Community services under one roof

A report has been produced to assess the demand for community facilities within and around Shipston-on-Stour. The report was commissioned by Stratford-on-Avon District Council and the Stour Power Group, and carried out by Matrix Consultants Limited.

The aim of the report is to identify the current facilities, their status, condition and accessibility. Analysis such as this will assist in the planning of facilities to ensure that Shipston continues to offer activities to serve a broad spectrum of interests, which will be sustainable for generations to come.

"The report proposes a vision to have community facilities 'under one roof' within Shipston as the best way to improve and expand sporting, cultural and other opportunities locally," said Cllr Trevor Russel, Stratford District Council Deputy Leader and Chairman of the Stour Power Group.

"It is a challenging concept that we need to consider very thoroughly and carefully. We also want the public to have their say, so an exhibition has been arranged in January at the Townsend Hall.

"This will provide the background to the report along with the chance for questions to be answered and opinions to be raised via a questionnaire. It will also provide additional focus on what is deemed the 'collective' way forwards for the people of Shipston and its surrounding areas."

The exhibition takes place on 21 January 2006 at the Townsend Hall in Shipston-on-Stour between 10am and 2pm.

Mayor of Shipston, Cllr Stephen Gray, added: "The community facilities in Shipston need our support and assistance. This report enables us to have a public debate on how to best achieve that and ensure that any money is spent wisely."

The Norgen Social Club stated that they: "Fully support the review of community facilities."

Pete Betteridge from Shipston Sports Club said: "Shipston Sports Club welcomes any initiative to improve social and sporting facilities in the town. Whether this project  can accommodate the specific requirements of the Sports Club and its member is a matter for further discussion."

The Townsend Hall added: "We feel this report is a fair interpretation of the leisure and community facilities in the town, and welcome the chance to enter into discussions in any future plans for these in Shipston-on-Stour and District."