Community action plan launches in Carstairs Junction

Residents of Carstairs Junction are being encouraged to get involved in projects identified in the new Community Action Plan, 2020 – 2025, to help make the Junction a better place to live, work and play.

Summaries of the plan are being delivered to all addresses in Carstairs Junction over the first few weeks of July. These and a more detailed version of the plan can be viewed at www.communityactionlan.org, under ‘Resources’. Watch the video at https://youtu.be/Z6CC1_xtlu0.

The five year plan contains six overarching priorities that were identified through a public consultation process and will rely on the motivation of new community volunteers. The priorities are; The Community in Control; A Better Informed Community; Improving Community Connections; An Attractive and Accessible Environment; Getting About; and More Things To Do.

The plan will be able to be used as evidence by community groups seeking funding or by organisations who deliver services in that community.

The Community Action Plan was co-ordinated by a Steering Group made up of representatives from Carstairs Community Council, Carstairs Junction Primary School, Carstairs Junction Welcome All Hub, Healthy Valleys and The Playbarn. The Plan is funded by LEADER with support from Community Action Lanarkshire. It was delivered by Community Enterprise.

Provost Ian McAllan says, “I would like to offer my huge congratulations to the members of the community and staff from Community Action Lanarkshire who have worked so hard on this exciting Community Acton Plan. Carstairs Junction is a fantastic village and I look forward to seeing the plan implemented and watching the community go from strength to strength.”

Launching with a free Community Ceilidh in February, the consultation process included surveys filled out by 162 residents, focus groups, a photo competition, Virtual Spring Tea with almost 500 views, and a Youth Poll with 194 votes.

Sarah O’Sullivan, Community Action Lanarkshire says, “The Action Plan was being finalised as lockdown was announced, so community priorities may have changed since the consultation process. However, the plan seems even more necessary in the light of the pandemic, as community connections are being recognised as a vital lifeline for people.”

She continues, “We hope that volunteers sign up to; sit on a new, open membership group that will be responsible for delivering the plan as well as establishing community communications such as a newsletter and lobbying on local issues; create new social spaces; be part of an Environmental Volunteer Group to look after green spaces including Monteith Park; feed into an active travel project focussing on the local walking and cycling network; and create a new programme of activities for residents.”

To find out more or to get involved in any aspect of the Community Action Plan, contact Carstairs Community Council: jacquimcdowall@outlook.com / 07739 567 603, or the Welcome All Hub: carstairsjunctionwelcomeallhub@hotmail.com / 07511 302 331. The plan can also be viewed at www.communityactionlan.org, under ‘Resources’.