A PROJECT team working on drawing millions of pounds into the Hatherleigh area will be going mobile in the last week of March to find out the wants and needs of each community.

Everyone living in the parishes of Exbourne, Jacobstowe, Broadwoodkelly, Monkokehampton, Iddesleigh, Meeth, Highampton, Inwardleigh, Northlew, Beaworthy, Bratton Clovelly and Germansweek will be given the opportunity to take part in this huge consultation process, which will form the basis of the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative (MCTI.)

'This will be your chance to tell us what you like about your area, what you hate and what you would like to see,' said Hatherleigh area project officer Charles Coffin.

'We are planning to hold interactive displays in as many villages as possible where issues such as roads, transport, young people, farming, employment, housing, shopping, recreation and lots more may be raised.

This will give us a clearer idea of where we are now and more importantly where we should go in the future.'

The aim of MCTI is to deliver a shared vision for the next 20 years for everyone living and working in these communities.

The consultation will lead to an overall community plan which will attract a stream of funding from Government and other sources for the years ahead.

Mr Coffin said the key to the success of the initiative was to create the right climate for local businesses to develop: 'We are acutely aware of the severe decline in farming incomes and realise there are no easy answers to this,' he said.

'But this initiative has to take account of these factors and with the guidance of local people we can deliver real sustainable solutions to all rural businesses in the area.'

Detailed questionnaires will be sent out to every farm and business in the coming weeks to gain their views on how they see the future for the Hatherleigh area and this will form part of the community plan.

'I think most people would agree in the aftermath of foot and mouth this area needs a boost,' continued Mr Coffin.

'This project is about laying the foundation for a brighter future and by seeking as many views on the key issues affecting all sections of the community we will be in a better position to develop a successful strategy.'