From our Community Business Plan:

Vision

We are committed to enabling a sustainable and resilient community for Whitechapel and Inglewhite.

We will do this through

• Understanding needs and requirements of the community
• Creating sports facilities for young people, individuals, clubs, and school (primary and nursery)
• Providing improved community spaces
• Addressing transport issues within the area
• Promoting a programme of social events to enable community adhesion
• Promoting Whitechapel and Inglewhite as a vibrant rural community
• Understanding emerging and current sustainability concepts and approaches, for example Transition Initiatives
• Reviewing existing assets and facilities
• Promoting communication and discussion within the community

How are we doing?

• In 2006 we asked the community what was the best option of a plot of land adjacent to the school.
• We have planning Permission for the MUGA and have engaged a project management organisation to deliver it.
• We have held numerous social and fund raising events such as May Ball, Fireworks and Cinema Evening
• We have raised in excess of £15,000 funds through events and donations
• We have secured £100, 000 through Lancashire Opportunities Fund
• We are awaiting news of our Sports England bid for £128,000
• We have entered the BBC Village SOS competition for £400,000
• We have the support of Preston City Council Rural Support Officer
• We are planning another survey and questionnaire to understand the communities ’5 year vision’
• We meet monthly and have lots of great ideas but we really do welcome new faces, energy and more ideas …..

BBC Village SoS.

These are the SMART outcomes that we included in the bid to address Big Lottery / BBC requirements:

Outcome One

Increased opportunities for young people to participate and develop skills in sports locally, will reduce car travel dependence and improve social cohesion. 200 people across 9 sports activities will benefit from a MUGA facility from 2010 and through social facilities from 2011

Outcome Two

By 2011 improved village hall facilities will provide community space for 500 residents, with a focus on meeting and event space for teenagers and community groups, as well as enabling income through visitor and organisational (corporate) use.

Outcome Three

Commencing 2010, workshops and training events related to improving sustainable/resilient communities and increasing social media connectivity will lead to improved enterprise opportunities e.g. farmers markets for 500 residents and local businesses whilst also improving local and wider social and environmental aspects.