People will once again be able to share their ideas at a series of public meetings which are this time being trialled online to reach more people.

The community forums have been on hold because of the pandemic, but will re-start again on October 27.

This round of online events follow the successful ‘leader live’ sessions which have attracted thousands of people to air their ideas live on Facebook over the years.

People will still be able to discuss their ideas and issues with local councillors and police during the virtual sessions and community groups can still apply to their local forum for funding of up to £5,000. Councillor Laura Taylor-Childs, cabinet member responsible for community forums, said:

"This pilot will help shape the nature of Community Forums with a view to increasing participation from residents both online and in person in the future.

"We are continuously looking for ways to make our forums as accessible as we can and give people every opportunity to have their say on community issues.

"In trialling an online approach for this round of meetings, we are keen to look at different ways to help people to participate in our forums, and we will continue to review how we do this going into the future."

Joining this latest round of meetings, which will be held via Microsoft Teams, will be straightforward and support is available for anyone who may not be familiar with the online system.

The meetings will begin with Kingswinford North & Wall Heath, Kingswinford South, Wordsley Community Forum, Netherton, Woodside & St Andrews/Quarry Bank & Dudley Wood Community Forum and Norton, Pedmore & Stourbridge East, Wollaston & Stourbridge Town Community Forum which all take place on October 27.

Castle & Priory, St James’ & St Thomas’ Community Forum and Coseley East/Sedgley Community Forum take place on November 1.

On November 4 Halesowen North & Halesowen South Community Forum will be available for residents.

Amblecote, Cradley & Wollescote, Lye & Stourbridge North Community Forum and Gornal, Upper Gornal & Woodsetton Community Forum will be on November 8.

Finally, Belle Vale, Hayley Green & Cradley South Community Forum and Brierley Hill, Brockmoor & Pensnett Community Forum both take place on November 22.

People who want to attend their local online community forum meeting will need to visit dudley.gov.uk. All the meetings start at 6.30pm.