South Hams District Council is working with towns across the District to help boost the local economy and improve sustainability.

The Council’s Community Economic Plan (CEP) project will firstly support five towns across the South Hams with work already happening in Ivybridge. With economy and jobs being one of the Council’s top priorities, the project will develop more collaboration with business communities, empowering them to help write the next chapter for their town.

The project is led by the community and supported by the Council. It will build on existing Neighbourhood Plans and will create a clear economic vision for each town. Plans will focus on business growth, sustainability and providing more opportunities for local training, apprenticeships, and employment.

CEPs will also be expanded to other towns in the District to cover Dartmouth, Kingsbridge, Totnes and Salcombe over the next 2-3 years.

With climate change a top priority for both the Council and local communities, the project will also look at the ways local businesses can reduce their carbon emissions and make better use of the natural environment.

A local steering group including residents, business owners, Ward Members and Ivybridge Town Council has now been set up in Ivybridge to lead on the first of these important projects.

Finding out what young people want from their town is a vital part of the project and a secondary school steering group has also been set up to help shape Ivybridge for the future generations.

The Council will support the town and those that follow by gathering statistical research, running public consultations, and developing future plans.

The final stage of each project will see the creation of short, medium and long-term actions which will move each town closer to meeting its own ambitions.

Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development, Commercial Strategy and Governance, at South Hams District Council, said: “In order for our towns to thrive, it is vital that we continue to attract people to live and work in our wonderful communities.

“This is very much a local led project and the aspirations and agreed actions should be reflective of the opinions of each community. Please do take part in sharing your views when developing a Community Economic Plan for your town.

“With climate change high on the agenda, this project will also provide opportunities and infrastructure to improve the environmental quality of towns.”

Ivybridge residents, business owners and community partners can now have their say on the next chapter of their town by taking part in an online survey or by attending a focus group session taking place over the next three months.  Find out more at https://myivybridge.commonplace.is

Watch this space for details of upcoming Community Economic Plan projects in other towns across the District.