RESIDENTS living in South Ribble are now being given the opportunity to have their say on a proposed shake-up of local government.

The local council plans to do away with the current council committee structure in favour of an all-powerful cabinet and eight local area forums - each of which would have its say on important issues affecting the area.

The decision to implement the shake-up was taken at a recent meeting of the policy and resources committee, but now council bosses are seeking the opinions of local folk to make sure it is what they want. A massive public consultation programme is being launched.

A council spokesman said: " At the end of the day, we want to promote community leadership, accountability and public consultation.

"We are determined to move even closer to the people of South Ribble and it will be for the people to determine the final structure after a wide-ranging consultation exercise."

It is hoped the new proposals, which were first mooted in a government white paper called 'Modernising Local Government' will provide a strong, effective leadership and a clear-sighted vision for the future.

The leader, who will be elected annually by the council, will head-up an eight-member cabinet, each of who will have responsibility for a particular area of the council, such as community development or leisure.

A scrutiny committee would be established to review the decisions of the cabinet and monitor the ongoing operation of the council's services. Separate committees would also deal with planning applications and licensing functions.

But the most significant change is the creation of eight area committees which would meet in various parts of the borough and would be responsible for relaying to the cabinet and council the needs and wants of the area.

The spokesman added: "We hope to create a more open and responsive system which will enable the local councillor to champion important issues."

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