LOCAL people will soon have the chance to air their views about policing in a series of meetings with the police.

The Police and Community Forum consultation sessions will be attended by police chiefs, local authority representatives and other interested organisations.

Local people are invited to contribute to the meeting and question the members of the panel.

The first, at St Mary's C of E Primary, in Brundhurst Fold, Mellor, will deal with policing in the Ribble Valley and tackle the problem of road safety. It will take place on Wednesday, January 21, at 7pm.

The second of the year, in Blackburn, will be held at Mill Hill Community Centre, New Chapel Street, Mill Hill, on Monday, January 26, from 7pm.

Among the issues under discussion will be the drug unit and general police activity.

The main issue at Hyndburn's Forum will be the Air Support Unit, when they meet at the EBP Conference Centre, in Clayton Business Park, Clayton-le-Moors, on Wednesday, January 28, starting at 7.30pm.

A police spokesman said: "The authority has established a Police and Community Forum in each district council area of the county, as a means of improving consultation between the police and the local community.

"Members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to take part in the meetings."

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