FIVE new neighbourhood panels, giving residents the chance to have their say on the futures of their communities, have been given the go-ahead. They will cover Ely, Littleport and Soham. Each will include representatives from the county, district and pa

FIVE new neighbourhood panels, giving residents the chance to have their say on the futures of their communities, have been given the go-ahead.

They will cover Ely, Littleport and Soham.

Each will include representatives from the county, district and parish councils along with other influential community figures elected by the council.

The panels, which will be open to the public, will discuss important community issues and influence what priority actions should be taken by local public service providers.

A successful pilot scheme has been run in Soham.

Councillor Peter Cresswell, chairman of the community services committee which backed the scheme, said: "This is a very new concept and will allow members of the public to have their say on the priorities of the public service providers in the district, and will forge closer links between parish councils and these organisations."

Ely police inspector Alan Savill said: "The police are very keen to take account of what the community wants when we plan our work. We have taken part in the Soham pilot project and think this will be a very important way of working in the future.

"We are very pleased that we have this opportunity to do even more work with other organisations in the district."

INFO: For further information about the neighbourhood meetings, a copy of the agenda or the work of the East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership contact Jane Fletcher or Julie Cornwall on 01353 665555 or you can e-mail jane.fletcher@eastcambs.gov.uk