25 October 2006

Cumbria Vision announce launch of consultation

Cumbria Vision announce that Jamie Reed, MP for Copeland will launch a public consultation on the future of West Cumbria at Lakes College, Lillyhall on Friday 27th October at 11am. The consultation will allow local residents and the wider community to outline their vision for the future of West Cumbria over the next twenty years.

The consultation document, entitled:  "West Cumbria:  Securing the Future", supports the development of a Spatial Master Plan which acts as a blueprint for future investment in West Cumbria.  The Master Plan was put in place to identify transformational projects to build a positive future for West Cumbria.

This work is being led by Cumbria Vision with joint funding from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.  The catalyst for the plan has been the considerable threats and challenges presented by decommissioning, with the potential for large scale job losses if action isn"t taken to secure new investment and jobs for the region. 

The consultation document sets out an ambitious vision for West Cumbria and provides an overview of projects that will achieve the transformation.  The document asks the people of West Cumbria for their views on what is needed to secure the region"s future.  The public"s input will form a vital part of developing and delivering the plan. 

At the formal launch of the consultation document, Jamie Reed MP will be joined by Workington MP, Tony Cunningham as well as representatives from the operational steering group. Local students will also be in attendance to give their views on the future of West Cumbria.

Chair of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum Cumbria Partners, Jamie Reed, MP for Copeland commented:  "This consultation document will give West Cumbria"s residents the opportunity to have a say in the future of their community.  The Plan that is being developed will allow us to map out a clear vision for the economic and social regeneration of the area.  We are fortunate to have received Government backing for this project, and we must make the most of this opportunity to stake out our future.  I would urge as many people as possible to respond to this document because we will only transform the area with the support of people in West Cumbria."

Tony Cunningham MP, Workington said:  "The outcome of this Master Plan will make a real difference to the future of West Cumbria, especially given the challenges posed by nuclear decommissioning.  This consultation is a valuable opportunity for all those concerned to have a say in the future of West Cumbria.  It is vital that we participate in the consultation for the sake of our future and for that of our children."

David Brockbank, Chairman of Cumbria Vision added:  "The future of the nuclear industry is the biggest issue facing the next generation in West Cumbria and the wider North West region.  It is therefore very important that we are proactive with regards to setting our future agenda."

Bryan Gray, NWDA Chairman, says: "It is vital that local partners work together to establish clear priorities and agree how Cumbria can respond to the challenges and opportunities ahead. The Master Plan is a key element in that process."

NDA Chief Executive, Dr Ian Roxburgh said: "The NDA is proud to be contributing to the development of a long-term vision for the future of West Cumbria through the Master Plan Consultation Document published today. Once agreed with the community and Government, the NDA stands ready to help support the implementation of the Master Plan over the years to come."

Details of the consultation can be found on the website www.cumbriavision.co.uk/westcumbria and via public consultation leaflets which are being delivered throughout the area. The consultation will also be featured in the next edition of the Cumbrian Newspaper Group publication, Futures.

Young people are particularly important to the future of the region, and their input to the plan is also being sought through a schools competition.  Schools across West Cumbria will have the chance for their pupils to tell the Forum what kind of place they would like West Cumbria to be in 20 years time through a competition. 

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. The West Cumbria Spatial Master Plan has been instigated by the decommissioning of nuclear sites in West Cumbria and the potential job losses this could entail - estimated at around 8,000 job losses in the next 10 to 15 years.  The development of the Master Plan was requested by Central Government to identify transformational projects that would create a sustainable social and economic future for the area over the next 20 years.

2. The development of the Master Plan is being led by Cumbria Vision, an organisation formed to coordinate Cumbria"s economic future.  The Plan is being jointly funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. 

3. Cumbria Vision is leading the Master Plan on behalf of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum Cumbria Partners.  The Forum is a high level body, chaired by Alastair Darling, the Secretary of State for the Department of Trade and Industry, and includes representatives of central government agencies.  The Forum has been set up to consider the economic impact of nuclear decommissioning and clean-up at Sellafield, and to create a sustainable economy for the future of West Cumbria. 

4. The Master Plan will be available in the New Year. 

5. Comments on the Master Plan are invited from the public.  A Consultation Document has been developed to facilitate consultation.  Comments can be submitted on the website:  www.cumbriavision.co.uk/westcumbria or directly via email:  westcumbria@cumbriavision.org.uk, or sent to : West Cumbria Master Plan, Cumbria Vision, 27 Lowther Street , Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7DN.  Comments are sought by 15 December 2007. 

6. A competition for school children is being launched to get the views of young people in the region.  There will be an essay competition for secondary school children in West Cumbria and a picture competition for primary school children in West Cumbria.  The winner of each competition will win a trip to the ITV Border studio where they will see the News programme broadcast and will have their prize presented on air.  The primary and secondary school of each prize winner will each receive £250.  Entries are due on 18 December, and must be sent to West Cumbria Master Plan, Cumbria Vision, 27 Lowther Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7DN.  Further competition details are being sent to head teachers, and can be found on the web site. 

For further information, please contact:  Stephen Gifford, Director at Grant Thornton on:  07814-421899