Village Plans are part of a Government sponsored initiative to help breathe new life into rural communities and help local people develop their own neighborhoods the way they want. A Village Plan is a document outlining how the community sees itself developing over the next few years. It identifies opportunities (things we like about the village and wish to sustain or develop) and local problems (things we want to change) and sets out a view for the future and how it can be achieved.

 

The whole community with its organizations, clubs and groups should be involved. The Village Plan will be used to support future funding applications. A similar exercise was carried out in Frodsham 18 months ago which led to some £3 million of funding being secured within 12 months of the Plan being approved. Although the Parish Council will play an important role, it is a community effort lead by an independent Steering Committee called the Helsby Village Action Group.

 

In March 2004 Helsby Village Action Group canvassed your views on the future of the village and invited residents to two community meetings. From these meetings it has been established that there is sufficient support from the village to apply for a grant to enable us to undertake the work required to produce a Helsby Village Plan.

 

We are pleased to announce that the grant application has been successful and we are now in a position to seek further information from the village residents to enable us to move forward.

 

Even though you may have given your views on other occasions, we would encourage you to please complete and return the green questionnaire included in the issue of the Helsby News as this seeks different information and should reflect the views of your whole household.

 

FOR THIS PLAN TO BE A SUCCESS WE NEED THE VIEWS OF AS MANY RESIDENTS OF HELSBY AS POSSIBLE.

 

The questionnaire also gives contact 'phone numbers if you have additional information or ideas or if you feel able to volunteer your services to help in the preparation of the Village Plan.

 

We need to find out about:.Its good and bad points

 

.How you would like to see it develop in the future

 

.A clear and full understanding of the needs of the Village, and you the Residents  (services, facilities, clubs and societies etc.)

 

To reach our goals:.We require the views of as many residents as possible

 

.We would like a completed questionnaire on behalf of your whole household

 

.It is important you discuss it and your answers with the other members of your household.What you need to do:

 

Complete the questionnaire over the next few days and return it.before Saturday 16th October to:

 

What happens next?

 

Your answers will be analyzed in detail

 

It is intended to hold open days and provide feedback to residents (also via our Web Site).

 

Action planning and the preparation of a draft Village Plan will take place during the remainder of the year.