New Moray Chamber task force seeks hard-working community-orientated members from around Moray

NEW task forces launching in towns around Moray are looking to attract hard-working community members keen to improve their own town centre.

At the start of May, Moray Chamber held its Moray's Town Centres Summit in Elgin Town Hall, which resulted in plans to create task forces in a number of towns around the area.

These Town Centre Task Forces – which the Chamber hope will be filled by keen locals with strong knowledge of their high street – will be aimed at improving town centres.

Town centres included in the Task Force are Elgin, Forres, Keith, Lossiemouth, Buckie, Aberlour and Dufftown. It's hoped that members of the public, private and third sectors can come together to create a vision for the future of Moray's town centres.

Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber, said: “We are really excited to launch the Town Centre Task Force.

"While we still have some work to do before we are fully live, such as recruitment of task force members, the commitment Moray Chamber of Commerce has given to this shows the importance of our town centres for our residents, young people and visitors.

"I would urge anyone who is a ‘do-er’ to get involved to drive the regeneration of Moray’s town centres.”

Town Centre Task Forces will be chaired by Sarah Medcraf, and will include representatives from Moray Council's strategic planning and development team.

However, three or four experts in areas such as planning, architecture, transport, infrastructure or grant processes are being sought. Moray Chamber is also set to appoint a 'town centre officer' to support the project.

In addition, one or two representatives from the seven towns are being asked to join the task forces. These people could be residents, business owners or any community representative with an interest in improving their own high street.

Task forces will identify opportunities for regeneration, enhancement and development in a specific town.

Members of the task force will also engage with stakeholders – including business owners, local residents and community organisations – to gather input, feedback and ideas, and source funding for projects.

The Task Force will work together with the current Town Centre Improvement Plans and other strategic plans outlining key initiatives, projects, and recommendations for improving the town centres to create action plans to deliver for Moray.

It will launch when members are recruited. Anyone interested in learning more can join an online discussion on Tuesday, July 18, at noon. You can sign up for this event at www.moraychamber.co.uk/events