Why not have your say!

On 1^st April 2010, Elvetham Heath Parish Council formally came into existence, after a majority vote in favour. Before this, Parish services such as children’s play areas, sports fields, tennis courts and the Community Centre were provided by Hart District Council.

The Parish Council is made up of volunteer Councillors and they are responsible for ensuring all of the above services are provided in Elvetham Heath. Some parishes have what is called a ‘Parish Plan’ which is written and managed by members of the community, and the Parish Council use this as a guideline for making sure residents’ needs are met. Your Parish Council would like to ask residents if this is something you are interested in doing.

This Parish Plan usually involves a group of residents carrying out a survey about what people in their community want from the Parish Council and a development plan is drawn up. The aim of the survey is to collect news and opinions of the people who live and work in Elvetham Heath and work out some guidelines for the Parish Council of what people would like in the short, medium and long term.

An action plan could be written based on the results of the survey, or just a list of priorities given, to move the parish forward to achieve the community’s vision for the future. It is likely that a small group of people would be needed to:

• Organise a survey

• Look at results to determine priorities

• Write a basic plan/guidelines for the Parish Council

• Review progress

It is a great opportunity to bring people in the community together and decide where the parish is going in the future as the information provided will be very valuable to the Parish Council. It will take some time, energy and commitment from those involved, but you don’t need any specific skills, background or experience to be part of the team.

If you would like to attend an initial meeting, please contact Jan on 623700 or email her at clerk@elvethamheath.org.uk  and we will put you all in touch.