RESIDENTS have joined Blackburn with Darwen Council in developing a special programme aimed at promoting fairness and equality across the borough.

The new protocol, known as the Diversity Policy, illustrates the ways in which the authority will work with others to promote fairness in everything it does, including providing services and giving advice as well as recruiting and promoting staff.

Councillor Bill Taylor, leader of the Council said: "The Diversity Policy highlights how important it is to recognise and value our differences so we can all live in a safe and thriving community".

Councillor Gail Barton, Executive Member for Resources said: "We explained in "The Shuttle" newspaper and on our web site that we wanted to develop a diversity policy and asked for comments on how we should do this and what it should say.

"In total, over 400 draft consultation leaflets have been sent out with copies available at all council reception points.

"We were really pleased that local people took such an interest in the Diversity Policy and wrote to us with ideas about the kind of wording and layout they would like to see to get our message across to all communities in the borough."

Councillor Colin Rigby, leader of the Tory group on the council, said: "People in Blackburn with Darwen have shown how important they believe it is to live together in harmony".