EVERY resident now has the chance to play a part in creating a better borough in which to live, work and play.

Leaflets are about to drop through tens of thousands of letter boxes asking local folk for their views on how the future of Bury is to be mapped out.

The massive consultation exercise follows a novel Community Planning Conference which was held in Bury in July, and tackled everything from crime to house-building, transport and jobs to issues affecting pensioners and teenagers.

The meeting was attended by representatives from community and voluntary groups, schools, the police and health service, local businesses and young people. Council leader Derek Boden said: "Community planning is a partnership. It means working together and involving as many people as possible in identifying a common vision for the borough.

"We are looking at the next five years and, if we all agree on this vision and are committed to working together to achieve it, then we stand the best possible chance of success."

The leaflets come with a pre-paid comment card to be sent back to the council, ideally by September 10.

Anyone who does not receive a leaflet shortly can pick up one from libraries, sports centres and council offices, or ring 253 5177.

Six key themes were identified at the community planning conference:

Investing in young people.

Accessibility.

Safer communities.

Sustained development, transport and the environment.

Building and developing communities together.

Planning for vitality and vibrance.

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