Businesses and residents across Newcastle-under-Lyme are being invited to a community forum to discuss crime, anti-social behaviour and priorities for a safer town centre.

The second Safer Newcastle Community Forum will take place at Castle House on Wednesday 21 October from 5pm to 6pm.

Delivered through the Safer Newcastle Partnership, the quarterly forum will include representatives of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Police, alongside Councillor Andrew Fisher, Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods.

Charlotte Pearce, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager, said: "The Safer Newcastle Partnership is all about working together.

"Businesses and residents see and experience the town every day, so their feedback is essential in helping partners understand concerns and identify priorities.

"This second forum is an opportunity to continue that conversation, hear about the work taking place and make sure the community has a regular voice in shaping a safer Newcastle.

"We encourage anyone with questions, concerns or ideas to come along and get involved."The forum forms part of the wider Safer Newcastle initiative, a partnership approach focused on making the town centre safer, more welcoming and better connected.

Initiatives include the WalkSafe app, the Women's Safe Space, the "See It. Hear It. Report It." campaign and free access for town centre businesses to the DISC information-sharing platform.

The quarterly meetings aim to provide an opportunity for businesses and residents to hear directly from partners, raise concerns and help shape community safety priorities.

Attendees can hear updates on current issues, information about initiatives and campaigns and advice on the support available.

Businesses and residents are also invited to submit questions and topics ahead of the meeting.

A spokesperson for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID said: "A key message of the Safer Newcastle campaign is encouraging everyone to report concerns.

"Whether it is anti-social behaviour, suspicious activity or something that has made someone feel uncomfortable, reporting it helps partners understand what is happening and where action is needed.

"Staffordshire Police and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council rely on information from people on the ground. Even small pieces of information can help build a bigger picture and make a real difference."

The Safer Newcastle Community Forum takes place at Castle House on Wednesday 21 October from 5pm to 6pm and is open to businesses and residents across Newcastle-under-Lyme.

To submit a question ahead of the meeting, register your interest or find out more, email [email protected] or visit the Newcastle-under-Lyme BID social media channels.