This Business Plan summarises Clitheroe the Future Partnership’s proposed priorities and project activity for the next 5 years as part of the Countryside Agency’s Market Town Initiative Programme. It is based on the first year of delivery of the Partnership’s Action Plan, which was approved by the Countryside Agency in August 2002. Specifically the Business Plan will form part of the Partnership’s submission to the North West Development Agency Single Programme for project funding until 2008.
The context for the Partnership’s work in participating in the Market Town Initiative Programme will continue to be led by the local community. This process has proved successful and has been the key factor in developing the issues from the 'Healthcheck' into real projects within the current Action Plan.
Although the Business Plan will set specific targets and outputs and identify associated costs, the Plan will remain flexible to enable new projects to become part of the plan. As part of the ongoing management and evaluation of this Plan, therefore, the Partnership and the North West Development Agency will monitor the effective implementation of the Plan through the preparation of annual performance plans as outlined in the NWDA Guidance Manual for Approved Schemes. This will allow the plan to be continually updated and reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and that its priorities and actions are both realistic and achievable.
The plan will continue to fulfil the vision and aims established by the Partnership, which are set out below:
To ensure that Clitheroe meets its full potential as a vital and vibrant market town, acting as a thriving service centre, meeting the needs of residents, businesses and visitors within the town and surrounding countryside in a sustainable manner.
Startegic Aims
The following themes have been developed to drive forward the projects and actions identified in the Clitheroe Market Town Initiative Action Plan and to set a framework for future project development. The themes of the Business Plan will also directly relate to key strategies formulated by the North West Development Agency, Lancashire County Council, Ribble Valley Borough Council and East Lancashire Partnership as set out in the documentation listed in the previous section.
The themes will also relate to and compliment other local initiatives and programmes currently being implemented by the following agencies:
The overriding aim of the Business Plan is to set achievable targets and to focus on project development and implementation, which is both realistic and measurable in terms of outputs and outcomes.
The themes are as follows:
Projects developed under this theme will specifically address the need to broaden the economic base of Clitheroe and its identified hinterland and reinforce sustainable recreation and tourism as key contributors to the local rural economy.
This theme reflects the need to involve all sectors of the community in planning and decision making for the provision of local services and facilities. The Business Plan addresses the needs and opportunities identified across the full range of health, recreation, and leisure and population issues and develops innovative projects which will seek to fill gaps in existing service provision.
The need to maintain, protect and enhance the environment is critical to the sustainability and economic viability of Clitheroe and its hinterland. Actions implemented through projects under this theme will seek to build upon the town’s assets and promote Clitheroe as a centre of culture and heritage. In addition, projects will aim to establish responsible environmental management strategies for the protection of the countryside and economic development proposals. Public realm projects will also be developed to enhance the local environment for local people, visitors and users of the town.
Projects developed under this theme will specifically address the link between education and economic sustainability. In particular, projects will focus on improving access to skills and learning and integrating the needs of business, education, training and young people.
The emphasis of project development and implementation under this theme is to facilitate transport and access provision between rural settlements and Clitheroe and the major urban centres in the Northwest. The theme will also address access to leisure and recreational facilities and the opportunities to enhance existing provision.
