RESIDENTS across the borough are taking part in the first meetings of Tameside’s new Community Forums.
They are inviting local people to help shape decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.
The new forums, introduced by Tameside Council, are designed to create more opportunities for town-level conversations between residents, councillors and partner organisations.
The first meetings have taken place, with Denton residents gathering at Tameside Wellness Centre on Wednesday, June 17, followed by the Droylsden and Audenshaw forum at Guardsman Tony Downes House the day after.
At these opening forums, discussions are focusing on local priorities, wider developments across the borough and issues affecting individual communities. Residents are also able to share their views during question-and-answer sessions.
A key topic is the Pride in Place Impact Fund, which aims to support the development of bids for small and medium-sized projects designed to improve town centres and public and community spaces.
The meetings mark the start of a new approach by the local authority to community engagement, with forums set to take place three times a year.
Meetings will rotate between Tameside’s towns, giving residents across the borough the chance to get involved locally. The initiative follows feedback from residents and councillors calling for more opportunities for communities to be involved in local decision-making.
Residents living in Ashton-under-Lyne and Mossley can come along to St Ann’s Social Centre on Burlington Street in Ashton on Monday (June 22) from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for their forum.
Then it’s Stalybridge and Dukinfield’s turn on Tuesday (June 23) at the same time at Stalybridge’s Victoria Market Hall in Armentieres Square.
Hyde and Longdendale residents can have their say on Wednesday (June 24) at the Newton Suite inside Hyde Town Hall at the same time.
Tameside Council leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “I’m looking forward to people having the opportunity to get together and work alongside each other to improve local areas. Everyone is welcome to come along and have their say on the issues that matter to them in their town.”