It is not often that a community is given the opportunity, even encouraged, to voice its collective views and aspirations under a government-sponsored scheme. Moreover, the government has put its money where its mouth is, not only fundingthe preparation of this Parish Plan but also making available development funding for bids to make things happen. So there can be no better time than the present to identify items that will make a difference to our community, not to change the things we value, but rather to seek to enhance our lives and our environment.
The voluntary Group first met in November 2007, when it adopted its Constitution:
1. The name of the Group shall be the Luttons & Weaverthorpe Parish Plan Steering Committee, hereafter referred to as the Committee.
2. The purpose of the Committee shall be to act on behalf of the two Parish Councils (the Luttons, incorporating Helperthorpe, and Weaverthorpe) in the preparation of a Parish Plan and, in doing so, to carry out the following tasks:
i. Identify ways of involving the whole community and gather the views and opinions of as many individuals, groups and organisations as possible
ii. Determine the types of survey and information gathering to be used and subsequently conduct the survey(s)
iii. Be responsible for the analysis of the survey(s), and the production and distribution of the Parish Plan
iv. Liaise with relevant authorities and organisations to make the Parish Plan as realistic and comprehensive as possible
vi Include an Action Plan identifying priorities and timescale for local action including the lead organisations and potential sources of project funding
vi. Investigate and identify support, both in the communities and in the relevant authorities, for the Parish Plan
vi. To report back to the Parish Councils on progress, issues arising and outcomes from the exercise.
(Taken from the Constitution of the Parish Plan Steering Committee, November 2007)
This Parish Plan sets out to represent the community’s views and propose a way forward to address its concerns and aspirations. By the time the Plan goes to press everyone will have had an opportunity to contribute and comment; the Plan is a consensus of this input. On its own the Plan is nothing; it is but a beginning. It will require commitment, time and effort from the community to implement it, whether it is by organising or joining a working party, organising fund-raising events, talking to outside bodies, or formulating bids for external funding. The real work starts now – and the wider community must engage to make it happen. There is help and advice available but we have to make the first move. When I was asked to join the Parish Plan Steering Group, and subsequently to chair the Group, I had little idea of where the process might lead. The massive response to the questionnaire and the results of the analysis, together with the enthusiasm of the other members of the Group, has convinced me that it can and will work to the benefit of our community. My thanks to the volunteers forming the Group, who are:
Karen Beresford Resident, Helperthorpe
Jenny Clarke Resident, Helperthorpe
Peter Clarke Clerk, Weaverthorpe Parish Council (part)
Alan Corbett Clerk, Luttons and Helperthorpe Parish Council
Audrey Corbett Chair, Luttons and Helperthorpe Parish Council
Marie Darby Resident, West Lutton
Maggie Farey Yorkshire Rural Communities Council
Andy Macdonald Resident, West Lutton
Julie Mason Member, Weaverthorpe Parish Council
Meg Medley Resident, Weaverthorpe
Ron Medley Resident, Weaverthorpe
Jan Wigglesworth Resident, Helperthorpe
and to the others who helped with tasks such as questionnaire distribution, analysis and text.
Andy Macdonald
Chairman, Parish Plan Steering Group
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