TEST Valley has been chosen as one of two pilot areas for new style meetings designed to bring the council closer to the people.

The first of the new public meetings will take place on Tuesday at 5pm in Houghton village hall, near Stockbridge.

On the agenda for the first meeting are cultural services and in particular libraries, their future role, Sunday opening and use of the mobile library network.

The meeting will explore the issues of local access to the arts, including the Hog the Limelight scheme, which brings high quality performances to local village halls and community centres.

Road safety, particularly speeds on long stretches of local roads, is the other topic to be discussed.

Chairman, Stockbridge councillor Michael Woodhall, said: "The area committee will act as the 'eyes and ears' of the county council in the community to establish what it wants from us locally to improve their quality of life.

"Access to theatres, cinemas and other cultural services and road safety are big issues for a large number of local people of all ages and I'm really looking forward to the discussions. I hope members of the public will join us at this and future meetings to give us their feedback."

After talks from officers, Councillor Woodhall will invite residents to ask questions of county councillors and other members of the committee, including representatives from Test Valley Borough Council, Test Valley Association of Parish Councils, the Test Valley Partnership and Test Valley Community Services.

The area committee will make recommendations to the county council's cabinet.

Members of the public are invited to attend.