VOLUNTARY groups in Halesowen can bid for vital funding at the next round of Dudley Council’s community forums.

People are invited to have their say at forums covering the Halesowen North and South, Belle Vale, Hayley Green and Cradley South, and Cradley, which is part of the Stourbridge North, Amblecote, Wollescote and Lye forum, at meetings next month.

Community groups will also have the chance to bid for grants of up to £5,000 to help them continue their work.

Dudley Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe said: ““The community forums are an excellent way for people to tell us what things are working in their communities and where we need to support them to make improvements.

“There’s never a better chance for people to quiz their local councillors on issues that are important to them.

“There’s also an opportunity for community groups to bid for vital funding to help them continue their excellent work and I urge them to come along to find out more.”

Halesowen North and Halesowen South Community Forum will be on Tuesday September 6, at the town’s Leasowes High School, Kent Road.

Amblecote, Cradley and Wollescote and Lye and Stourbridge North residents will be able to speak to councillors at Lye Community Centre, Cross Walks, on Monday September 12 with Belle Vale, Hayley Green and Cradley South Community Forum taking place at Windsor High School, Richmond Street, Halesowen, on the same evening. All the forums start at 6.30pm