IT S your voice, your choice, your future . That s the message that Fenland District Council and its key partners are sending out to all residents as they prepare for the series of Community Fairs that will be kicking off in just over two weeks time. Th

IT'S "your voice, your choice, your future". That's the message that Fenland District Council and its key partners are sending out to all residents as they prepare for the series of Community Fairs that will be kicking off in just over two weeks' time.

The fairs are a radical new way of giving all Fenlanders more say in decisions that affect their own areas.

They are designed to be as informal and interactive as possible to encourage the maximum attendance from all age groups.

The first, for March residents, will be held at Neale-Wade Community College on September 28, from 5pm to 8pm.

Five similar events will follow at different locations throughout the district (see panel). Free transport to and from them will be available for people who haven't got their own.

Cllr Kit Owen, FDC's portfolio holder responsible for community development, said: "We are seeking to build from the bottom up, working closely with local communities to ensure that we focus on the issues that they feel are most important. These fairs will play a crucial role in that."

Residents will be able to raise their particular concerns to council officers and representatives of many other partner organisations, including the police, Cambridgeshire County Council and primary care trusts. Careful note will be taken of their views, which will help to shape the council's future policies and actions.

The fairs will feature a wide range of stalls offering advice, help and free handouts on, for example, benefits, crime prevention, energy efficiency and health. People will also be able to find out more about the council's strategic priorities at other stands manned by council staff and key partners.

Various children's activities and competitions will be included, too, in a bid to involve as many people as possible.

Cllr Owen said: "The fairs will not only inform people about all the services that we and our partners provide; they will also give them the chance to say what they most want from us. This kind of approach has proved very successful with our Golden Age fairs for older people. Now we are broadening it out to include all sections of the community."

For details of free transport, including the various pick-up points, phone the council on 01354 654321.

FAIR GROUNDS

March: Neale-Wade Community College, September 28, 5-8pm.

Rural South: Christchurch Primary School, October 3, 10am-4pm.

Chatteris: Cromwell Community College, October 7, 5-8pm.

Wisbech: Thomas Clarkson Community College, October 8, 5-8pm.

Rural North: Parson Drove Village Hall, October 17, 10am-4pm.

Whittlesey: Sir Harry Smith Community College, October 20, 5-8pm.