A NEW group called Confident Communities has been formed in Rossendale in a bid to give residents their say on a variety of burning issues.

The forum will allow the public, Rossendale Council, police, the NHS and other public bodies to voice their concerns and ideas on what they would like to see happening in the community.

John McManus, chairman of Confident Communities, said: "This is the chance for every voluntary, community and faith group, as well as every individual, to take part in the partnership's drive to change Rossendale for the better. Their voice must be heard and their ideas taken on board. We will work in positive partnership with the councils and others but we will be challenging them too."

Training programmes are to be implemented to allow representatives of the group deal with professionals on an equal footing. The next meeting will be at the Astoria, in Rawtenstall, on Wednesday, January 14. Everyone is welcome.