East Cambridgeshire District Council

More than 750 people gave their thoughts and ideas this spring on what makes East Cambridgeshire a safe, well-served and enjoyable place to live and work.

The East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership, a body representing public services, voluntary groups and businesses asked what people wanted to see in the area over the next 20 years, and have used the feedback they have received to devise a new strategy.

A wide range of people responded to the first phase of the consultation which included workshops, questionnaires with members of the public and consultation with local schools - interestingly they all shared similar values no matter their background or age.

The draft document will now go out for further consultation to ensure the themes of the new Strategy - environmentally sensitive; well-served and well-connected; active and inclusive communities – are what people want to see in their local area.

To give feedback, residents can log on to East Cambridgeshire District Council’s website or meet representatives of the Partnership at the following events:

• Thursday 1 July - Ely Market Place
• Sunday 4 July - Aquafest
• Saturday 24 July - Littleport Show

Cllr Fred Brown, Chairman of the East Cambridgeshire Strategic Partnership, said: "We had a great response to the first consultation with 769 people taking the time to give us their views. Through our consultations with local secondary schools, half of all respondents were under 16. This is especially important as the new Strategy spans 20 years so these are the people who will be wanting to work and live in East Cambridgeshire in the future.

"The next stage is to hear from the public about what they think of our proposed priorities. Are they the right areas? Are there any important issues that we have missed and what projects can we do and actions can we take to make sure we achieve our aims? These are questions which only the people who live and work in the district can answer so we need your help - this is your chance to make your community strong."

View the draft Strategy or email lsp2@eastcambs.gov.uk to request a paper copy.

Deadline for comments on the draft Strategy is 21^st August 2010.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For further information contact Tony Taylorson in the Communications Team on 01223 699285.