MEMBERS of the public are being invited to have a hand in shaping Nelson town centre's future.

They have been asked to join in a meeting to set up Nelson's first-ever town centre forum, bringing together a range of groups and individuals with an interest in seeing the town flourish.

The forum will play a crucial role in developing a strategy to improve the centre. Organisations such as the Chamber of Trade, the Market Traders' Association and Nelson Local History Society have been invited by Pendle Council to take part.

Councillor Colin Waite, chairman of the council's Nelson area committee, said: "The strategy will focus thinking on what needs to be done. Bids for new resources will only have a chance for success if there is a strong partnership with businesses, property owners, local organisations and the local community. This is why the new forum will be so important for Nelson's future." Anyone with a vision for Nelson is invited to take part in the meeting, which is to be held at 7.15pm on Monday at Nelson Town Hall.

Among the possible items to be discussed are:

Plans for getting vacant buildings back into use.

Encouraging more national retailers into the town.

Developing more housing in and near the town centre, including a living over the shop scheme.

A programme of events and shopping promotions.

Appointing a town centre manager.

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