ONE of Winchester's most imp-ortant residents' groups has received the backing of authorities in the city.

The Winchester Town Forum, which was formed to provide interested residents with a means to become more involved in the future of their city, has been praised by Winchester City Council.

At a meeting of the council Cabinet on Wednesday, members were told how the forum had achieved its objectives of getting locals to engage more with the authority.

Members were also told how the forum had succeeded in holding frank debates on a range of issues, and that the attendance figures had shown that there was a need for such a group.

It was also agreed that the forum should be allowed to continue developing along its current lines, with the report adding "particularly as it is beginning to play an increasing part in the council's decision-making structure".

However, in order to ensure the forum continues to talk about important issues and makes a real difference, it was also agreed to hand out a feedback form following each meeting to better gauge the public's view of the forum's work.