Objective:

To facilitate the expansion of the local economy to extend opportunity for established local businesses and the creation of new ones, ensuring that our economy is robust with high quality jobs and skills.

Maintain, protect and enhance the independent nature and vitality of the town centre.

Encourage sustainable tourism which uses local services, facilities and locally produced goods creating an accessible and attractive destination for visitors and local people. This will further our AONB status.

To do achieve this, we are going to:

Research un-used training / skills to identify possible businesses to attract to the area - this will comprise both the review of existing data (Census and other socio-economic data), consultation with local people (focusing on commuters / unemployed / underemployed).  Undertake market research on the requirements of those businesses.

Research local need for employment units for existing businesses / entrepreneurs through business survey.  Use findings to quantify the type and size of units for which there is likely to be demand.

Research eco-accreditation and criteria that could be used to evaluate the sustainability of tourism projects.  Consider to what extent elements are relevant to the Neighbourhood Plan area.

Contact local tourism businesses to understand their future requirements and interest in more sustainable tourism.  

We have formed a Working Group and the contact details of our members can be found below. We are very keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in taking part.

We have some very large questions to tackle and would welcome enquires form people no matter your personal background or age.

You can contact our members directly or through our Contacts Page on the Website (Tab Above).

We look forward to hearing from you.

Working Group meeting minutes can be found here