16 January 2007

Do you enjoy living in the West Horsley community? What changes would you like to see in West Horsley in 5 -10 years time?

We are hoping to produce a Parish Plan in the New Year.

27 villages in Surrey have already completed the process including our neighbours of Ripley and Send. We will get lots of help and guidance from the Surrey Community Action so we shall not be left floundering. Parish councils often take the lead in starting up the process but the steering group made up of village representatives are the real leaders of the process.

Q: What is a Parish Plan?

It is a plan for the community, produced by the community. A questionnaire is developed. The community set the questions and the method of consultation. This is delivered to all households and the results are used to form a plan for local community action. 

Q: Who should be involved?

The whole community should be consulted. Everyone’s view is valuable. There are different skills required, such as organising skills, talking to groups, delivering and collecting questionnaires, writing, catering, publicity, illustrating, and computer skills.   

Q: Why do a Parish Plan?

There are many reasons to produce a Parish Plan.  It usually helps to strengthen the community by identifying local issues that the community can work on together .It is a good time to do a Parish Plan because local authorities have been given a new duty by the government to formulate ‘Community Strategies’ which are similar to Parish Plans. The results from the survey can then be used to support grant applications to carry out actions identified in the Parish Plan.

Q: Who funds the plan?

Grants may be available through Surrey Community Action or DEFRA to fund some of the costs. The overall cost will vary depending on the size of the community, proposed consultation techniques and the design and completion of the final report.

Q: What sort of things have other Parish Plans achieved?

• Environmental measures, pond clearing, cycle paths, bus routes.
• Social, new sports and social clubs
• Safety including the introduction of a village constable being employed
• More affordable housing.
• Transport, introducing new transport initiatives.
• Village shops refurbished or improved.

Q: How long does the process take?

It usually takes 12 -18 months.

If you would be interested in helping to form an initial steering group, we should be very happy to hear from you.

Please telephone: Clerk to West Horsley Parish Council:  01483 281924

E mail:  clerk@westhorsley.info

Or write to the Clerk of West Horsley Parish Council, c/o The Village Hall, The Street, West Horsley.