THERE will be a chance to help shape the future of the parish of Winkleigh next week at a special parish plan exhibition day in the village. After the outbreak of foot and mouth in 2001, a number of initiatives to promote local businesses, improve communications and raise awareness of Winkleigh?s heritage were launched. The prospect of a large biomass power station controversially announced two years ago, has held back progress somewhat, but the Winkleigh Parish Plan steering group is determined to press ahead to produce its plan. At the beginning of February, there will be an exhibition day, which aims to: l give feedback on the parish questionnaire l provide information on possible new projects l find out what people?s priorities really are. Everyone is welcome to pop in to give their opinions and to get updates on initiatives, such as the community centre and the ?alternative Winkleigh Airfield project?. The exhibition runs at the community centre from 2pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 2. Peter Stutt, chairman of Winkleigh Parish Council, said: ?Presently, there are a number of plans and initiatives that are either underway or on the drawing board. ?The exhibition day should give everyone a better idea of how best we can pull everything together and create a broad consensus.? Gordon Fisher, chairman of the community centre, hoped the day would give the Community Centre of Winkleigh Support group (CCOWS) ?the opportunity to gather further information for Winkleigh to take over the community centre for ourselves.? The author of the parish plan, Roger Smith, added: ?This day will provide the essential confirmation that we, as a community, are on the right path. Please come and help shape the future.?
