PLANS for Hyndburn to be given more say in issues normally controlled by the Lancashire County Council have moved a step closer.

Hyndburn could become a pilot for a scheme being drawn up by the county council, which would see a new forum set up to discuss matters, such as traffic safety.

They are usually decided by County Hall, in Preston, but as part of a scheme to devolve powers to a local level, Hyndburn residents could soon have a say.

At a cabinet meeting of Hyndburn Council, members passed the pilot plans.

The forum, one of four such schemes in Lancashire, including one in South Ribble and in Rossendale, would meet roughly every six weeks, with the first public meeting at the end of July.

A report to the council said: "There are significant advantages to the council participating in the pilot, not least as it gives the opportunity to better join-up services with the county, which will bring considerable customer benefits."

Final decisions would still rest with the county council, but it is hoped the scheme will mean that local residents have more say.