Understanding town centre tends in Oakham
Residents, visitors and businesses in Oakham, Rutland are part of the latest community to use the survey methodology for understanding town centre trends developed for the Local Government Association by the People & Places Partnership.
The Oakham Task & Finish Group is asking residents of Oakham and the surrounding villages to share their views about the attractiveness and vitality of the town.
The Group, which has been set up with community-wide representation to look at ideas for improving the town, has spent the past few months engaging with local businesses and visitors to the town, through face-to-face surveys, to gather views on potential improvements.
Online survey
They are now launching an online survey to capture insight from people who live outside the town and from those who may not visit the town regularly.
Independent Chair of the Task & Finish Group, Chris Wade, comments: “Having a clear picture for how the town is used and viewed by its ‘customers’ will provide the evidence the Group needs to make recommendations for potential improvements. This survey will provide the final piece in the Group’s evidence gathering jigsaw.
“Once the evidence has been collated, the group will be presenting their findings and recommendations for consideration by Rutland County Council and key partners by the end of 2018.”
The online survey is available from 23rd August – 7th September at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HRMKP5Q
Town Centre Checklist
Gathering evidence and developing objectives is the foundation stage in the ‘F-Factors Town Centre Checklist’ created by the People & Places Partnership as part of the new national guidance for the Local Government Association (LGA). The next stages involve developing an organisation to oversee the development and delivery of a long-term action plan to revitalise the town centre.
Ends
This press release has been issued on behalf of Oakham Task & Finish Group by Rutland County Council’s communications team. For further media information contact Holly Bremner: hbremner@rutland.gov.uk 01572 758222
Notes to editors:
Oakham Task and Finish Group was set up following a unanimous approval of a motion made by Rutland County Council’s Full Council on Monday 15th January 2018.
Oakham Task and Finish Group is a partnership group made up of representatives from across Oakham’s community who are looking at ways to improve Oakham Town Centre.
The focus of the work will look at a range of issues, including place-shaping and access; planning and property; traffic and transport; community & culture; marketing and retail enhancement.
As part of the evidence gathering exercise there will be public engagement over the summer with residents, businesses and visitors.
The group, which meets monthly, was established by Rutland County Council’s Growth, Infrastructure and Resources Scrutiny Board and is expected to report back on recommendations for town centre improvements in November 2018.
Membership of the group consists of representatives from within the community, businesses, representative organisations and councillors with an interest in the regeneration of Oakham.
Find out more at: https://www.rutland.gov.uk/my-community/roads-and-highways/oakham-town-centre/
