Anyone keen to help boost Bingley and interested in creating a new local council is invited to an open public forum at the town’s Arts Centre next month.

An information event has been organised by Bingley Community Council Group to sound out popular opinion, and people from all voluntary, faith and educational organisations in Bingley, Cottingley, Crossflatts, Eldwick, Gilstead and Micklethwaite are invited to attend.

There will be speakers from Yorkshire Local Councils Association and Bingley Community Council Group, plus an open question time and refreshments.

BCCG chairman Ros Dawson said it would be a relaxed and friendly event.

“This is a great opportunity for voluntary and community organisations – indeed anyone with a keen interest in Bingley’s future – to come and ask questions and find out more.

“We hope there will be plenty of people and it would be helpful if those wishing to come could contact me in advance,” Mrs Dawson said.

“In the Bingley area, we are fortunate in having many groups which contribute to enhancing residents’ quality of life. What’s more, we have a strong track record in uniting to achieve shared aims for the benefit of our communities.

“Now, once more, we need to re-kindle that ‘can do’ spirit of co-operation to tackle current challenges.

“A new town, parish or community council, with legal status and powers, would give us a sustainable framework to achieve the results that many local people want.

“These include regenerating our town centre, revitalising our market and working to protect, improve and invest in civic amenities such as our parks and swimming pool and threatened public toilets,” added Mrs Dawson, who is just back from the National Association of Local Councils’ Create A Council event in London.

The forum at the Arts Centre takes place on Wednesday, June 11, at 7pm and more details are available on BCCG’s website – bingley ccg.org.uk.

Topics to be discussed include, what is a community, town or parish council; why do we need one; how is it funded; how much does it cost; and how can it benefit my group and me?

Mrs Dawson can be contacted for more information at chairman @bingleyccg.org.uk or by calling 07720 882512 or 07976 384703.