WOMEN are invited to air their views on how safe they feel in the city's parks.

The subject will be at the top of the agenda when the Worcester Women group meets next Monday.

The group is made up of women from all over the city who meet regularly to air their views and talk about what they would like to see in Worcester.

They work to make sure that women are not discriminated against when using council services.

Their views and opinions help to plan future council services, making sure they meet women's needs and are easily accessible for everyone.

Guest speaker at this Monday's meeting will be Chris Waterfall, parks officer with the city council.

He will be answering questions and addressing concerns and will also gather suggestions for the parks service in the future.

"The group has already spent some time thinking about the issues they wish to raise," said Debbie Tillsley, equal opportunities adviser at the council.

"These include tackling increasing usage, tackling misuse, improving pushchair access and hosting more children's activities.

"Women who feel they would like to talk more about city parks are welcome to come along and join the meeting."

Worcester's parks have been the scene of a series of incidents in the last few years.

In August 2000 a woman was raped in Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne Road, and in December 2001 three young women were frightened by a transvestite exposing himself in Cripplegate Park, St John's.

Cripplegate Park has been entered into a national award scheme with the application highlighting the work being done to encourage community involvement and the park's horticultural improvement programme.

The meeting will take place in the Court Room at The Guildhall, Worcester, at 1pm. For more information, phone Ms Tillsley on 01905 722308.