The Coleshill Forum was formed at the end of 2003 as a result of the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, allocating £250,000 to the town to be spent on economic related projects as part of its Market Towns Initiative. The Coleshill Forum is a group of local residents, business representatives and members of other statutory and community groups who have a interest in shaping the future of the town and the surrounding rural area.
Coleshill completed a thorough review of the town and surrounding area or 'Healthcheck' and developed an 'Action Plan' which addrssses the issues identified in the Healthcheck, in April 2004. Now that the issues and opportunities facing the town have been identified through the Healthcheck process, the next step will be to begin implementing a range of projects in and around Coleshill. Funding will be secured from government bodies, charities, local businesses and community groups over the next three years to deliver these projects.
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Key Priorities for Coleshill and its Rural Hinterland
Economy
- The need to combat external retail pressures through enhanced retail provision and increased footfall in the town centre.
- The need to capitalise on the visitor potential of the town and surrounding area through improved promotion and the development of a distinctive identity.
- The need to increase visitor numbers through the provision of enhanced activities and basic facilities.
- The need to support local businesses by addressing labour supply issues through upskilling and providing support facilities and networking opportunities.
Transport and Accessibility
- The need to reduce traffic dominance in the High Street as part of the process of making the town centre more accessible for all by bike, car, bus, pram, wheelchair or on foot.
- The need to improve car parking provision in the town centre by maximising the availability of spaces for shoppers.
- The need to identify all Disability Discrimination issues to plan desirable actions to make Coleshill a model of “social” inclusion.
Environment
- The need to initiate further quality improvements to the public realm, including the enhancement of town centre gateways, both man made and natural.
Social and Community
- The need to overcome the perceived fear of crime in the town centre.
- The need to engage the community in wider reaching initiatives in the town to supplement the existing enthusiasm for smaller clubs and societies.
- The need to further develop leisure and recreation facilities in the town, in particular providing additional facilities for young people.
- The need to improve communications within the town and between the town and rural areas and to develop a discussion forum for major issues affecting the town.
Projects Identified in the Action Plan
The following Action Plan reflects the above key priorities identified by the local community. At this stage it only gives an indication of the types of projects the Coleshill Forum will be involved in over the next three years. The Coleshill Forum’s priority is to develop a programme of long term projects, to include:
- Increasing the attractiveness of the High Street for businesses and their customers.
- Improving access points to the town e.g. Cole End Bridge.
- Supporting a competition standard skateboard park and youth shelter facilities.
- Developing an amphitheatre as part of a community art, heritage and cultural activity initiative.
View the Action Plan produced by the Coleshill Forum (PDF - 17 KB)
For further information about the activities of the Coleshill Forum call 01827 719287 |