Meeting documents

Background

Following the successful bid for funding by the Risborough Area Forum to the Countryside Agency, a co-ordinator was appointed to carry out a Market Town Healthcheck for the towns of Princes Risborough and Thame.

The main aim of a Healthcheck is to develop an action plan, which will enhance the role of market towns as drivers for rural economic prosperity. More generally the Healthcheck should help support towns as service centres and hubs for surrounding areas.

A Healthcheck of Risborough has been undertaken. There was wide community consultation and the residents’ issues and concerns have been taken on board.  From this a Vision and Action Plan has been prepared and presented to the Town Council and Area Forum.

Summary of Vision

“A sustainable environment in which people are pleased to live, work and visit: where commercial and leisure opportunities flourish; which visitors find attractive; with good access and ease of movement; that is socially strong with a cohesive community spirit; and whose historic character is enhanced.”

The above summarises the broad aims, principles, and aspirations of the town and hinterland residents.  During many hours of meetings, consultations, and deliberations with partners, residents, and stakeholders these broad aims were crystallised and refined into a more specific vision for Risborough.

What have emerged are common areas of agreement that represent what the community envisions Princes Risborough will be like in the year 2025.

The following are extracts from the full Vision Statement:

“a flourishing economy” – in which an overarching business survey has been completed, leading to a sound economic base.

Associated Projects

“socially strong with a cohesive community spirit” – in which the concerns of young and old have been addressed, leading to a safe and pleasant place for all to live.

Associated Projects

“with good access and ease of movement” – in which an overarching transport survey has been completed, leading to uncongested and environmentally friendly transport routes and systems

Associated Projects

Next Stage

Projects have been identified which will enable the vision to be realised and the complete draft healthcheck will be forwarded to the Countryside Agency for validation in August.

Successful validation will release monies from the Countryside Agency, which will part fund the post of Market Towns and Rural Officer in the Business Development and Regeneration Unit who will have responsibility for implementing the projects.

A full copy of the Draft Healthcheck showing the complete vision and project list can be obtained from Chris Waterton in the Business Development Unit – Tel 01494 421129

A further Market Town Healthcheck has commenced in Bourne End and should be completed during the summer of 2005.