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Emerging
Vision |
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The
Emerging Vision : Economy
Retail
Great
value was placed on the large variety of retail
outlets and high proportion of small independent
traders giving Chesham high street a sense of
uniqueness. Visitors placed particular value
upon specialist shops, the Post Office and banks,
that many percieved as ‘their own’. Chesham
is acknowledged widely as a safe and pleasant
place to shop in, although concern was raised
about the long-term sustainability of the retail
sector and the threat from out-of-town traders
and the larger supermarkets.
Retail
mix – the greatest asset .
Employment
There
is recognition of the employment opportunities
that brownfield or redundant sites could provide
if regenerated. A need to conduct a full audit
of potential sites was expressed by this sector.
The availability of affordable housing is another
inevitable factor. The local transport network
was also raised as a key issue in the sustainability
of local employment.
Better
use of brownfield or redundant business sites.
A
future that offers good quality training, educational
and employment opportunities.
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The Emerging Vision : Youth & Community |
Elderly
Elderly
people, many of whom have lived and worked in
the area for many years, retain a strong sense
of belonging to Chesham, and are keen to see it’s
continued vibrancy. However life is becoming more
difficult for a large proportion of Chesham’s
elderly residents with a principal concern being
access to vital services and shops for those with
mobility problems, COPAG continues to work hard
to highlight specific problems and gaps in services.
Another concern is the provision of housing or
care for the elderly.
A
safe and accessible town and community.
Young
People
As expected young people seek more clubs, facilities
and play spaces.
Meeting the needs of the young. Families
Young
families were as committed to the unique features
of Chesham as any other group. They have expressed
concerns about the lack of affordable housing
and access to open spaces
The
Emerging Vision : Housing
for all
Mixed
Population
Chesham
generally reflects the demographic changes that
are experienced in many towns across the south-east
in terms of age, income, size of households, and
the diversity of lifestyles, cultures and facilities
that mirror these statistics. The real issues
that need to be addressed in Chesham are firstly,
inclusion of all members of society including
the higher than average proportion of Asian residents.
Secondly, a housing policy that enables young
people to be able to afford to live in their town.
The social mix – a host of opportunities .
Community
Facilities
A
major audit of community buildings across the
town is underway. This will determine the range
of services as well as facilities and seek a common
and shared template for future provision and funding.
A shared resource.
Crime
Concerns
about local crime are fairly predictable. Many
local people, both young and old, do not feel
totally safe after dark and many respondents identified
anti-social behaviour, particularly in the town
centre at nights, as their principle worry. More
activities for teenagers and a higher level of
policing are frequent requests.
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Emerging Vision : Transport & Traffic |
Transport
Many
commented on the lack of an integrated transport
infrastructure that reflected local and area needs,
and both resident and business requirements. Many
people value the London Underground rail link
into London.
Hospital
Inevitably,
many local people expressed their concerns about
the uncertain future of Chesham hospital which
for many symbolises an assurance that there will
be adequate healthcare provision within the Chesham
area. This provision is obviously a huge challenge
and one that must be handled through a collective
community voice.
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The Emerging Vision: Communication
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Communicating
to the wider community
The
issue of how all who live, work and play in and
around the town communicate, learn and understand
is one raises particular challenges and opportunities.
Some challenges to BCA. There are clearly some
excellent newsletters, magazines eg Town Talk
among others etc that meet the specific needs
of certain groups or sectors. However, it is important
that we continue to communication effectively
through a wide variety of communication channels
and make them fully accessible. (both IT based
and accessible one-stop shops). A joined-up town
and community.
A Single Partnership |
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Perhaps
the most exciting challenge is the incorporation
of all communities and residential developments
e.g. Pond Park, Waterside, into a unified vision.
Opportunities to develop this process have already
been identified and will be crucial to a successful
outcome.
Embracing all the community within the parish.
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Chesham’s
Hinterland
Chesham
must never underestimate the value that the hinterland
adds to its vibrancy and economy.
Equally,
the surrounding area provide qualities that add
to the mix. This project will embraced many Buckinghamshire
and Hertfordshire parishes, from The Lee to the
north and the Chalfonts to the south. Access to
services is a key indicator in this work. Inevitably,
many surrounding communities are concerned about
local transport, increased development and loss
of services. A balance between town and hinterland
will be a vital element in the vision.
Sharing,
communicating and developing in partnership with
your hinterland. |
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Dissemination
of this draft vision statement and supporting
data, statistics etc.
- Development
of Action Groups to explore solutions to issues
and challenges in draft vision
- Further
community consultation (over 30 individuals
and 15 groups, organisations etc. have expressed
interest in driving this forward)
- Launch
and endorsement of final Vision Statement
- Completion
of Market Town Healthcheck Action Plan
 This is an ongoing process and further
comments, feedback or contributions will always
be valued. Please forward these to Francis Gomme
or Louise Hare, Buckinghamshire Community Action,
Unit B The Firs, Bierton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22
5DX, louise@bucks-comm-aqction.org.uk Town Council.
For
a large print version of this Vision Statement
contact Francis Gomme or Louise Hare as above.
Produced
on behalf of the Chesham Community Vision market
town initiative by Buckinghamshire Community Action.
Chesham
Community Vision Website:
www.cheshamchamber.org/communityvision
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