RAMSBOTTOM and Tottington Area Board are gearing up for their first meeting of the New Year and encouraging residents to get involved.

On Tuesday, January 7 at 7pm the first meeting of 2003 will take place with a full agenda to get through at Tottington County Primary School, Moorside Road.

Area Board Chair, Councillor Dorothy Gunther, said: "Although the new Year has only just begun we hope that won't deter local residents and business representatives from coming along and joining us. The agenda is full of local matters from proposed improvements and changes to items of interest and concern.

"The open forum session will also be held as usual so that anyone wishing to raise a local issue can do so. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible on the night."

Policing figures and advice, an update on highways issues as well as a look at Kickstart Tenancies, which aim to stamp out anti-social behaviour will all be on the agenda.