2020 Vision for Rural Essex -
The Essex Rural Partnership's - New Essex Rural Strategy.
A new Strategy which aims to secure a vibrant future for rural Essex was launched at Ingatestone Hall on 24th November
A wide range of dignitaries attended, including the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, the Chairman of Essex County Council, Mrs Elizabeth Hart, and Lord Hanningfield, the Leader of the County Council, who spoke in response to the Strategy.
Entitled ‘2020 Vision for Rural Essex’, the new Essex Rural Strategy, which succeeds one published in 2005, is the work of the Essex Rural Partnership, an umbrella grouping that brings together all the major organisations in Essex with an active stake in the county’s rural areas. It is managed by Rural Community Council of Essex (RCCE) and chaired by Essex County Council cabinet member, Cllr. John Jowers
Speeches were received from Lord Hanningfield, Lord Petre, Cllr Wendy Scattergood of Braintree District Council, Rosemary Padfield (Chair of Essex National Farmers Union) and George Courtauld (Chair of the Rural Community Council of Essex), all of whom commended the Strategy to those present.
The Strategy calls for action on a number of priority themes which include improving access to services, providing more affordable housing for local people, creating successful and sustainable business opportunities, and safeguarding the beauty and diversity of the environment.
“ Behind the attractive façade, there are real problems in our rural areas – for instance, over 50% of our parishes now exist without a shop or post office – but there is also great potential. The new Essex Rural Strategy is all about harnessing this potential for the benefit of all who live and work in the countryside.” said Nick Shuttleworth, Executive Director of Rural Community Council of Essex.
The new Strategy also provides a timely follow up to the report of the Essex Rural Commission published in September.
“The two are entirely complimentary but with ownership from so many organisations active in rural Essex, the Strategy is uniquely placed to take forward priorities highlighted in the Commission’s report.” Nick Shuttleworth added.
The new document will not only encourage rural organisations to work together to address these priorities, it will also raise the profile of rural Essex, informing and influencing other strategies and plans produced for the county
For further information please contact Suzanne Harris – 0844 4773938, suzanne.harris@essexrcc.org.uk, or Kirsty Monk, 0844 4773938, kirsty.monk@essexrcc.org.uk
To download a copy of the Strategy please visit our downloads page on the Essex Rural Partnership Website
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