A LOCAL government reform group has called on Rossendale Council to consider implementing "Community Inquiries" in a bid to give the public a chance to put their ideas and views to members.

Rossendale Chartists have written to council leader Graham Pearson, asking him to reconsider the current approach to community involvement.

They are calling for public participation on high priority council agendas and the right to have access to information and justice, as well as answers on why things have gone wrong in the past.

Alan Johnson, chairman of the Rossendale Chartists, said: "After attending the public meetings and listening to the community, we are now calling for a full strategy for community Involvement, with particular emphasis on access to justice.

"As part of this, we are proposing the introduction of Community Inquiries -- where the public can question councillors and officers on why things have gone wrong and also contribute to solutions on how to rectify blunders".