REDDITCH people can have a say in the way the town develops over the next 15 years, writes Julian Seva.

Redditch Council is preparing its Local Plan, a detailed document laying out how land should be used to develop housing, industry, retail and other land use from 2001.

But the council is stressing the public must have its say on what goes into the plan.

Between January and July next year, the council will be asking people for their views and issuing documents giving information on key areas such as leisure, rural areas, the town centre and retail and the natural environment.

The documents will be available from the town hall and neighbourhood offices.

Development plans manager Carol Muston said: Our aim is to give as many people as possible a chance to have their say in future planning for the town.

Planning is an issue that affects us all and by working together we can ensure the town in which we live and work is a town that meets our needs.

We know people have strong views about housing, roads, traffic and green spaces in their neighbourhoods and in the borough so to help us plan for the future, we want them to get involved and influence our decision-making process.

Residents will also be able to present their views at the next round of neighbourhood group meetings in February and March and information is also available on the council website at www.reddithcbc.gov.uk in the new year.

A citizens' jury will also be set up to examine key issues.