BLACK and ethnic minority groups in Redditch want Worcestershire County Council to visit their communities and hear concerns at grass roots level.

The county council recently held its first meeting to gauge the views of the county's black and ethnic minority communities and hailed it a success.

Race Equality - Making It Happen, at Redditch Town Hall on July 26, looked at the county council's Race Equality Scheme.

Former Redditch Mayor Madge Tillsley MBE said: "We thought it extremely important that the county council arrange this meeting to listen to the concerns and views of black and ethnic minority groups from Redditch.

"Most people who attended said they wanted the county council to come out and listen to concerns in the community, at grass roots level.

"Many problems faced by black and ethnic minority communities were highlighted and the county council really did seem to listen and take things on board.

"We're looking forward to enjoying an even more fruitful relationship with the council in the future."

Issues raised included employment and dealing with racial harassment and access to services, and groups represented included Redditch Pakistani Forum and the Descendants of Windrush ."