THE first newsletter of the East Rural Community Regeneration Board, which gives residents a say on Darwen issues, has been launched.

It comes as the Community Regeneration Board celebrates a year of work to improve access to services in Darwen.

A team of volunteers are working with Councillor Fred Slater for the East Rural Ward to deliver the newsletter by hand. It is designed to keep people 'in the know' about projects in the area.

Coun Slater said: "We decided that things were going slowly, so we thought the newsletter would be a perfect way to let people know where we are with things.

"We have spent a lot of time asking people what they want to see happening in the area with regards to schemes and environmental issues."

The board set out earlier this year to establish what local people thought of the services in their area and a questionnaire was sent out to all households.

Improving safe access to local services, a venue for community activity and enhancing the environment were exposed as target areas.

And just under £1,500-worth of community grants have already been secured for regeneration projects.

An action plan is being drawn up and a consultation meeting in the Conservative Club, Hoddlesden, for all residents of East Rural ward is planned.

Coun Slater added: "The future newsletters will be sent out as and when we have new developments to report on. Twelve representatives meet from different organisations and discuss proposals.

The board hopes to access community grants of £600 each to carry out local projects.