OCCUPIERS of the former council houses in Burnley who want a bigger say in how things are run can attend a first tenants' conference in the borough next week.

The event is being organised by Burnley and Padiham Community Housing who took over the borough's fomer council estates.

The conference will be held in the James Hargreaves executive suite at Turf Moor football ground, Burnley, on Friday, August 17.

The all day event starts at 10am and a free buffet lunch will be provided.

Marketing and public relations officer Alan Tyrrell said: "Only 100 places are available and they are going fast.

"We want everyone to have a chance to attend this fantastic day so those wishing to attend should contact tenant participation immediately by phoning 01282 421100 or call into their local neighbourhood office and ask for a reservation form."

Application coupons are also available in the latest edition of the company's newsletter "Focusing On You" which went out to all houses early last month.

The event will include five afternoon workshops covering a wide range of issues.

One will be on tenants having a greater voice through the tenant participation compact.

Others will include regeneration, repairs, choice based lettings in which it is hoped that tenants will get a greater opportunity to pick where they live and a workshop covering anti social behaviour issues.