy firm, is co-ordinating the exercise to prove to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport that the results truly reflect public - and not just Town Hall - priorities.

Mr Claxon added: "The more people we involve, the better the chance we have of improving leisure in Rossendale."

A copy of the questionnaire already sent to groups has been posted on the council's website www.rossendale.gov.uk or can be obtained by contacting Rita Taft or Tracey Molineux on 244668.