The Newent Initiative Trust

In the wake of the foot and mouth epidemic of 2002, which seriously hit farming and tourism, the market town of Newent was awarded £55,000 under the government's Market and Coastal Towns Initiative

The funding came from the South West Regional Development Agency and Gloucestershire Market Towns Forum, to enable the town to prepare and publish a Community Strategic Plan for the future.

The Overall Plan

A voluntary partnership of representatives from local organisations, including Newent Town Council, the Civic Society and Millennium Trust, created the Newent Initiative, with Former Mayor Fred Passant in the chair.

The Initiative has now combined its talents with the Newent Millennium Trust, an organisation set up by past mayor John Waugh. In its new form it will continue to work hard for the community as the Newent Initiative Trust.

An initial list of 3 quick wins, 2 short term projects to enhance the town and the villages beyond, were identified, while research for major schemes, which would need substantial funding from other sources at a later date, was carried out.

We asked YOU

So we asked YOU with the aid of public meetings, questionnaires and drop-in sessions what were the important issues and what needed priority. All of the areas groups and organisations were canvassed. School children too were directly involved. A public meeting reported back the findings and set out the way ahead.

The Report

All the information went through a town planning consultancy, which picked out Newent's strengths and weaknesses and identified the priority projects for the community.

The 150-page report was circulated and a condensed, fold-out brochure was produced, for delivery through every local letterbox.

Aims and objectives

The plan helped by:
Identifying a clear future for the town
Giving clear targets and goals to be achieved
Identifying specific projects which needed urgent consideration
Consolidating information and providing a document to assist the town in seeking grants and further investment
Benefits to the community

The plan also helped by:
Stimulating forward thinking
Kick starting urgent projects utilising local talents and expertise
Boosting the local economy
Building up a pride in the town

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