Foreword by Robin Peardon
Chairman of Moretonhampstead Parish Council

At the Public Meeting in September 1996 a steering group was formed for the Moretonhampstead Development trust, whose aims were to allow the people of Moretonhampstead to say how they would like their Parish to develop into the Millennium. The aim was to identify issues of concern and then to propose a recommended action plan. This is what led to the questionnaire circulated early in 1997. This report seeks to define the results of that questionnaire and to state an action plan proposed by your Parish Council which we hope to start achieving by the year 2000.

I would like to thank Helen Vines and Steve Melia for guiding the steering group and The Community Council of Devon for assimilating and printing the results. The report is supported by the Moretonhampstead Parish Council, the Moretonhampstead Development Trust and the Community Council of Devon.

If the appraisal is to be of real value then the most important part of the work is still to come. Your Parish Council have drawn up an action plan of the relevant areas which need to be addressed in the coming years. This action plan will only be achieved if you and your respective organisations take sufficient interest to do something about your areas of concern. The Development Trust will be holding meetings, which will be notified in the Moreton News and on the Parish Notice Board, to address the issues raised and would welcome input from all concerned parties - the plan will only work if YOU take part. 77 people indicated that they would be willing to stand for the Parish Council in 1999 - that should be an interesting election!

Finally I cannot end without a word on the Enhancement scheme. It was obvious from the questionnaire responses that there were some very strong feelings on this issue. By the time the appraisal was completed, work had already started - again because insufficient people had shown any interest until the plans were finalised. However, I hope you will agree that with the additional parking spaces, people have not been inconvenienced and the cobbles and seats provide a more attractive Town Centre for tourists and parishioners alike.

Don't forget - Moretonhampstead is your town and we need your input.

Members of the Moretonhampstead Development Trust Steering Group

With special thanks to Jan Evans, Tim Sutcliffe and Graham Watkins for their work in co-ordinating the document.

Robin Peardon Chairman Moretonhampstead Parish Council