IT seems that never a week goes by without planning issues hitting the letters' page and usually the debate is what 'they' have done (or are planning to do) to 'us'! Under the government's 'localism' agenda, those living in communities are being encouraged to play a much more active part in shaping how their village or town should develop by drawing up Neighbourhood Plans. These plans, once approved, aim to deliver the sort of development that 'we' want, not that 'they' want. But the plans will only be effective if those living in the community are prepared to 'get stuck in'. We in the Buckland Monachorum Parish (Yelverton, Crapstone, Buckland, Milton Combe and Clearbrook) have started to work on our neighbourhood plan — and, if you live in the parish, we need your participation. So if you want to shape your community for the future (rather than moan when someone else tries to) please get in touch — 01822 841648 or [email protected]">[email protected]. Ric Cheadle Chairman, BMPC