RESIDENTS in Brighton Hill are being encouraged to find out how they can shape their area by attending one of two community planning information meetings.

The first meeting will take place at the Church of Christ the King, in Sullivan Road between 7pm and 8.30pm this Thursday and another meeting will be held between 10am and 11.30am at the Cafe Project, in Sullivan Road, on October 3.

At the meetings residents will have the opportunity to find out more about what a community plan is and how they can get involved.

The aim of a community plan is to involve residents in identifying key local issues and priorities that affect them in their community as well as developing projects and actions to address them.

They also offer the community an opportunity to find innovative solutions to local needs and to encourage community action.

Once a planning group has been formed, they can work with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to create a new vision and community-led plan.

The plan will identify challenges the community would like to see tackled, who would be the best group or organisation to take these forward and when they can be realistically achieved.

Cabinet member for communities, service delivery and improvement, Councillor Robert Tate, said: “The aim of creating a community plan for your area is to improve the quality of life for people living and working in Brighton Hill, meaning information and resources can be better shared between partner organisations and communities so that local priorities or constraints are understood.

“This type of project can really bring the community together in a common purpose and give residents the opportunity to help shape the area they live as well as offering a valuable opportunity for local residents, organisations and service providers to work together on local issues.”

For more information on community planning, contact Danielle Berry at the borough council by calling 07766 803403 or by email at Danielle.berry@basingstoke.gov.uk.