PEOPLE in Teesdale are getting the chance to vote on their top priorities in the area for next year.

A series of events have been organised by the Teesdale Area Action Partnership (TAP) in November to give people a voice.

Issues on the list include everything from community safety and job training to tourism and transport.

TAP co-ordinator Craig Morgan said: “We have has limited resources so every year we need to make sure we are focusing our efforts where they are most needed.

“It is important we listen to the views of local people and through the priority voting we can see what really matters to communities in the Teesdale area.”

The main event is a meeting of TAP Forum on Saturday, November 15, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle. People can drop-in anytime between 10.30am and 2pm with the results of the vote being announced at 2.30pm.

Previous projects funded by the TAP will showcase their work at the forum and there will also be information on funding opportunities and support for community groups from organisations such as the County Durham Community Foundation and Durham Community Action.

The other drop-in events will take place on:

• Tuesday, November 4, at Lipscomb Hall, Cockfield, from 3.30pm to 6pm;

• Wednesday, November 5 at Middleton-in-Teesdale Village Hall, from 3pm to 6pm;

• Wednesday, November 12, at Winston Village Hall, from 4pm to 5.45pm. This will be followed by a meeting of the TAP Board which people are welcome to attend

Anyone unable to attend but would still like to vote should contact the TAP team on 03000-260817 or email tap@durham.gov.uk