RESIDENTS will have the chance to get their thoughts about bins, roads and schools off their chests at a new series of public meetings in Calderdale.

The Ward Forums will bring local people face to face with their councillors and senior council staff four times a year, starting tomorrow in Halifax.

Householders in Rastrick, Elland, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe, Brighouse, Greetland and Stainland will get to have their say later in the month.

The open meetings will start with a chance to informally network with staff but will then feature a structured agenda with contributions from the council, neighbourhood police and other local organisations.

Specific items of interest can then be brought up and the meeting will end by setting out the priorities, responsibilities and actions.

Clr Ian Cooper, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “We want to know what’s important to you in your area. Please attend your local meeting, or email or call us with your views.”

The free meetings are open to everyone who lives, works and learns in Calderdale.

The dates and venues are:

October 19 – Rastrick; Rastrick High School, Field Top Road. October 20 – Elland; Wainwright Hall, Jepson Lane. October 21 – Hipperholme and Lightcliffe; Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School, Stoney Lane. October 26 – Brighouse; Brighouse Civic Hall, Bradford Road. October 28 – Greetland and Stainland; West Vale Primary School, Stainland Road.

If you can’t get to a meeting but would like to comment on an issue in your area, call 01422 393288, email wardforums@calderdale.gov.uk or write to Ward Forums, Safer and Stronger Communities, Northgate House, Northgate, Halifax HX1 1LN.