A NEW community centre to provide a focus for the regeneration of the Hatherleigh area was one of the plans unveiled in the area?s community action plan.
The centre would offer full childcare provision allowing parents to return to work, business training and support, a community library with broadband access and a range of sports facilities.
The aim of the centre would be to aid the development of the local economy as well as providing modern facilities to accommodate a range of community activities and functions.
Around 60 people attended the presentation of the Hatherleigh Area Draft Community Action Plan in Hatherleigh Methodist Church on Monday night (November 24).
Charles Coffin, MCTI development worker said those attending were ?excited at the prospect of such a flagship project for the area.?
Mr Coffin said although it was based in Hatherleigh, the centre would be used by people across the area.
Mr Coffin said there had been a ?very positive response? to the ideas set out in the plan.
?They really want it to happen ? and for all the funders and agencies to get involved.? he added.
A key part of the project was addressing the needs identified by young people.
In the past few months youngsters from Hatherleigh and its surrounding villages, with the help of the Hatherleigh Area Project developed their own questionnaire to identify four projects that would improve their quality of life in the next 12 months.
With the help of Okehampton College, the questionnaire was completed by 200 young people, and identified such ideas as a dedicated ?hanging out place?, provision of pool tables, DJ workshop/disco/film touring event, portable skate ramps, and a mountain bike festival.
A steering group of young people will now be formed to take some of these ideas forward.
Another exciting development is already under way.
A local business forum is in the process of being set up to allow businesses to share their expertise and knowledge, and support one another.
A local directory marketing the businesses is currently being considered. A meeting in Hatherleigh on December 8 at 7.00pm will discuss this further.
It has taken months of hard work by local volunteers and support workers to develop the five-year rolling plan, containing a range of projects to improve the quality of life for everyone in the area.
The action plan identifies five key themes ? community facilities, renewable energy, young people, economic, and the Hatherleigh multi-purpose community centre.
From these a range of projects has been identified for funding over the next five years.
They include a community chest for village projects, a village hall refurbishment scheme, Exbourne shop community enterprise, an arts and sculpture trail showcasing local artists, a uniquely designed cob and thatch maze theatre, and a sustainable funding programme to support local events and festivals.
The Hatherleigh Area Project was launched in April 2001 with the principle aim of helping the regeneration of the Hatherleigh area following the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
The Action Plan will now be finalised and published in early January.
Every household in the twelve parishes grouped under Hatherleigh Area will receive a summary, a more detailed report will be promoted to funding bodies and agencies at round table discussions soon after.