RESIDENTS across Blackburn with Darwen are being invited to speak out on key issues for the borough.

A series of Community Voices events are planned as part of the borough’s social integration programme ­— Our Community, Our Future.

Run by the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation in community venues across Blackburn with Darwen, the events give people a chance to talk about how well they feel people get on with each other where they live.

Peace Foundation facilitators will also encourage discussion around neighbourhood pride, and people’s perceptions of race, religion and belonging in the borough.

Christine Cox, communities programme leader at the Peace Foundation, said: “Everyone is welcome to come and share their stories and ideas. These dialogue events are a brilliant opportunity for open and honest debate. Our facilitators have plenty of experience running events of this type.

“We make sure everyone can take part, so they are interesting and worthwhile – and we’ll be sharing food and refreshments as well as views and suggestions.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The events are an important part of our social integration work.

“Through the debates we hope that we can break down any barriers between people from the borough’s diverse communities and help them to better understand one another.

“I hope that people will take the opportunity to come along to the Peace Foundation’s events.”

The first event will be held at Sacred Heart and St Edward’s Community Centre, 370 Blackburn Road, Darwen from 3pm on Saturday, July 13.

Bank Top Neighbourhood Learning Centre in Arthur Way, Blackburn, will host the second event from 4pm on Tuesday, July 23.

Tuesday 23 July, 4 pm, Bank Top Neighbourhood Learning Centre, Arthur Way, Blackburn

And the final confirmed event will be from 11am on Saturday, August 10, at Quaker Meeting House in Paradise Street, Blackburn.

To register, go to eventbrite.co.uk.

Further dates are being planned at venues across Blackburn and Darwen and will be advertised locally and on social media.

The Peace Foundation is also organising a series of Youth Voices events for young people aged 11 to 16 – dates will be announced soon.

The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation is a charity that was founded in memory of the two boys who were tragically killed in the IRA’s bombing of Warrington in 1993.