Residents in the Somer Valley and surrounding area, including Midsomer Norton, are being invited to attend their upcoming local Connecting Communities Forum.

Connecting Communities Forums are supported by Bath and North East Somerset Council, bringing public services, local organisations and residents together to address areas of local concern.

The next meeting of the Somer Valley Forum – which covers Farmborough, Farrington Gurney, High Littleton, Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Peasedown St John, Radstock, Timsbury and Westfield – will be held on Tuesday September 24 from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Swallow Community Café, St Nicholas Church Centre, Church Road, in Radstock.

Invited are the area's parishes, community organisations and ward councillors - as well as local residents.

Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath and North Somerset Council, said: "The council recognises that Bath and North East Somerset is a diverse area with differing needs and priorities.

"It values the local information and feedback the forums provide as these help to shape local services.

"We are keen to engage with as many local residents as possible so these meetings are open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.

"I am looking forward to hearing views on our new priorities and giving people a greater say in decision-making.

"I am looking forward to the discussion with our partners in Somer Valley about how we meet the needs of young people in the area, as well as the update on rural transport."

The main topic of this forum meeting will be young people. The police will tell the forum more about the Mini Police project which is operating in Peasedown St John.

There will be an explanation of the council's SEND Partnership Service, including details of a local peer support group for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Off the Record will speak about their latest work in the Somer Valley area and the Carer's Centre, based in Radstock, will speak about their work with young carers.

There will also be an update from the BANES Rural Transport Group.

Lynda Robertson, chair of the Somer Valley Forum, said: "The forum has always been interested in understanding more fully the issues affecting young people as well as the support and opportunities available to them in our local area.

"We're delighted that Swallow Community Café are hosting the forum meeting as it provides training and work placement for people with learning disabilities.

"The meetings are open to the public and we would be delighted to see any local resident wishing to join the discussion."