Parish Plan Open Day a Massive Success

Frampton Cotterell's Parish Plan Open Day proved a great success, with over 250 local residents of all ages taking the time to view the displays and make constructive comments.

“The sun shone on us on Saturday in more ways than one," reports Jen Dunford, a member of the Parish Plan Steering Group that organised the Open Day. "Even before the designated opening time, residents were already eagerly thronging through the door. The cafe was filled to overflowing for a brief explanatory talk of what Parish Plans are all about and the coffee and bountiful home-made cakes were a sell-out."

She added, “The large numbers attending were beyond our expectations. The comments they attached to the Happy Hedge and the Weeping Wall have certainly made a challenging start for the Steering Group to inform our Parish Plan.”

“It was wonderful to see so many residents from Frampton Cotterell and Coalpit Heath getting together and sharing their interests, hopes and concerns with other parishioners” said Steering Group Member Bob Thomson. “The Parish Plan is about having a stronger, better and safer community in which people can live, work and play."

Dave Hockey, who currently Chairs the Steering Group, said, “It was great to see the members of the Brockeridge Youth Group serving refreshments in the café. The takings were £112, enough to cover the cost of the pool table they want”.

He went on to add, “Let’s hope we get a very high turnout for the special meeting at Crossbow House at 8pm on Thursday to find a way to keep our Community Centre open and flourishing. This is the first major challenge to be tackled for our villages."

Jacqui Ward from Community Action, who supports Parish Plan Projects in rural areas across the former Avon area, is analysing the feedback from Saturday’s Open Day. Ten residents came forward on Saturday to join the Steering Group, doubling its size. The next stage is to seek further input from hard to reach groups in the community and to draft a report identifying priority improvements for consultation with residents.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Plan Open Day tomorrow

Don't forget the Frampton Cotterell Parish Plan Open Day is happening between 10.30 and 3.30 on Saturday 26 January at the Brockeridge Centre. If you live in Frampton Cotterell or Coalpit Heath (which is split between Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh Parishes) come along to have your say on what you love about the area and what you'd like to see improved.

Frampton Cotterell Parish Plan Open Day

Frampton Cotterell are holding their Parish Plan Open Day next Saturday (26th January) between 10.30am and 3.30pm in the Brockeridge Centre, Woodend Road. This is a chance for residents to have their say (and eat home made cakes).

If you're travelling by car, please use the Zion Church car park. Jacqui Ward from Community Action will be making brief presentations at 11.30am adn 2.30pm to explain what Parish Plans are about.

Parish Plan Open Day

Westerleigh Parish Councillors organised an excellent Parish Plan Open Day on Saturday. Despite the poor weather, there was a steady stream of residents dropping in to make their suggestions. As well as completing a questionnaire, residents could also provide feedback by selecting flags with possible improvements or sticking post-it notes up on a board.

There were displays about the play proposals for Newman's Field (pictured above), the mining history of the area, the Manor Hall Trust and the Sensory Garden. The play proposals were generating a lot of interest, with the designer on hand to explain what she is aiming to do. Features such as balance beams and an earth mound with a slide will be arranged around the edge of the field, leaving room for junior football pitches in the centre. Play equipment will be multi-purpose where possible, doubling up as fitness equipment for footballers or seating for spectators at matches, and will be made of natural materials to blend in with the surroundings.

Don't forget the Parish Plan Open Day

Westerleigh Parish Council are holding an Open Day tomorrow (Saturday 24th) for anyone interested in finding out more about developing a plan for the Parish. This is a chance for residents to say what improvements they would like to see. Westerleigh Parish is very diverse, covering Westerleigh village itself, most of Coalpit Heath, Henfield, Kendleshire, Mayshill, Nibley and the Stover Road area, and it's important to have input from all areas.

There will also be more information about the play proposals for Newman's Field.

Your community needs YOU!

Would you like to see action to improve your area? Both Frampton Cotterell and Westerleigh Parishes are gearing up to produce Parish Plans. The first step is to form a Steering Group.

Westerleigh Parish (which includes most of Coalpit Heath) have arrranged a special event at the Manor Hall from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 24th November. There will also be a chance to see the new play proposals for Newman's Field.

Frampton Cotterell Parish (which includes the rest of Coalpit Heath) have pencilled in their Open Day for Saturday 26th January at the Brockeridge Centre. Before that happens, they are having a visit from two leading members of the Congresbury Parish Plan Team tonight (Tuesday 20th November). For more information call Dave Hockey on 773611 or email him at dave.hockey@southglos.gov.uk.