EAST Lancashire citizens could be in line for a bigger say in how their borough is run if a pilot scheme gets the go-ahead.

Burnley Borough Council is currently looking at ways to give people a greater say in how the town is run and how money is spent after a survey revealed that members of the public would like to see area forums or committees set up.

The move comes after questionnaire was sent to the 1,000 members of the Citizen's Panel of residents aged 16 or over, selected to produce a cross section of the public.

Citizens Panel surveys are thought to be more reliable guides to public opinion than most other consultation exercises.

If implemented these bodies would be set up along the same lines as the council, i.e. one per ward.

An area forum would be a consultative group working with the council and contributing to decision making.

An area committee would have limited decision making and budget spending powers.

Both would be made up of the ward councillor, the relevant county councillor and members of the public.

Of those who responded to the questionnaire, only ten percent expressed outright opposition to any form of area structure in Burnley.

A majority of 77 percent are described by the council as being "cautiously" in favour of the structures.

Jerry Smith, the principal policy officer for Burnley Borough Council, has compiled a report which will be presented to a meeting of the executive.

The report is due to be discussed either at the end of January, or at the next meeting in February.