Article created : 02/12/2009
A new Strategy which aims to secure a vibrant future for rural Essex was officially launched at Ingatestone Hall on 24th November,
in the presence of a range of dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, the Chairman of Essex County Council, Mrs Elizabeth Hart, and Lord Hanningfield, the Leader of the County Council.
Speeches were received from Lord Hanningfield, Lord Petre, Cllr Wendy Scattergood of Braintree District Council, Rosemary Padfield (Chair of Essex National Farmers Union) and George Courtauld (Chair of the Rural Community Council of Essex), all of whom commended the Strategy to those present.
Entitled ‘2020 Vision for Rural Essex’, the new Essex Rural Strategy, which succeeds one published in 2005, is the work of the Essex Rural Partnership, an umbrella grouping that brings together all the major organisations in Essex with an active stake in the county’s rural areas. It is managed by Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) and chaired by Essex County Council cabinet member, Cllr. John Jowers.
The Strategy calls for action on a number of priority themes which include improving access to services, providing more affordable housing for local people, creating successful and sustainable business opportunities, and safeguarding the beauty and diversity of the environment.
The new document will not only encourage rural organisations to work together to address these priorities, it will also raise the profile of rural Essex, informing and influencing other strategies and plans produced for the county.
“Behind the attractive façade, there are real problems in our rural areas – for instance, over 50% of our parishes now exist without a shop or post office – but there is also great potential. The new Essex Rural Strategy is all about harnessing this potential for the benefit of all who live and work in the countryside.” said Nick Shuttleworth, Executive Director of Rural Community Council of Essex.
Suzanne Harris, who manages the work of the Essex Rural Partnership, commented “The Launch event went very well, with over 90 people in attendance. It shows how committed organisations are to working for the benefit of our rural areas.”
For further information regarding the Essex Rural Strategy, please contact Nick Shuttleworth – 0844 4773938, nick.shuttleworth@essexrcc.org.uk or Suzanne Harris – 0844 4773938, suzanne.harris@essexrcc.org.uk
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 ESSEX RURAL STRATEGY.PDF
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