RESIDENTS have been urged to use a public meeting as a vital means in which to air their views. The Uttlesford Community Forums – which recently came under scrutiny over their cost effectiveness - are specifically for the public. Organisations that decide

RESIDENTS have been urged to use a public meeting as a vital means in which to air their views.

The Uttlesford Community Forums - which recently came under scrutiny over their cost effectiveness - are specifically for the public.

Organisations that decide on transport, health and policing policies provide an update and take questions.

Sue Hayden, Uttlesford District Council community development officer, said: "We hope as many people as possible come to these community forums, as they give everyone a great opportunity to speak to and hear from the organisations who make decisions in the district.

"The Local Government white paper, Strong and Prosperous Communities, placed a strong emphasis on local authorities meeting the demands of local people rather than the demands of central government. Our community forums are perhaps our greatest way of doing this, and the more people who attend, the more valuable these meetings become.

"So If you've got a comment about how services are run - maybe you think something could be done in a better way - then this is your best chance to change how things are done and really make a difference."

The South Uttlesford Community Forum - covering Barnston and High Easter, Birchanger, Broad Oak and the Hallingburies, the Eastons, Elsenham and Henham, Felsted, Great Dunmow, Hatfield Heath, the Rodings, Stansted, Stebbing, Stort Valley, Takeley and the Canfields - will take place in the main hall at the Helena Romanes School in Dunmow on Tuesday September 8. Doors open at 7.15pm and the event starts at 7.30pm.

On the evening there will be presentations from Essex Police Divisional Commander for Uttlesford, Chief Inspector Joe Wrigley, Uttlesford District Council chief executive John Mitchell and NHS West Essex director of primary care and localities Toni Coles.

The evening starts with a short presentation from each panel member, followed with a round-table discussion.