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

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

John McManus, chairman of Confident Communities said: "This is the chance for every voluntary, community and faith group and every individual to take part in the partnership's drive to change Rossendale for the better.

"Active community involvement is the cement which will bind the partnership.

"Our aim is not simply to improve consultation but to also make sure that people feel involved in improving Rossendale.

"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 will to allow representatives of the group deal with professionals on an equal footing.

Dorothy Mitchell of Rossendale Hospice and Haslingden Community Link said: "Community groups need to be just as professional as anyone else and probably more innovative."

Confident Communities will meet at the Astoria, Rawtenstall, on Wednesday, January 14. Everyone is welcome.