[T]he Upper Eden Community Plan was launched in 2008 and was one of the first of its kind bringing together 17 parishes.
10 years on and much has changed. The Upper Eden Community Plan was designed to bring together the views of local people and represent them to a wide range of organisations that set policies and deliver services in the area. The Upper Eden Community Interest Company in partnership with
Eden District Council are working to update the plan so that it meets the needs of the community today and into the future.
Eden District Council’s Communities Portfolio Holder, Councillor Elaine Martin, said: “I would like to encourage all residents across the relevant 17 parishes to take the opportunity to express their views, both good and bad on what they believe should be the future priorities of the Upper Eden Community Plan.
“Local Community Planning is about making a positive difference to the communities we live in and a change can only be made if opinions are shared.”
From 9 February to 9 March 2018, residents and businesses will have the opportunity to have their say on future priorities for the area. A household survey across the 17 parishes representing Upper Eden will be carried out in order that current and future issues, values and aspirations of the community are represented to make the plan fit for purpose going forward.
Chair of the Upper Eden Community Interest Company, Alex Birtles, said: “We are really keen to create awareness about the forthcoming consultation and encourage residents to participate in the survey and share their views, so as to help shape the new aims and objectives in the refreshed local plan.
“There are many benefits to having a community-led plan. Among other things, they provide guidance for local authorities on the needs of a community; they help to encourage positive change and identify new opportunities; they help to support economic development and encourage growth and investment; and, above all else, they set out the values and aspirations of a community and give the people who live and work in an area a say in what happens. Consequently, I would urge as many households as possible to complete the survey when the time comes.”
Support for the business community has been a priority since the original plan was launched in 2008. This work continues. Upper Eden Community Plan Project Officer, Kellie Bradburn-Sims said: “It has been really interesting to see such a diverse range of businesses engage with the Upper Eden Business Support Programme. All facing different challenges and contributing to our economy in a variety of ways to enhance our local offer. The networking events kicked off to a great start in December, we hope our future events will bring many more businesses together and help strengthen the business community of Upper Eden. “
Business support, advice and training is available to businesses located in the Upper Eden parishes. A dedicated business hub at Kirkby Stephen Business Park is open every Thursday and Friday.
To share your views on the future of the Upper Eden Community Plan and to access business support and training contact the Invest In Eden Business Hub at Kirkby Stephen Business Park, call: 017683 89132 or email: [email protected]
