A NEW community forum has been formed in north Winchester.

Residents in Weeke, Bereweeke, Teg Down or Harestock are invited to a series of meetings to discuss ways to improve the area.

The forum aims to involve people, groups or businesses in voicing their needs and taking action to make things happen.

Four public meetings have been arranged, all starting at 7.30pm.

Tuesday October 15, Homes and shared spaces at Weeke Community Centre (including a presentation from Winchester Action on Climate Change about potentially free ways to reduce heating bills); Monday October 21, Roads and transport - Weeke Primary School; Monday November 4, Community amenities - Weeke Primary School; Monday November 11, Jobs - Weeke Primary School.

The forum has been set up by Winchester Area Community Action and the city council.

Paul Williams, chief executive of WACA said: “A lot of great planning and consultation work has already been done – this is a chance to make things happen – and to show how individuals as well as groups can make a positive change to their community”.

The area is coming under pressure with local schools having to expand and development pressure that will see the Westman Road playground built on.

The area is set to be massively influenced by the development of the 2,000-home Barton Farm estate next to Weeke and Harestock.