PUBLIC opinion is set to play a new role in decision making at town halls across Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council has teamed up with Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool councils to launch Life in Lancashire, with the help of a 2,700-strong panel of people living across the county.

The will be asked to fill out questionnaires four times a year, each on a different subject.

The replies from the 2,700 respondents -- 500 of who are from each of the two unitary authorities -- will be studied by a research firm on behalf of County Hall.

Two questionnaires have already been sent out since the scheme was launched in June -- one on public transport and one on social services -- with return rates of around 86 per cent, among the highest in the country. A third is currently being sent out.

The LiL panel is made up of a representative cross section of the community, with all ethnic, age and social groups involved. County council chiefs claim the new project is a sign that they are listening to the public more than ever -- and the results of the survey will help influence decisions.

A spokesman said: "Getting in depth results like this would cost us £90,000 a time if it was done other ways. By doing it like this, it costs just £20,000 and we are guaranteed a response because the people of Lancashire care about what goes on."

Some 60 members of LiL were invited to County Hall on Monday to quiz leading figures about the future of Lancashire County Council.

Among those present was county council leader Hazel Harding, Conservative leader Robert Hodge and Pendle Borough Council leader Azhar Ali.

Coun Harding said: "We know that improving public involvement is one of the number one concerns for people in Lancashire. This event, and LiL itself, demonstrates just how determined we are to improve communication with the public."