PIONEERING work to unite a Warrington community is being carefully watched by borough leaders.

Supporters of the Latchford Community Forum - a pilot initiative - say the group has given residents a real voice and given people the chance to meet their councillors face-to-face.

If the project flourishes then it could be the forerunner of many more community committees across town, according to Latchford councillor Roy Humphries. Forum founder member and former mayor Clr Humphries said: "So far it has been a success.

"We have reached the stage where nothing happens in the ward without the forum knowing about it and having a say."

Notable successes for the organisation so far include proposals for a traffic-calming scheme in Gainsborough Road - drafted following pleas from a residents' association at a forum meeting.

The idea is that councillors pass on suggestions from members to council officers who can then explore their potential.

"The forum is run by the people for the people," continued Clr Humphries. "These are exciting times - the Latchford Community Forum is the test-bed for the way things will be done in all of the town's wards."

Forum delegates will meet again at the Causeway Community Centre on June 3, starting at 6pm.

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