BOROUGH groups could scoop a cash prize for playing their part in a new face-to-face forum on safety matters.

Face The People, in January 2009, will see decision makers from the council, police, fire service and other organisations answering community safety questions put directly by members of the public.

Community groups are being invited to submit up to two questions which could influence future community safety priorities in the borough.

One question will be selected from all entries received and posed to decision makers at Face The People.

The group who submit the chosen question will be given up to ten places at the event, £100 towards their work in communities and have their work highlighted at the event in a Face The People information pack.

Sally Johnson, from a Dudley Safe and Secure Action Group, said: “Our group cover the Castle and Priory area and we are looking forward to taking part in face the people.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to voice our opinions and raise any concerns on behalf of our group and borough residents – it’s our chance to make a difference.”.

Councillor Anne Millward, cabinet member for community safety, said: “It’s great that community groups can have their say and win some money towards their work.

“I would encourage them to take this opportunity to have their voice heard by key decision makers.

“It’s the first event of its kind in Dudley and I would encourage residents to take part and make this a regular event in the borough.”

All borough residents are being given the chance to take part in a series of workshops, working with others to prepare questions for decision makers at the event.

People attending the workshops will be guaranteed a place at Face The People to put their questions.

Workshops will be held on Thursday October 2 at Dudley College Conference Centre, Brierley Hill, from 10am to 1pm and Friday October 17 from 2pm to 5pm at St Thomas’s Network, Beechwood Road, Dudley.

A further workshop will take place at Lye Community Centre on Tuesday October 21 from 6.30pm to 9pm.

For more information or a booking form contact Kerry Wright in Dudley Council’s community safety team on 01384 814735 or email kerry.wright@dudley.gov.uk