LAYTON people got their chance to have their say at Blackpool's first area forum meeting.

The public meeting at Collegiate High School, chaired by Blackpool Borough Council's director of legal and democratic services David Eccles, attracted around 50 people.

The forum coincided with Local Democracy Week, a country-wide celebration of democracy by councils. It was the first of a series of forums to be held across Blackpool over the next three weeks.

Tony Williams, head of corporate policy, told residents: "What we want to capture are your questions, and we can get you the answers for next time. It's got to be a process where we work together."

He said the council was also "keen to ensure the forums are non party political." During the two-hour meeting, residents heard how the forum would be structured, and listed issues for discussion, including juvenile nuisance and public transport problems.

Despite open support for the meeting, some residents voiced their anger with Blackpool Council over the closure of care homes. There were also concerns that more people hadn't attended the forum, and one man left the room declaring the forum "a farce".

Mr Williams said: "The council is totally committed to making this work. We see it as a long-term way of engaging people.

"We do know if this doesn't work then the council itself will look a bit silly. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating," he said.

Before the meeting, Blackpool Council leader Councillor Roy Fisher said: "Blackpool is leading the way. Very few local authorities have set up this style of forum -- it's an imaginative and innovative approach.

"The forums will identify key issues facing their particular community. They will then promote a dialogue with the council, police and primary care trust to ensure joined-up working takes place."

The next area forum will be held tonight (Thursday Oct 18) for Revoe residents at Palatine High School, St Annes Road, starting at 7pm.