A special neighbourhood forum, where residents can discuss local issues with a wide range of organisations, takes place next Wednesday (23 January).
At the first of what will be a regular event, Penrith's three county councillors and local district councillors will be on hand at Wordsworth Street Methodist Church, along with organisations including the Police, Fire Service, local residents' associations, Eden Housing association,the Penrith Multi-cultural Group, local youth organisations and Age Concern.
The forum kicks off at 7pm with a presentation by the county council's Head of Waste, Graham Harrison, about what both councils and residents can do to reduce the amount of landfill we produce, and the 'fines' that come with it.
Then the meeting will become more informal, and individual people or groups then have the opportunity to mingle with the councillors and organisations to discuss issues and ideas, or get information about local services and support.
The three Penrith county councillors - Colin Nineham, Patricia Bell and chair of the council's Eden Local Committee Philip Chappelhow - take it in turns to host these special forums which are essentially an 'open house' for local people; next week Councillor Nineham will be hosting the forum. He said:
"The second part of the meeting is more like a 'fair', with organisations important to Penrith, and local councillors are available for residents to give their views and ask questions.
"For example, issues surrounding community safety and housing are linked, and with these special forums we are trying to provide a way in which people can 'join up' any concerns they have in an informal way, with all the people they need to talk to together in the one room."
The forum will also provide information on how to apply for Neighbourhood Forum grants, to support community activities.
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Further information from Alison Lister, Media Team, on 01228 606335
First of the special neighbourhood forums on Wednesday 23 January at Wordsworth Street Methodist Church
Notes
There are over 60 neighbourhood forums across Cumbria, each meeting at least four times a year.
The forums are organised by area support teams and are various shapes and sizes because they are are tailored to suit a particular area.
The local county councillor (along with the district councillor in the Carlisle area) usually chairs these meetings and ensures that vital matters are reported back to local committees or district councils so that the necessary actions can be taken