An ambitious vision of a creative and sustainable Eden has been unveiled by Eden District Council which is now urging everyone to have their say on the ideas.
A new Council Plan has been published which will set its priorities until 2023 under four headings: Sustainable; Connected; Creative; and Healthy, Safe and Secure.
It is now encouraging businesses, parish and town councils, voluntary and community organisations and members of the public to have their say during the public consultation which runs until October 4.
The plan has been written by councillors in the coalition of Lib-Dem, Independent, Green and Labour members and has a strong theme of sustainability running through its proposals, coming as it does just a few weeks after the council voted to declare a climate emergency in Eden.
Their vision for Eden is ‘a place where people act together to meet the needs of all and ensure the well-being of future generations.’
The Council Plan also includes a list of commitments for action on a wide range of issues including: superfast broadband coverage for all of Eden; renewable energy schemes; supporting business growth; housing; improving town centres and supporting arts and culture.
Council leader Virginia Taylor said: ““The key theme of our plan is sustainability – which includes preparing to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030 for EDC’s operations, but we are serious too about economic and social sustainability.
“That means encouraging more businesses to set up in Eden and working with them to provide high paid and creative jobs so young families can stay and flourish in our rural communities as well as in the towns. We’re now inviting people to add their ideas to those we have put forward because the only way we achieve these changes is in partnership with the community.”
Businesses are being encouraged to engage with the consultation at a breakfast meeting at Rheged on October 1st which will be followed by an afternoon session for voluntary groups and the general public as well as an evening event for parish councils.
Deputy leader Mary Robinson said: “We need business leaders to tell us how we can really offer support that will help them to grow. We want to be more proactive in encouraging businesses to see Eden as a place to do business
“Companies like theidol.com could be based anywhere in the world, but they have chosen Eden. Superfast broadband is an essential element for all businesses wherever they are based in Eden and is obviously going to be key to attracting more people like that.”
Eden chief executive Rose Rouse said that once the Plan has been agreed by the Council following the consultation the authority would ensure the ideas were put into action.
“These are not just words and aspirations. The Council Plan has to be about delivery and because we want to collaborate on these objectives with the public and businesses we will be as transparent as possible.
“We’ll report in detail online on a regular basis to show the progress we are making.”
The consultation on the Council Plan runs until October 4 and responses can be made by email, writing to the council or via the short survey at www.eden.gov.uk/councilplan
