LOCALISATION

Making the most of local resources and services

Creating new and local resources and services

Valuing local resources and services

A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

People helping one another out.

People appreciating one another.

Residents, local groups, local businesses contributing to the hamlet / village / town.

ACCESS TO THE COUTRYSIDE AND WILDERNESS

We all need wilderness - the idea of it as well as vising it.

We can all benefit from out and aboutin the countryside

LINKING WITH URBAN PLACES

Undestading our mutual dependence

Benefiting from each other’s services and resources

Understanding and appreciating difference

Irene Evison

Resources for Change

I would like to see:

Safe and welcoming communities where individuals are supported and encouraged to actively care about one another and their neighbourhood (including environment).

This is somewhere I would like to live

Annie Hadfield

Sustainable communities encouraged.

More affordable rural housing provided.

Better rural transport provided / available.

Access to services for rural communities

Support for rural businesses

Vibrant facilities being supported by local people

Better provision available for older people that live in rural areas.

More activities / facilities provided for youth in market towns and rural areas.

Support for farming communities

Better use of community assets by diversifying uses i.e. Post Office in village halls.

Ann Tweney

Oxfordshire Rural Community Council

• Stop loss of essential rural services

• Combine support for services in one central area or remaining business e.g. pub

• Encourage financial support for existing businesses and for people to provide additional services and take risky steps.

• Encourage local people to use, support and supply local services which then support affordable housing. Housing is no use on its own if there are no services, no transport and car dependent.

• Recognise environmental benefits of using local services and staying rural.

• Be proud of local suppliers, local differences and local produce which gives an area its heart and soul and character.

• Be supported by governments who recognise the values – often intangible – of rural communities

• Encourage social and economic and environmental returns to be a measuring benchmark rather than just financial

John Longden

Vibrant but uncongested settlements

Fresh air

Beautiful landscapes and views

Safe communities

Excellent education opportunities

Sustainable communities for all ages

Access to services through various means

Access to employment opportunities either locally or home based – Live work options

Strong sense of community - supporting each other to provide the best available services and opportunities for all

History and heritage interpreted and protected

Open space available to all

Lots of festivals and fun events

Technological solutions to overcome the barriers of isolation, without detracting from the quality of life rural living provides.

Sam Hine

Shropshire 1 Oct 08