Whether it's litter, parking, anti-social behaviour, youth services, refuse collection or any other of the hundreds of services the council provides, residents can attend a 'What's the big idea?' event to tell the council what improvements they would like to see made.

The event for Calverley residents will take place on Wednesday, March 5, at Calverley Mechanics Institute from 3pm until 7pm.

Organised by the West Leeds Area Management team, the event will be attended by local ward councillors, council staff, community police officers, representatives from the health services and other local organisations who will be on hand to discuss any suggestions that people may have.

The area committee, made up of elected local councillors, has an area delivery plan which details actions to be carried out to improve local neighbourhoods over the next three years. Residents' ideas and suggestions will be pinpointed on large scale maps to help identify priorities and provide services that are more responsive to the needs of local communities.

Councillor Les Carter, executive board member responsible for neighbourhoods, said: "This type of initiative is an important way of working with local people and I hope that residents will make use of these opportunities and help to shape their future for the better."

Councillor Andrew Carter, chair of the outer west area committee, said: "Getting residents involved in local decision making is important as it can help to create a greater sense of community spirit, belonging and pride.

"The decisions made now will help form the plans for the area over the next three years so it is vital we get input from those people who really know the area and have an interest in how it develops."

Councillor Denise Atkinson, chair of the inner west area committee, said: "This is an opportunity for residents to help influence decision making on matters which will have an impact on their own neighbourhoods.

"People who live and work in the area are best placed to say what affects them and it is important that their views are reflected in the services delivered by the council."

The event will take the form of a drop-in session where residents will be able to discuss their thoughts with representatives from the council and its partner organisations.

Also attending the event will be representatives from the council's Fuelsavers service who will be on-hand to give advice on energy saving and reducing fuel bills.

* Residents with any questions should contact the west Leeds area management team on (0113) 3950976.