About the Place has thrown its support behind the great new concept that is the community-led plan...

About the Place is working with the Shrivenham Village Plan group, now incorporated as a formal sub-committee of the Parish Council (the Village Projects Committee), to help drive forward their raft of aspirations for this great West Oxfordshire village.

Looking after the economy strand of the work, Oliver is working with local stakeholders to promote communication between local businesses (including those in surrounding villages and homeworkers), to raise the profile of their offer and to investigate other initiatives that would support the local economy.  This work includes seeking out funding programmes for a range of work that includes the local economy, local environment and thriving community initiatives.  Emerging discussions seek to link the economy strand with the environment strand through a new carbon footprint initiative.  Questionnaires are to be provided for local residents to indicate their interest in, and attitude towards, renewable energy.

Current efforts are focussed on two initiatives.  The first is to support the Village entry into the Carbon Challenge, to see what measures can be taken to reduce the carbin footpriont of the Village, saving money for people in the process.  The second is to support the Village application to the Oxfordshire Stronger Communities Fund.  There is an interesting mix of projects that will contribute to a "sustainable village" proposal.

Information on the community-led planning process can be provided by the Oxfordshire Rural Community Council www.oxonrcc.org.uk