BURY'S council tax is top of the agenda when the Bury West area board meets on Thursday.

Town hall officers are to present a budget roadshow at the meeting, which is at St Stephen's CE primary school in Colville Drive.

Also to be debated is the council's cycling strategy, kickstart grant applications, and residents can raise matters in the usual open forum.

Councillor Bob Bibby, area board chairman, said: "We will be continuing the new year as we finished the old, tackling issues that concern local people. The first meeting of 2003 looks like being a busy one, so we are hoping for a good turnout."

Refreshments are at 6.30pm, and the meeting officially starts at 7pm. For more information, contact Bury West area co-ordinator John Slater on 253 6845 or email j.slater@bury.gov.uk