AFTER two years of preparation a vision of an ideal future for Winsford has been unveiled

More than 4,000 people have contributed to the final version of the borough's Local Agenda 21, A Vision for Vale Royal, which was first launched in January 1995 to forecast how the area will be shaped in the 21st Century.

Clr Brian Jamieson, chairman of the Local Agenda 21 working group for Vale Royal, said: "We must all treat the environment with more respect in the 21st Century. Doing nothing is no longer an option."

Kirsty Fraser, project officer for Local Agenda 21, pointed out that it was important to involve everyone in the borough to make sure they get the future they want.

And while the main partners, Vale Royal Borough Council, Groundwork and Vale Royal Environment Network, have pledged to play their part in putting the plans into action the authors of the document say the help of the community is needed to make the projects a reality.

In preparing the document various organisations took part in eight round table discussions each on a different issue including: natural environment; built environment; land use and transportation; energy; waste and pollution; economic development; healthy communities; education and awareness raising.

After regular discussions for more than a year the groups assessed what sustainable development in their specific subject could be implemented in Vale Royal and came up with an action plan, both general and specific, short and long term.

Activities were organised to involve the wider community and encourage people to have their say, with notable events including the Young People's Conference and Frodsham Women's Conference.

The completed document brings together a vision of an ideal world with a look at key issues, action points, project ideas and suggestions on how to measure progress under four main headings: Our Communities; Our Environment; Our Homes, Our Lives; Our Economy, Our Livelihoods.

One area where considerable progress has been made is in Weaverham where a Local Agenda 21 group has been set up with work already being done on the natural environment and traffic.

In addition a leaflet has been published outlining a walk through the village past places of interest while a Millennium Dream Party was held in November 1996 to celebrate village life and plan for its future.

Clr Arthur Neil, leader of Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "When the Council adopted its Green Audit, followed by its work as a Local Agenda 21 authority we felt that we were touching the pulse of many local people. How right we were!

"The response to Local Agenda 21 has been overwhelming in terms of the huge range of individuals and organisations involved. The events and activities used to harness local energies and raise awareness have been truly breathtaking. Vale Royal should be truly proud of the way in which local people have risen to this challenge."

IN putting together the Vale Royal Local Agenda 21 numerous issues that need to be addressed have arisen. These include:

stress, isolation and loneliness in vulnerable sections of Vale Royal communities such as the elderly and disabled

contaminated and derelict land

concern for biodiversity ie the whole variety of life on earth and how plants and animals co-exist

air pollution, particularly from traffic

loss of village facilities

children no longer walking or cycling to school but increasingly being driven by parents

lack of awareness by the general public of energy efficiency issues

the role of local businesses

And among the projects which may one day become a reality are:

expanding primary school councils and youth councils

creating safe routes to schools

a nature conservation strategy for Vale Royal

community activities such as 'Age-to-Age' where young and old share experiences and ideas

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