Community vision is set to be unveiled
A shared community vision for the future of Larkhall will be unveiled when the Larkhall Community Plan is launched in the town’s Trinity Church later this month.
Embodying the views of 1800 local people who took part in a two-month consultation last summer, the plan reflects the hopes, concerns and priorities of up to 40 per cent of households in Larkhall, Netherburn, Ashgill and Dalserf.
The document sets out what is needed to ensure the town grows as a thriving and vibrant place to live, with local services and amenities that meet the needs of current and future generations.
It covers fundamental aspects of community life including health, education, leisure and transport.
Nancy Barr, chair of the Larkhall Plan Partnership, said the plan provides the partnership with a powerful mandate to engage with the local council and other public bodies in seeking their commitment to responding to the needs of local people.
She said:“the Larkhall Community Plan is a strong, collective and clear voice which calls for a response and demonstrates the willingness of the community in playing its part to bring about the change and improvements they want to see.
“This initiative has mobilised the town in working together to secure a sustainable future for the people who live there. Some of the findings are already helping to effect change around the sports centre and town centre strategy in particular.
“Developing this plan has surfaced the pride and passion that local people here have for their communities and their town. Six hundred people expressed a willingness to continue with us on this journey and help to make the plan a reality, and we’ll be in touch with them over the next few weeks on the next steps.
“Meanwhile we’re extending an open invitation to local people to find out the results of the consultation, how that has shaped the plan and to celebrate its launch at 7pm in Trinity Church on Monday, March 23.”
Councillor Maureen Chalmers, depute leader and chair of SLC Community Planning Partnership (CCP), said:“this is an excellent plan that demonstrates community empowerment in action.
“The commitment of the town in taking ownership of and driving forward its future is to be commended.
“Delivering on the needs and aspiration of local people, set out in this plan, is a significant and long-term programme of work that requires sustained partnership working.
“One of those partners is, of course, the local community who have already taken the initiative to improve the town and that’s a very powerful and inspiring catalyst for change. Through the CCP, the council will play its part in moving these issues forward.”