Hertsmere residents are being given a greater opportunity to participate in the decision-making process of the borough council, under the new constitution.

For the first time, the public can routinely have their say on the main decisions to be taken by Hertsmere Borough Council.

Before the new constitution was adopted earlier this month, their views were only taken into account in deciding planning applications, or specific issues where public consultation was deemed necessary.

But, under the new constitution, the council must publish a forward plan every four months, informing the public of the key decisions it will take in that period.

Hertsmere's first forward plan published on December 14 and available at the Civic Offices, libraries and on the internet tells the public, for each of the decisions, how they are to be consulted, how to make representations and which documents are relevant.

The plan also says who will take a key decision, which is defined as one which would result in a certain level of spending or saving, or have a significant impact on people in at least two wards, and when.

For example, the forward plan for January to April next year, advises people that decisions will be taken on car parking and crime and disorder, and they can state their views in writing to the council.

The council's former head of democratic services Keith Stephens said the new constitution, which he oversaw the introduction of before leaving on health grounds, was about "getting closer to the people".

He added: "The opportunity is there for greater public involvement if people are prepared to take it - it is up to them."

The council's forward plan can be found on the internet at www.hertsmere.gov.uk.Senior committee officer Linda Cooke said: "We have never had anything like this before."

Under the old system, people could find out what was to be discussed by looking at the agenda, published three to seven days before a council meeting.

When the new constitution comes into force on January 1, the meetings of the council's decision-making executive will be public, unless, as now, certain confidential issues are being discussed.