Kingston’s first neighbourhood forum has been designated by the council, and is hoped to put residents at the heart of planning issues in their area.

The North Kingston Forum covers the Canbury and Tudor wards, comprising people who live or work in the area.

Chairwoman Diane Watling hopes more people who want a say in how to improve the neighbourhood, what kind of businesses open nearby or how many homes are built will get involved.

The group is currently consulting residents on four subjects before creating a neighbourhood plan.

Those subjects are Business, Heritage and Design, Community Facilities and Services, and Environment.

Neighbourhood forums were proposed by the government as a way for the local community to have a bigger say in planning.

There are more than 2,000 across the country, but this is the first in Kingston.

Anyone who wants to get involved can contact northkingstonforum@gmail.com, or visit northkingstonforum.org.