RESIDENTS are being invited to become more involved in shaping the future of Redditch.

A Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) will show how Redditch Council will be working with communities when preparing new planning policies as well as when it determines planning applications.

The document will also outline with which community groups the council will be consulting and where details from planning documents will be made available.

Residents have already been consulted in the initial pre-draft discussions, which have led to the SCI draft preparation. The outline document has gone to public consultation for the next seven weeks.

Comment forms and a copy of the draft document can be viewed at the town hall planning reception from 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, at the One Stop shops in Batchley, Winyates, Woodrow and Woodrow Library and the mobile library.

There are also versions available online, which can be accessed via the council's website at www.redditchbc.gov.uk

Council head of planning services John Staniland said: "We really want to examine how people can become actively involved in the consultation process.

"It's important for the council and the community to work together and encourage widespread involvement in the future planning of the borough."

Comment forms should be addressed to John Staniland, Development Plans, Town Hall, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8AH and should reach him no later than 5pm on Friday, November 25.