Last call for Whaley Bridge residents to have their say on shaping town's future

Cyclists on the Peak Forest Canal towpath, Whaley Bridge. Picture by Carol Cade.

The Vision4Whaley online questionnaire, which will help shape future developments of the town, has so far had more than 700 responses. The questionnaire closes on August 17.

Over the past two years volunteers have carried out a fact-finding mission, attended half a dozen events and have spoken to nearly 200 people. In addition, 400 schoolchildren joined in by drawing their Vision for Whaley on a “postcard from the future”.

The group has also held a mini-survey by distributing coasters printed with questions – over 200 people took part.

The Vision4Whaley group was putting the finishing touches to a questionnaire to put through the door of around 3,000 households and planning more public consultations when the Covid-19 outbreak put everything on hold.

Carol Cade, who chairs the steering group, said: “Covid-19 is changing the way we do things, but the work will go on to ensure the whole community can have a say in our future. We’re not able to meet in person, so we’re holding our steering group meetings by Zoom.

"We’ve put the questionnaire online instead of delivering it by hand. But to make sure no one misses out we’re talking to volunteer groups and local traders that are open for business. The Post Office in Horwich End has come to the rescue. With their help, printed copies are available to take away and fill in, and drop off safely.

“There’s a prize draw that anyone completing a questionnaire can enter, with a prize of a £50 voucher to spend at a local business.”

The steering group was set up by the town council.

Four working groups on the theme of commerce, countryside, housing and transport have researched issues from green spaces to traffic pollution.

The results of the questionnaire will form the basis of a Neighbourhood Plan, giving residents the opportunity to have a say in shaping the future of housing, traffic, use of green space and leisure and tourism across Whaley Bridge, Furness Vale, Taxal and Fernilee.

To find out more, go to www.vision4whaley.org.uk