THE future development of Rossendale is being put into the hands of the local people.

A 12-month exercise will map a path for housing, schools, health, jobs, crime and the environment.

It started this weekend when more than 150 people representing every aspect of Valley life, gathered at Alder Grange High School, Rawtenstall, to give their opinions on how the borough could be improved.

The meeting, entitled 'A Glimpse Into The Future,' allowed people to discuss the issues in open session and in workshops.

Twelve months will be spent producing a community strategy for Rossendale, which will bind the spending plans of partners such as Rossendale Council, Lancashire County Council, the police, the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust, Groundwork Rossendale and Accrington and Rossendale College for the next 15 years.

The debate involved leading members from these organisations, as well as representatives from voluntary bodies and members of the community.

Guest speakers were MP Janet Anderson and local celebrity Ted Robbins, of Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights.

Andree Pomfret, local strategic plan development manager for the Rossendale Partnership, said: "Every area in the country has to produce such a plan and this was the first stage in involving the public. It is about improving the quality of life in terms of the economy, the environment, housing and social well-being -- and ordinary people will be help this process from the start.

"Our thinking has to cross boundaries because, for example, someone with poor education may also be suffering poor housing and poor health."

Anyone who missed the meeting and would like to receive an invitation for future meetings should contact Mrs Pomfret on 01706 871730.