Community welcome to Forres Spirit of Community 2 meeting tonight (Wednesday, April 24) at Forres Town Hall
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
EVERYONE interested in improving life in Forres is invited to a special meeting tonight (Wednesday, April 24) at the town hall.
Two years since ‘Spirit of Community Two’ was launched at the same venue, organisers Forres Area Community Trust (FACT), Forres Area Forum (FAF) and Moray Council are welcoming stakeholders including local groups
and residents to discuss the findings of public consultation on the matter, as well as prioritise areas of an improvement plan.
Moray Council community support officer Laura Cameron confirmed anyone who cannot attend the full meeting from 5.30-7.30pm is welcome to drop in to share thoughts and network.
She said: “I’ve been working with a small group on the plan that brings together the priorities of residents.
“We’re keen to share the plan and start conversations around how we come together to support the priorities, each other, and make progress on the things that matter most to the people living and working here.”
Laura has teamed up with Anne Rossiter of Forres Community Sports Hub, FACT’s Michelle Gillibrand, as well as Tina Coffey and Sandra Maclennan of FAF.
“They’ve been working incredibly hard on the process,” said Laura. “A huge number of local organisations and residents have been involved.
“The town hall event will kick off with a welcome and introduction to the plan but it will be more informal for the rest of the session. We will ask attendees to share their thoughts on the next steps, how we can monitor progress and the best ways to keep communication flowing.”
Aspirations for Forres in the original Spirit of Community document printed in 2014 included an outdoor gym, finally opened at Sanquhar this year.
An all-weather sports surface, a skate park and improved internet connections are still being looked amongst other aims.
Sandra Maclennan pointed out that the Spirit of Community was initially an idea of then-Moray Councillor Lorna Creswell.
“The success of the first one encouraged the groups involved to initiate a second plan,” said Sandra. “Various consultation methods have been used, supported by residents, community councils, lo- cal groups, schools and community support officers. Seed funding came from Forres Area Sports Group and tsi Moray.”
Views and ideas of residents of all ages regarding enhancement of the area are represented in a new Spirit of Community plan across the themes of: Local Environment; Transport, Traffic, Access and Active Travel; Leisure, Tourism and Heritage; Facilities and Services; Young People; and Cost of Living.
The project steering group is now looking for help to identify more groups to take responsibility for delivery via an action plan.
Sandra finished: “The people of Forres are known for their enthusiasm to enhance our community. We value their continued support and encourage residents from across the area to come along today (Wednesday, April 24) to Forres Town Hall at 5.30pm to help shape our future.”
