DENBY Dale people are being urged to have a say on what goes on in their area.
They are being invited to speak up at a public meeting on January 13.
And their words could have real influence, says Clr Jim Dodds, chairman of Kirklees Council's Denby Dale area committee.
The meeting is at 7.30pm at Denby C of E First School in Upper Denby.
Clr Dodds said: "The area committee has come on in leaps and bounds, thanks to the enthusiastic committee members and industrious council officers and the improved relationship between the committee and parish council.
"Our main themes for the coming year reflect the special problems faced by residents in a rural area. We are looking to improve the facilities available to elderly people and the youth of Denby Dale.
"The environment and community safety are also a major concern to us."
The area committee has already given cash to villages in the area to help buy Christmas trees and to Skelmanthorpe Methodist Church to help in refurbishing the toilet block, to comply with the needs of disabled people.
Scissett Stage Door Theatre Company has asked for a grant towards stage lighting and this will be discussed at the public meeting.
The area committee has agreed to match Kirklees Energy Service's £15,000 for improving loft insulation in the homes of elderly, disabled and needy people and other less fortunate people throughout the ward.
The Denby Dale Parish Environment Trust has approached the area committee for a grant to repair footbridges over the River Dearne.
This project is being assessed.
Clr Dodds said: "We feel that not only is it important to protect the natural beauty of our ward, but to ensure that all repairs are made in an environmentally friendly manner."
