KEIGHLEY people are being urged to have their say on what would make the district more united.

A 'Tell Us What You Think Day' is being held in the town.

Individuals, community groups, schools and employers are invited to take part.

Views and ideas collected at the session – which takes place at the Airedale Shopping Centre on Monday, July 23, between 10am and 7pm – will help shape a strategy aimed at further strengthening communities and bringing neighbourhoods together.

Similar events are being held in Bradford and Shipley.

Findings will also be fed into a national initiative which will help develop Government policy on how to make the UK a more tolerant and inclusive place to live.

The work locally is being spearheaded by The Partnership, a group drawn from a wide range of organisations and backgrounds.

Interim chairman is the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev Dr Toby Howarth.

He said: "As a community we've got a long and proud history of coming together with the common goal of improving the lives of everyone living and working in our district.

"That's why we have put ourselves forward and asked Government to support us as one of five areas across Britain to test new and different ways of doing things that will make our community closer and stronger, with more opportunity for everyone.

"The Tell Us What You Think days are a vital first step in the journey – a chance for people to come together and tell us what we can do more of, and what we can do differently."

Supporting the venture is Bradford Council's deputy leader, Councillor Imran Khan.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for our neighbourhoods and our citizens.

"However, the deadlines Government has set us are very tight and we need to submit our ideas and plans next month.

"We'd encourage people from all walks of life to come along, bring their friends or family and contribute to the debate about our future together.

"The sessions will be informal, welcoming and fun, with refreshments and a chance to really get involved in discussions and debates.

"Researchers will aim to collect ideas on topics such as employment and education opportunities, hopes for the future of the area and creating strong communities."