Residents in the Nuneaton and Bedworth area are invited to attend local Community Forum meetings where they have the opportunity to raise issues about their community with County and Borough Councillors and local police officers.

Members of the public can make a difference to their community by having their say on the issues that matter to them. Because Community Forums are supported by many different agencies, the meetings are an efficient and effective way of problem solving.

Community Forums take place around the borough, from 28 September to 13 October and anyone with an interest in the local area is welcome to come along and share their views and concerns.

Bedworth North and West - Newdigate Primary School & Nursery, Anderton Road - Monday 28 September - 6.30pm

Bede and Poplar - Civic Hall, Bedworth - Tuesday 29 September - 7pm

Camp Hill and Galley Common - Camp Hill Education, Sports and Social Centre (CHESS), Cedar Road - Tuesday 29 September - 7pm

Abbey and Wem Brook - Town Hall, Nuneaton - Wednesday 30 September - 7pm

Arbury and Stockingford - The Cabbage Club, Church Road - Tuesday 6 October - 7pm

Weddington and St Nicolas - Ambleside Sports Club, Ambleside Way - Monday 12 October - 7pm

Whitestone and Bulkington - St James Junior School, Barbridge Road, Bulkington - Tuesday 13 October 7pm

Examples of issues raised at recent Community Forums include: Residents in Galley Common were keen for a youth project to continue in their area, which involved Warwickshire County Council's Youth and Community Service Team and Positive About Young People working with 10 to 19 year olds in the area. Following the positive response from the young people, and the support from the Community Forum, additional funding was applied for and the project extended.

Community Forums have also been involved in the Community Speed Watch initiative in Weddington, St Nicolas, Whitestone and Bulkington following concerns about speeding in these areas. This pilot scheme trains members of the community in the use of a radar speed gun, and traffic speed in measured in priority locations. Owners of vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit are sent letters of advice.

Concerns were also raised at the Bede and Poplar community forum about the zebra crossing located by the garage along Newtown Road, Bedworth. A detailed investigation has been carried out, and the crossing will now be upgraded to a pelican crossing under the Safe Routes to School initiative. Councillors and Police say that all are welcome at the meeting and that full details of this and other Community Forum meetings across the Warwickshire are available on line at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communityforums, www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov.uk/communityforums and www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk If you are unable to attend the meeting but have an issue you would like to put forward please call 024 7637 5700, email nuneatonandbedworth@warwickshire.gov.uk or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.