A NEW Forest super-group is being forged to represent senior citizens and pensioners' interests.
Formed with the collaboration of Help the Aged, Gloucestershire Older Persons Assembly and Citizens' Say, the new group is particularly relevent with difficult times ahead.
"It will enable us to represent the interests of pensioners and over-55s to councils, the police and all the other organisations which the government says should be listening to us," said Tony Elkington, chairman of Citizens' Say.
He is helping to steer the new group into life. It will have the working title of The Forest Senior Network, he says.
A spokesman for the steering group says of the 82,500 people living in the Forest district today around 20 per cent are aged 65 years or over.
"During the next 20 years the numbers will increase dramatically, both locally and nationally and, unless checked, the problems of poverty, isolation and increasing health needs will grow likewise," said the spokesman.
Legislation now requires local and central government bodies to consult with senior citizens about policies that may affect them, and to do so before policies are finalised.
In some parts of the country older peoples' forums have been operating for years. Some, like South Gloucestershire, have a membership of thousands and most forums have established beneficial working relationships with their district council and other bodies.
"However, in Dean, there is no single, truly representative group to speak and act for older people," said the spokesman.
The proposed group will be represented at the Fit and Well Day at Forest Hills Golf Club on Tuesday (January 13) by the Rural Community Council. For more information telephone 01594 845540.