A NEW group has been formed which promises to meet the 'genuine needs' of Cheshire's residents.

The Community Strategy Partnership held its first meeting at Nantwich Civic Hall and representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors attended.

The group has been formed to serve as a launch pad for new ideas, generating support and helping communities to thrive.

Cheshire County Council is heavily involved with the group and Chairman, Hilary Blumer, from South Cheshire Health Authority, has been appointed to head a core group to shape the partnership in Cheshire.

"Only by working together with a range of organisations will it be possible to deliver the broad sweep of outcomes that we will constructively be planning for," explained Cheshire County Council Chief Executive, Colin Chessman.

Bodies represented at the meeting included school pupils, small businesses, students and health care clients and Cheshire's Fire and Police Services will also be included.

County Council leader, Cllr Derek Bateman, said: "What we have here is a declared intent from a range of influential people who are committed to getting things moving for the benefit of everyone in Cheshire."

BY PETE HENSHAW