Help shape the future of the district  (August 11, 2008)

Comments are wanted from all sections of the community to the draft Sustainable Community Strategy that sets out the priorities and vision for the district from now until 2021.
 
The Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) has drawn up the draft strategy and is seeking views from anyone who lives or works in the district.
 
“The draft Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the overall strategic direction and long-term vision for the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Suffolk Coastal district, and in a way that will be sustainable,” said Cllr Ray Herring, Chairman of the Suffolk Coastal LSP Board.
 
“It has been drawn up by the LSP which is made up of representatives from across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors in our district and is the district’s most important document or strategy as it impacts on all aspects of life.
 
“Suffolk Coastal has, at 92 per cent, one of highest quality of life ratings among its residents of anywhere in the country, and the goal of this strategy is to do everything possible to maintain that status, while meeting the very real needs and challenges facing our communities,” added Cllr Herring.
 
Among the issues facing the district are affordable homes, the needs and aspirations of older people, young people, access to services, health and wellbeing, crime and the fear of crime, vulnerable people,  business growth, improving skills and learning, climate change, waste and recycling, the district’s rich and valued environment, and its coast and estuaries.
 
The LSP recently consulted on its 10 key issues, and in the strategy goes on to explain its vision for the district for 2021 of being a place where people want to live and to invest, to care for others and the environment.
 
“Our more detailed vision for life in 2021 explains how we want our residents to access services, with strong and supportive communities, in a district facing up positively to the challenges of climate change, with a strong economy and skilled workers, with healthier lifestyles for all, with young people playing a central role in the future.
 
“We have identified our priority outcomes that we want to achieve between now and 2021 and they are challenging but achievable. What we now want to check is whether people agree with our vision, with our goals and targets and I would ask everyone to take the time to give us their views,” added Cllr Herring.
 
The full draft strategy can be found on the LSP’s website www.sclsp.org.uk/keyissues along with an online form that gives people the opportunity to give their comments. Copies of the draft strategy are also in local libraries and at Suffolk Coastal’s Melton Hill offices. People can also send their comments to Suffolk Coastal LSP c/o Melton Hill, Woodbridge IP12 1AU.
 
Comments should be made by Friday, October 10, and various organisations across the district with a key role to play in the future of the district have also been asked for their views, including town and parish councils, local businesses, community and voluntary organisations.