PENDLE people are being encouraged to help shape the way that public parks, cemeteries, playing fields and playgrounds are maintained in future years.

They have until the end of the week to have their say about the maintenance of the 11 public parks, six cemeteries, and the playing fields, playgrounds and council-owned open spaces the council looks after.

Their views will then, where appropriate, be incorporated into the specifications of the council's grounds maintenance contract that will be sent out to tender later this year. The contract is likely to run for five years and will begin in April 2002.

Colin Patten, service manager of the council's parks, cemeteries and outdoor recreation, said: "The idea to involve local people has come out of the recent Fundamental Service Review, a rolling five-year programme of analysis and examination of our services."

Councillor Azhar Ali, leader of Pendle Council, said: "This is another example of how the council wants to involve local people in determining how services are delivered. We may not be able to include everybody's opinion but at least we are offering people the chance to have their say."

Initial draft specifications for the contract are available for the public to look at and comment on until the end of this week.

Those interested should contact Mr Patten on 01282 661611, email on parks@pendle.gov.uk or call in at the reception at Marsden Hall Farm, Walton Lane, Nelson to arrange an appointment.