Consultant praises Big Society initiative

The proposals feature a series of ideas including revitalising Aberford village hall to incorporate flexible business space; addressing the need for high-speed broadband connectivity for residents and businesses; and proposals for new recreation spaces for young people.

Produced in partnership with Aberford Parish Council, regeneration consultancy BlueFish, have produced a plan following talks with more than 250 local people who identified a range of projects aimed at creating better opportunities for people living and working in the Parish.

The consultation also revealed that traffic, motorway noise and a lack of sports and young people’s facilities were a cause for concern locally.

Imelda Havers, managing director of BlueFish Regeneration, based in York, said: “It’s heartening that a rural area has undertaken this pioneering scheme, which will shape the vision for this historic rural village until 2020.

“This is the coalition government’s Big Society in action.”

She added: “Although Aberford is fairly small and rural in nature, it forms an important part of the Leeds metropolitan area because of its proximity to the A1(M) and M1 motorways.

“The enthusiastic community input reflects the strong desire to create something that will retain its own distinctive character.”

BlueFish consultants are also currently undertaking a feasibility study to taking forward a priority project in the masterplan that would transform Aberford Village Hall into a business and community centre.

Alec Shelbrooke, Tory MP for Elmet and Rothwell yesterday said that the masterplan was a testament to the hard work of so many members of the community and showed a clear and ambitious way forward for Aberford in years to come.