There was a good turnout for the final Big Conversation event in the current part of the process, at Damers School on Saturday 28th. It means that around 150 people have now taken part in more detailed face to face discussion about needs and priorities for future community development in Poundbury.
The workshops have included the opportunity to indicate interest in some of the common themes which are emerging. These include a Community Hub, better provision for young people, tackling isolation and loneliness, local and affordable food, transport provision and road safety, and adapting for climate change. There also seems to be common agreement on the need for a new more broadly based Community Association set up with charitable status, as a forum for all groups.
The project team will now take some time to collate what people have been saying and what they are interested in. It will then plan and publish options for the way forward, before Christmas.
Interim Residents’ Association Chair Rob Hattersley said: ‘I’d like to thank the project group especially, as well as those volunteering to help with newspaper delivery, events and publicity, for their enthusiasm for this initiative. The world may seem dark just now in so many ways, but we have the opportunity to do something positive locally. As a team we have been encouraged and inspired by the ideas and can-do of many people who have engaged with the survey, meetings or events – thank you for your input.’
