AREA Forums are being brought back to life in Rossendale next week after councillors campaigned for their re-introduction.

The meetings have been re-established by Rossendale Council to inform residents of current issues and to invite feedback.

They were abandoned last year after Lancashire Local meetings -- a partnership between Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Borough Council -- were set up to discuss local issues.

But the re-introduction of the Area Forums has been welcomed by councillors after concerns were raised about key local issues not being addressed because of a limited agenda at Lancashire Local meetings.

The first one of the New Year is being held at Futures Park, Bacup, on Monday , January 17, from 7pm.