Over 130 representatives from more than 100 statutory organisations as well as the community, voluntary and business sectors joined Ards and North Down’s ‘Big Conversation’ about community planning at an all day workshop held in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor on Wednesday (11 November 2015).
Community planning is a new power of local authorities in Northern Ireland since April 2015 and will join up the efforts of public sector, business, voluntary and community organisations, already involved in delivering services, to plan and deliver better outcomes.
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Community planning in action in Ards and North Down.[/caption]
The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, explained: “As the name, the ‘Big Conversation’, suggests community planning is about helping agencies and individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue with each other. Rather than each organisation involved in developing our community plan looking solely to improve their own area of interest, these conversations will enable organisations to consider their concerns alongside other issues that are important to the local area.
“The priorities identified will then be used to develop a 15 year vision and community plan for the borough and will ultimately deliver better, more co-ordinated services for everyone in our area.”
Several big issues were identified during the workshop. These included: the need to upskill the workforce to improve employability; the importance of early interventions in areas such as health, education and crime; the desire to improve the quality of green spaces and create pathways to link them as walking routes; and the need to improve infrastructure, specifically transport links.
Chief Executive of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Stephen Reid, is delighted with the progress made to date. He commented: “The community planning workshop was a resounding success with lots of ‘Big Conversations’ taking place throughout the day on vital areas such as healthcare, the environment, education and the economy. The priorities identified from these discussions will play a vital role in the development of a vision and Community Plan for the area. “It is not too late to join the Big Conversation. As part of the process, the Community Planning Partnership will be asking residents to tell us what they think our priorities should be. I would encourage everyone to take the time to engage with us, whether this is by attending local consultation activities, completing online questionnaires or providing feedback via our comment cards. Keep an eye out in the local press and on the Council’s website for more details on how to participate.” For more information on community planning visit:
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