West Craven Together

Who are we?

West Craven Together (WCT) is a community-led organisation comprising of representatives from a wide cross-section of our community who share their local knowledge, skills and expertise on a voluntary basis.

We are united in our aim to make West Craven a better, more sustainable place to live and work by developing and implementing sustainable community led regeneration initiatives.

WCT was formed in 2001 in response to the national Market Towns Initiative.

What is the Market Towns Initiative?

Many market towns have declined in recent years due to factors such as the impact of out-of-town shopping centres, increased mobility for many people and the quality and diversity of services. Theses affect people both in the towns and the surrounding countryside.

Growing concerns for the future of market towns resulted in the introduction of the Market Towns Initiative which addresses these concerns.

The aim of the Market Towns Initiative is to bring new life to market towns, so that they provide convenient access to the services that towns people and surrounding rural communities depend on.

What do we do?

WCT was tasked with undertaking a "Health-Check" which involved a considerable amount of local and business community consultation to define the strengths and weaknesses of West Craven and identifying the key issues which needed to be tackled.

Results from this survey in addition to results from other consultation exercises undertaken in Earby, Salterforth, Kelbrook and Sough have been used to develop and shape WCT's action plan and has encouraged the community to become involved in its regeneration process.

Projects in the action plan reflect the needs and ambitions of the West Craven communities. These projects have been grouped and will be developed under the following themes:

• Theme 1 Enterprise development and business support
• Theme 2 Skills development
• Theme 3 Enterprise and Resource Centres
• Theme 4 Community capacity building and rural access
• Theme 5 Towns' Centre Renaissance
• Theme 6 Canal Corridor Enhancement
• Theme 7 Tourism support and development
• Theme 8 Festivals

WCT is committed to ensuring that decisions and priorities are informed by local communities need and aspirations. We are keen to encourage people to get involved in the direction and delivery of the initiative.

Areas covered by the scheme are Barnoldswick, Bracewell, Earby, Kelbrook, Salterforth and Sough.

Any member of the public is welcome to take an active part in the above theme group meetings and observe at Steering group meetings.