COMMUNITY groups in Hyndburn are being encouraged to make their voice heard by getting involved with a community network group.

The Community Empowerment Network is one of several set up across the country to enable voluntary and community sector involvement in local strategic partnerships (LSP) such as Hyndburn First.

An interim management committee has been set up ahead of elections for a permanent committee after an open day next month.

"We want everybody, all of Hyndburn involved with the network," said interim chairman Joan Pilkington.

"We also need members of the community to be involved in working groups including the crime and disorder group, housing and education, set up by the LSP.

"That way we should get a two-way dialogue between the people and the LSP."

The initiative is funded with £110,370 of government money from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund over the next year.

Groups will elect the 21-strong management team, who in turn will elect their members on to the LSP.

"We will eventually get the views of all the groups and put those views to the LSP," said Mrs Pilkington.

"We've been given a mandate to set up a fully representative and functional network and are liaising with other community groups in the area."

The awareness day takes place on Thursday, April 3, from noon to 4pm, with guest speakers from Blackpool and the Government Office for the North West.