AS the problems facing the town change, community-minded volunteers are needed to say what they want for Hitchin and how to achieve it. The Visioning group is looking for new members to develop an action plan for the future based on consultations with re

AS the problems facing the town change, community-minded volunteers are needed to say what they want for Hitchin and how to achieve it.

The Visioning group is looking for new members to develop an action plan for the

future based on consultations with residents.

The present three-year vision for the town focuses on three key areas - young people, transport and planning and environment. The group has also looked at community safety and health.

Since it was set up three years ago, Hitchin Visioning has worked in partnership with North Herts District Council and a wide variety of other organisations including the police, Herts County Council, the local primary care trust and voluntary groups in the town.

It has highlighted the need for a centre for young people and backed the creation of the Voice of Hitchin Youth group, where young people get a chance to tell NHDC what they would like and to contribute to the community.

The Hitchin Visioning group also played a key role in the consultation on the town centre redevelopment.

It is now adapting its vision to cope with new challenges. Group chair Richard Butchart said: "Major external changes, like Luton Airport, have substantially changed Hitchin's future environment.

"There is now an urgent need to build on the earlier work and to look again at the visions in all areas. In particular we need to re-examine the provision for young people.

"We also have the chance to contribute to a major review of Hitchin's transport. We would like to be able to develop a more coherent response to Hitchin's needs in environment, community safety and health.

"All this needs volunteers willing to give a little time to think positively about how we believe these areas should develop in Hitchin over the next 10 years.

"We also need to propose a short-term programme of measures to move forward over the next two or three years."

To get involved with the Hitchin Visioning group, contact Mr Butchart on 01462 451018 or the council community development team on 01462 474830.

Cllr Tricia Gibbs, the council's portfolio holder for community engagement, said: "It is vital that residents of all ages tell us what they want and Hitchin Visioning provides an ideal way for them to do that. It also means they can make a positive contribution to the future of their town."

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