CYCLISTS across North Wiltshire will be able to express their views on facilities in their towns at several forums run by Wiltshire County Council.

The cycle liaison panels give cyclists an opportunity to voice their opinions on current facilities and plans for improvements.

Riders have already told the county council what facilities or improvements they think would help to make cycling easier, safer and more enjoyable in West Wiltshire.

These have been incorporated into existing cycle improvement schemes, some of which have or will be progressed during the next financial year.

The county council will now be running the meetings in Calne and Chippenham.

Yesterday a meeting was held at the town hall in Calne and next Wednesday, January 19, there will be a meeting at North Wiltshire District Council's Monkton Park offices.

The meetings take place every three months, and run from 5.30pm until 7pm.Experts from Wiltshire County Council and North and West Wiltshire District Councils will be on hand to answer any questions.

The forum is open to all new and existing cyclists and cyclists' groups.

Anyone wanting to take up riding but worried about how to go about it is also welcome.

Bill Prendergast, Travelwise manager at Wiltshire County Council, said: "It is very important for the county council to talk to cyclists and to listen to them.

"It is always useful to share knowledge and find out what cyclists think about cycling facilities.

"Working together we can hopefully increase cycling and reduce the number of car trips, especially those under two to three miles in length."

For more information email cycling@wiltshire.gov.uk, or phone the county council on (01225) 713404.