At the Parish Council meeting, held on Monday 4^th August a discussion paper was presented outlining the basic principals of a `Parish Plan', why Winterslow should produce one, its benefits and the process involved in its production. The meeting resolved to undertake further investigations into the project and carry out preliminary public consultation. This is to involve contacting Salisbury District Council, identifying funding, determining the degree of support shown by a sample cross section of groups/organisations and individuals within the community; also to identify any commitment to stand for election as a member of the "Steering Group and co-opted working parties. It was also decided to engage the community by producing this article in order to stimulate discussion and debate.

What is a `Parish Plan'?

Over the last few years more and more communities have been involved in working to improve the quality of life in their areas. Using local people and local initiatives they have discovered that it is those decisions taken in their village or parish, which can be most responsive to local need. However, in order to make decisions they required up to date and accurate information on conditions, views and lifestyles in their community.

A parish plan is a useful tool with which to obtain such information and it has been tried and tested over the last twenty years. In excess of 1,500 communities have completed `Village Appraisals' to take stock of facts and opinions about their village, parish or small town.

What use is it?

Essentially a `Village Appraisal' is a comprehensive and holistic survey carried out by the community for the community. Utilising a locally compiled questionnaire distributed to each household, it offers local people the opportunity to comment on the issues that affect their daily lives. The information gathered from the survey can be used both to celebrate local distinctiveness and to put together a community action plan, the `Parish Plan', which has the potential to have a major influence on the way the village grows, develops and responds to the challenges of modem society. It will assist in setting priorities and help target limited resources. Low cost housing schemes, good neighbour groups, transport schemes, newsletters and resource centres are just some of the local benefits which have come about as the result of the production of parish plans.

Who Produces It?

The Plan production will be the responsibility of the `Parish Plan Steering Committee'. The Committee will consist of a maximum of twelve village representatives, no more than two being serving parish councillors. The Committee will be elected at an open public meeting. Those elected will undertake to confirm local support for the Plan, establish funding, take responsibility for producing a project plan, carry out the' Village Appraisal', provide progress reports for the Parish Council, liaise with external organisations and produce the Parish Plan. Experience has shown that the process will take from twelve to eighteen months.

Who Will Listen?

It is important to make maximum use of the information gathered in the Village Appraisal and presented in the Parish Plan. The latter will incorporate an action plan, which will provide a `Blue Print' to assist the Parish Council in discharging its responsibilities in acting in the best interests of the community, which it serves. It has been known for an inspector at a planning inquiry to ask whether a `Village Appraisal' has been carried out and if so what were the results? Early approaches with copies of the Parish Plan, to relevant bodies such as local authority planning committees have opened dialogue on local plans and policies resulting in funding being provided for local projects.

The results of a parish plan can be a powerful lobbying tool, has the advantage of reinforcing a sense of community and gives ownership of how the village is developing and maturing to the community.

Should you require further information the paper submitted to the Parish Council has been posted on the village web site or alternatively if you wish to debate the topic you can contact Mike Brown, parish councillor, on 862842.

• YOUR COMMUNITY ...... YOUR FUTURE ........ YOUR PLAN