MORE local groups and forums are being urged to join up and play their part on the borough's new area boards.

All six of the boards, designed to boost local democracy, have now held their first meetings.

So far, one decision which has been common to all has been to have a core membership of six, including local representatives of the health authority and police as well as tenants' and residents' associations.

But town hall bosses think that more representatives of local groups should be co-opted onto the boards.

Council leader Derek Boden said the boards were central to the local authority's new political outlook and arrangements.

"Seeking local views and involving local people more in the democratic process is very much part of all that we have been doing. We believe that can be taken a step further by opening up co-opted membership to the six area boards." He added: "Consideration is now being given to applications from local groups, partnerships and forums who feel that they have the time and commitment to work within the area board for the good of the community as a whole. We think this is a wonderful opportunity and we hope that others do too."

The six area boards which have now been established cover the following areas:

Prestwich: Holyrood, Sedgley Park and St Mary's.

Whitefield and Unsworth: Besses, Pilkington Park and Unsworth.

Radcliffe: Radcliffe South, Central and North.

Bury East: East, Redvales and Moorside.

Bury West: Church and Elton.

Ramsbottom and Tottington.

Information packs and application forms about co-opted membership, and other ways in which groups can get involved, are available by contacting the area co-ordinators on 253 5107.

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