Village unveils its blueprint for the future

 A PARISH plan for the village of Croft, setting out a vision of how its community is to be protected and enhanced over the next few years, has been published.
The document, prepared by a voluntary steering group made of residents and some members of Croft Parish Council, identifies how residents feel about where they live and how they wish to see the village improved.
It has been produced over a period of seven months.
A questionnaire sent to all households gave residents an opportunity to provide feedback on their views on Croft’s environment, planning impacts, recreation, leisure and other services and utilities.
Steering group members also visited the two primary schools in the parish to seek the views of younger members of the community.
Group chairman Roger Lamming said: “The information gathered allowed us to identify the key issues and generate an action plan. It is a plan generated by and owned by the community. By undertaking this process, Croft is in a better position to consider and influence future planning proposals and decision making at both parish and borough council levels. The outcome reflects the collective voice of the community. “
Another group member, Steve Grimshaw, added: “Residents demonstrated how they valued the rural nature, the countryside and in particular the Green Belt, which protects the parish from being over developed.These were the main reasons for people choosing to live in the parish.”
Parish councillor Norman Partington, also a member of the steering group, said: “The Parish Council has given full support to the plan and with the aid of an independent monitoring committee comprised of Croft residents, we aim to ensure that the parish of Croft is protected and enhanced in line with the needs and views of the community.”
The plan will be presented to Warrington Borough Council before it consults on the next stage of it’s Local Plan, now expected to be in March next year, when sites for future housing development across the borough are likely to be proposed. It will also be distributed to all households in the parish.
Mr Lamming added: “I must thank the Parish Council for their support in helping us produce this Parish Plan and to all those that seized the opportunity to take part. I must also pay tribute to my fellow steering group members for their hard work, support and commitment allowing us to produce a quality document in such a short time.”