LOCAL businesses are being given the opportunity to have an input into the area's community strategy at the next meeting of the Bury Economic Forum.

The event will be held at the town's Businesslodge in Barcroft Street on Monday, August 23 between 10am and 12.30pm.

Heather Clark, strategy, European and resources manager with Bury Council, will give a presentation of the economic theme of the community strategy.

The community strategy is the over-arching vision and framework for the borough which aims to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of Bury's communities. The strategy influences funding allocations and informs funding bids.

The theme that will be highlighted at the forum is Developing a Competitive and Diverse Local Economy, an issue that is of direct interest to businesses borough-wide.

Kay Gregson, director of membership at Chamber Business Connections, says: "The meeting will enable local businesses to input into and influence the way that Bury Council takes the borough forward.

"We want to see strong business representation at the meeting so that the business aspect of the strategy can be as strong as possible."

She added: "The community strategy represents the vision for the future and it is vital that businesses play their part to help ensure prosperity for the borough."

Any company representatives wishing to attend should contact Kay on 01204 336099.