YOUNG and old alike are being urged to join in and enjoy Local Democracy Week.

A range of events has been put together for next week to show people just how much is going on and how they make their voices heard.

Some 2,000 residents chosen at random are being sent questionnaires as part of the council's annual survey of its services.

Other events include a "Your Council" stall in Bury's Mill Gate shopping centre from Monday to Friday (June 1 to 5).

And there are major plans for East ward and Manchester Road Park - see below for full details.

An all-day seminar, entitled "Participate", for young people is being held on Tuesday, and that night people can attend the meeting of Bury's Environmental Forum at the Met arts centre.

The public can "Meet the Manager" all day and night on Wednesday at Bury's Castle Leisure Centre, while at 7.30pm and 8.15pm, there are "Democracy and the Internet" sessions plus seminars at Bury Library.

Councillor Derek Boden, council leader, said: "Other than at election time when specific issues affect them, most people pay little attention to the democratic processes of their local council. Local Democracy Week is designed to emphasise the many things that are going on around our borough. The programme gives a snapshot of local democracy in action."

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