COMMUNITY groups in Poole are being invited to join a partnership aiming to make the borough a better place to live.

Poole Partnership has been set up as the result of a government initiative which requires that every town creates such a group to prepare a plan for the area's future.

It has a number of objectives including better housing, building active communities, supporting independent living, investing in young people and making Poole a better place to do businesses.

The partnership has a steering group which is in the process of putting together a plan to realise the future vision for Poole and consists of representatives from faith communities, tourism, town centre management, the primary care trust, police and the fire service and other local organisations.

But it is also supporting community groups which have aims that fit in with the partnership's own objectives.

Local organisations already on board include the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole Economic Partnership, Poole's Crime and Disorder Partnership and Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership.

Chairman Ken Pottle said: "We want to build up a network in Poole of organisations who can become part of a wider partnership.

"Any group that can say it is there to improve the quality of life in the town can join. It's any organisation at all that's not political.

"We've got about 600 groups in the network so far."

A special event is being held on Thursday September 30 to mark the launch of the partnership's new website, and also for local groups interested in becoming members to find out more.

Existing members are also invited to learn how to access information on the site and input their own information.

The launch takes place at Broadstone Middle School in Dunyeats Road, Broadstone from 4.30pm to 8pm.

To book a place, call Abi Hawkins on 01202 633076. The Poole Partnership website can be found at www.poolepartnership.info

First published: September 29