PEOPLE are invited to have their say on issues affecting communities during the first round of Dudley Council’s new community forums.

The new public meetings, which have replaced the old and outdated area committees, will take place more often than area committees and will focus totally on issues raised by the public, making it easier for people to report and discuss them with the council and elected members.

Representatives from the police, fire and health services will also be invited to meetings.

Councillor David Sparks, leader of Dudley Council, said: “This a new way for people to have their say on what goes on in the borough and how the council can play a part in it. I hope people will take the time to speak to us and let us know about the issues affecting them.”

The first of the Stourbridge area meetings kicks off tonight (Wednesday February 13) at 6.30pm at St Michael and All Angels Church Hall, Maynard Avenue, Norton.

Residents from Norton, Pedmore and Stourbridge East, Wollaston and Stourbridge Town are invited to attend.

The Amblecote, Cradley and Wollescote, Lye and Stourbridge North community forum will be held at Lye Community Centre, Crosswalks Road, on Tuesday February 19.

People who live in Kingswinford North and Wall Heath, Kingswinford South or Wordsley can attend their community forum at Holy Trinity Church Hall, High Street, Wordsley, on the same day.

And the Brierley Hill, Brockmoor and Pensnett community forum will be held on Wednesday February 20 at Nine Locks Community Centre, Brierley Hill.