AN ambitious vision for the district is being drawn up by the city council and everyone will be invited to have their say.

The council will spend the summer consulting on its Draft Strategy, which outlines a vision for the district for the next 10 years.

The consultation exercise will culminate in public meetings giving everyone a chance to comment.

In the draft document issues relating to the district's diversity - culturally, economically and physically - are addressed. The draft strategy seeks to take a long term view, recognising the need to be ambitious while seeking clear targets to be met along the way.

By the end of the strategy period the draft states it is anticipated that Lancaster will be "recognised as a sub-regional centre with an unparalleled quality of life, economic opportunity and social well-being," Morecambe will be "recognised as a vital and vibrant coastal resort with a sustainable economy and stable resident community" and the rural areas "will have a sustainable quality of life that protects communities while providing the economic opportunity to flourish."

The draft also describes the key challenges to meet the requirements of a growing population, to maintain and improve the quality of life and to spread the benefits of economic growth to areas of deprivation and exclusion.

Commenting, Regeneration cabinet member, Cllr Carolyn Simpson, said: "The area has tremendous natural potential, is capable of a high quality of life and contains some significant resources which are capable of being exploited for the good of the city, the sub-region and the region.

"The district needs to develop and grow if it is to sustain its growing population and deal with the current problems of poor economic performance, social deprivation and lack of cohesion.

"When all comments have been received the fully completed document will be a shared view of the potential of the area and how it can be realised in the short, medium and long term."