COMMUNITY-minded residents are being given the chance to have their say on issues in their area as Neighbourhood Group meetings restart next month.

The Redditch Council-run scheme allows residents to meet and discuss matters of interest or concern with local councillors, council officers and police representatives.

The next run of meetings is set to start in February, and ideas are invited for the agendas. Previous topics have included abandoned cars and health and campaigning issues.

Each group is given an annual budget of £1,000 to be spent however it decides. In the past money has been spent on allotments, new equipment for community groups, benches, and even a bouquet for a regular attendee who was ill. For more details on the meetings, call Redditch Council on 64252 or email janice.smyth@redditchbc.gov.uk