WYRE Forest residents and organisations can have their say in helping to shape council priorities and the future direction of the district.

A new online survey by the council, which launches today (Thursday, July 11), will seek people’s views on what the council does now, and what it should be doing over the next four years.

The results of the survey will help shape a new corporate plan in the autumn.

The council wants to include as many people as possible, of all ages and from all walks of life, and let them have their say on what matters most to those living in, working in, and visiting the district.

The existing corporate plan runs out this year and the new plan will direct the council’s focus and energies up to 2023.

Council Leader Councillor Graham Ballinger said: “Focusing our priorities and energies on things that matter most to people is more important than ever before. Demands on local government continue to grow, yet our funding is reducing.

“We are making savings wherever possible and looking for new and innovative ways to bring in income to protect services that people care about most.

“But it’s unlikely that we will be able to continue to do what we’ve done in the past, so I would urge the public to take this opportunity to tell us what they think.

"We want an honest and two way dialogue with people and what they tell us will provide us with a clear picture of the future of the district.”

The survey is now live on the council website at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/corporateplan, and will close at midday on Thursday August 15.

Paper copies are also available from The Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall and Wyre Forest House.

Councillor Ballinger added: “Please don’t miss out on this opportunity. Your views matter greatly to us and really will help shape the future of Wyre Forest.”