WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has arranged a Redditch Area Forum meeting to take place in Redditch Town Hall at 7pm on Wednesday, February 26.

Anybody who lives, works or studies in Redditch is encouraged to come along to meet Redditch county councillors and take part in discussions about local issues.

County councillor Pattie Hill, who will be chairing the Redditch Area Forum, said: "Local residents are invited to the Redditch forum to hear about the issues surrounding the future of children's services and how the county council supports local businesses.

"They can also meet our local policing team and discuss police initiatives in dealing with loan sharks in the area.

"These popular forums enable the community to meet with councillors, officers and police to really find out what is going on as well as putting their views forward on matters important to them."

Topics of discussion include policing in Redditch, when West Mercia Police will give an update on crime in the area and latest policing initiatives including loan sharks.

There will be a presentation on children's services and the proposed changes to service provision and the impact on residents of Redditch. Senior officers will be available to take any questions.

Another discussion will be Redditch is 'Open for Business', when people can come along and find out what support is available for small and medium sized businesses and put their issues forward on the  local economy.

For more information, contact Deborah Dale, member engagement officer for Worcestershire County Council on 01905 766282, email ddale@worcestershire.gov.uk or visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/act-local.