COMMUNITY and voluntary groups are set to have more of a say in how Rossendale is run, according to a council report.

The Rossendale Compact agreement is being drawn up between Lancashire County Council, Rossendale Borough Council and voluntary and community organisations.

The aim of the Compact is to develop a better working relationship between all the parties and to allow local groups to have more of a say in decisions affecting the lives of Rossendale residents.

Before it is put in place authors of the document will attempt to consult as many groups as possible.

A council spokesman said: "The aim has been to draft a statement that will be applicable across a whole range of relationships between the community and voluntary sector and both councils.

"Each council service will be expected to take Compact into account when revising existing policies, strategies and action plans and when devising new ones.

"In addition, mechanisms will be established to monitor adherence to the principles set out in the document by both the community and voluntary sector and the council."

At the moment the document contains a number of "key principles" which include the development of an open and honest relationship between the community and the public sector.

This, it is hoped, will help the councils combat social exclusion, ensure tax payers are getting value for money, help to determine the council's future objectives and respond to the ideas and wishes of Rossendale people.

The spokesman added: "We recognise and value the contribution that the community and voluntary sector makes to society. We want to ensure this contribution continues."

After consultation with Rossendale groups the Compact plan is sure to be rubber stamped at a borough council meeting.