Spalding helps shape county's future

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Spalding residents have been helping shape the future of Lincolnshire by taking part in a survey about what it's like to live in the county.

The results of the Big County, Big Skies, Big Future consultation have shown that the county's rural character is its best feature, with 62 per cent saying that is what they like most.

But Lincolnshire's facilities, entertainment, leisure and business got a big thumbs down in the survey.

And those who took part felt that boosting the county's economy should be the top priority for the future.

The Rt Rev John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln and Chairman of the Lincolnshire Assembly Executive Board, said: "Completing the Big County campaign is a major step forwards for Lincolnshire.

"Local people across Lincolnshire have joined us in our drive to understand the hopes and aspirations that our communities have for the future of our county.

"We can now make progress on improving the way we work together, confident that we are tackling the right issues in the right way."

Almost 2000 responses were received to the public survey, and the results have now been analysed and published and the most popular suggestion was for improvements to roads and transport networks, which people felt would benefit a number of areas, including encouraging businesses to locate in the county.

The findings will now see closer partnership working between major organisations such as county and district councils, the Police and NHS, as the Lincolnshire Assembly puts the campaign's findings into action in the county's new Sustainable Community Strategy.

Marcus Coleman, Assistant Chief Executive - Partnerships, said: "Combined research and information sources will help shape a long-term vision for the county which will paint a picture of the Lincolnshire lifestyles we are saying we want for ourselves and generations to follow."

The core elements of this work will be completed in the first half of 2009. Lincolnshire County Council (as the body accountable for developing the countywide community strategy) will consider these at its meeting on 13 February 2009 with further action planning over the following months with Lincolnshire Assembly partners.