P.P. DAY IS COMING
Your Chance to shape the future

As part of the Government’s rural plans, Parish Plans exist to involve the whole community in identifying the community’s needs.

Over 3000 town and parish councils in England have developed and are benefiting from Parish Plans. The end result is a concise plan, an agreement between the people of Atherstone and the Town Council as to how they would like the town to develop in the future. The plan contains a list of actions for the Council to work to, as agreed by local people.

Plans contain the wishes of local people and cover such topics as oad traffic,Housing; Facilities, for young people; Policing, including law and order; Tourist trails; IT facilities; Inadequacy of local own services; Inadequate public transport and many other issues which directly affect the future of the town.

Atherstone and District Forum is a group of local people who work on a voluntary basis to further the prosperous development of the own for the benefit of local residents,business and the environment. The Forum have been working over the last few months to formulate
a comprehensive questionnaire for distribution to every household in and around the town. Containing approximately 100 questions it will be delivered in March and collected within 14 days.

When the questionnaire has been collated a final action plan will be drawn up to include problems and find solutions. The findings will be taken up with the relevant authorities and timescale’s will be set for results to be obtained.

Benefits in other Parishes have included access to funds to refurbish Village Halls, £30,000 for tourism and further funding for community projects.

The Town Council and local people will be able to work to the plan with other tiers of local government to ensure they are providing the services and standards wanted by the people. Another benefit will be the establishment of closer partnership working between local voluntary groups,community groups, business’s and Town Council.

Speaking to The Recorder, Chairman of The Forum Mr. Peter Farrugia said;

This is a unique opportunity for everyone to have their say .This exercise will take into account all views. If you care about your town and the future of it then you should complete the Parish Plan questionnaire and make your views known.

Mr Farrugia is calling for volunteers to assist in the delivery and collection of the plan.

Anyone interested in helping out should contact me via the Town Council office in North St reet. We must not miss this opportunity to shape our town.