RESIDENTS were invited to air their concerns about their neighbourhood and point out improvements at a meeting at Darwen's Earcroft Community Base.

The public meeting, entitled Neighbourhood Learning and Planning In Earcroft, was organised by Blackburn with Darwen Council to find out what people thought were the main priorities for the area.

About 12 people attended the first meeting and raised issues such as the need for grass cutting and the lack of play areas for children.

Michelle Rutherford, community development officer at the base, said: "We had quite a good turnout and they were talking about environmental issues and the appearance of the area, as well as improvements that could be made. One issue was the need for the grass cutting on land not owned by the council at the top of Hawkshaw Avenue.

"Residents also said more facilities were needed for youngsters such as play areas. The meeting was held to try and get people involved and was a chance for people to say what they think."

These issues and others will be discussed further at the next meeting, open to anyone, in the Earcroft area.

It will be held at the Earcroft Community Base on Wednesday, November 26, from 5.30pm.