The Town Council is the instigator in the Plan, and acts as banker for the grant money to cover the costs of the plan, but the plan is done by the community of Alford. The Town Council then takes ownership of the Plan for legal purposes.
Following the public meeting held on the 8th November, which showed a superb turnout, the next meeting formed the actual Steering Group who's role is to formulate the consultation ideas, the questionnaire and finally the Plan itself. The public meeting allowed those present to put their initial thoughts on a variety of topics, and it was good to see so many ideas and thoughts put forward from health issues to car parking in the town. There will be more meetings and suggestions and events so keep an eye out around the town.
Updated Progress
The Steering Group has now agreed its constitution and terms of reference, and a funding application has been submitted and is almost approved by Community Lincs. Community Lincs is working with the Steering Group to ensure the best possible Town Appraisal is produced, which will help pave the way for funding streams into the town in the future.
The Appraisal can also help to influence development control issues in the town, and must be produced in such a way that it is acceptable and include planning matters which can be considered and taken into account by ELDC (for example ideas on redevelopment of a brownfield site can be considered; bold statements such as "we don't want any more bungalows" cannot.
The Group is to concentrate its efforts on a questionnaire, but other forms of consultation will take place around the town and the groups in the town to ensure everyone is involved. Just keep an eye out on the notice boards in town and on this site. Next meeting 8th May 2008.
In 1990 the Town Council along with volunteers instigated a Town Appraisal for Alford.
That appraisal covered areas of concern to the town at that time. It is now time
for a new appraisal and a new vision for Alford for the next 10 -