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Dev Plan Website

The Helmsdale & District Development Trust was established in 2012 to implement the community development plan created in 2010. The plan addresses key issues facing the area such as population decline, lack of housing and jobs, and limited activities for youth. The Trust's goals are to develop the economy, improve access to services, protect the environment, and provide more opportunities for young people. Their development priorities include initiatives related to housing, business, environment, services, culture and youth.

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4K views2 pages

Dev Plan Website

The Helmsdale & District Development Trust was established in 2012 to implement the community development plan created in 2010. The plan addresses key issues facing the area such as population decline, lack of housing and jobs, and limited activities for youth. The Trust's goals are to develop the economy, improve access to services, protect the environment, and provide more opportunities for young people. Their development priorities include initiatives related to housing, business, environment, services, culture and youth.

Uploaded by

David Mason
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Helmsdale & District Development Trust Helmsdale & District Development Trust (HDDT) evolved from the Development

Group in April 2012, following the need to become a legally incorporated organisa on with charitable status, for the benet of the Helmsdale & District Community. The sole purpose of the Trust is to implement the Development Plan and Priori es, which was created from the Community Consulta on in 2010. Directors of HDDT: Lucy Fraser (Chairperson) Ruth Whi aker (Vice-Chairperson) Karen Sutherland (Treasurer) Valery George (Secretary) Barbara Jappy Ronald Sutherland Penny Innes Anna Vermehren - Co-opted Eileen Grant - Co-opted If you would like to know more, please contact our Local Development Ocer, Paul Harrington at the Helmsdale Community Centre on 01431 821141

Helmsdale & District Development Trust Development Plan & Priori es Bun Illidh

Shaping Our future Together

The issues that face Helmsdale District


Sutherland is one of the largest, but least populated areas in the whole of Europe. The countys popula on is approximately 13,000 and the popula on of Helmsdale District is 838, which is only 6.5% of the total. The popula on is in decline and there is a high dependency on facili es and employment outwith the area. A key area of concern is the low propor on of young adults and families, which although a Highland wide issue, is par cularly pronounced in Sutherland. The 16-24 age group, for example, represents only 7.3% of the popula on here compared to 9.3% of the Highland popula on as a whole. Many move out of the area to pursue higher or further educa on and Training, or to take up jobs. It is therefore important that this plan helps to sustain the exis ng communi es by encouraging new employment opportuni es, be er facili es and the provision of more housing. A recent survey conducted by HIE in the community conrmed that these issues are a priority for our community with jobs, housing and ac vi es for teenagers being the key areas we need to address. There is a very demanding task ahead of us, but the alterna ve is to do nothing and allow the decline to con nue. This is not a situa on that the HDDT are prepared to contemplate as we believe Helmsdale deserves be er. Local Development Ocer Paul Harrington was appointed as the Local Development Ocer in December 2011 and has been tasked with taking with taking forward projects mee ng the aims of the Development Plan, to enhance the economic, social and cultural life of the community. Paul has a history of working on community projects and is from a project development management background.

Our Key Aims To develop a diverse and robust economy in the Helmsdale District that will meet the need and aspira ons of the Community.

To work with the community to improve access to services, economic and cultural, that will reverse popula on decline and enhance the quality of life.

To protect and develop the environment of Helmsdale & District, ensuring the sustainable use of its resources.

To improve services for young people, ensuring they have access to ac vi es and skills building opportuni es in the area.

Development Priori es
Our Vision
Helmsdale & District Development Trust brings together all local organisa ons, groups and businesses to jointly create an economically prosperous and culturally rich Community for the benet of everyone
HOUSING

BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT



Organise an economic impact survey for the local shing industry & harbour feasibility. Research and pursue op ons for the Petrol Sta on. Develop new business units and support new business start-ups. Encourage skills development and use of exis ng skills in dierent ways. Recognise and promote cro ing and shing .

Increase the availability of rented accommoda on Develop housing to meet the needs of the Community

ENVIRONMENT

Set up and develop Community compos ng facili es, poly-tunnels, improved recycling facili es and environmental projects, create a garden partnering service.

Research renewable energy op ons & encourage produc on of all forms of renewable energy for local use and export.

SERVICES

Lobby for an improved Community Broadband Package. YOUNG PEOPLE

Explore transport op ons for the elderly and inrm. Act in the Communitys interest over land buy out opportuni es. Consider assisted living technologies saus as Telecare

Work with Youth Group Co-ordinators to improve current facili es. Inves gate and implement new interest groups - young lm & music. Research and set-up a youth exchange programme. Implement work experience opportuni es with a skills development agency.

CULTURE, HERITAGE & TOURISM

Develop new training ini a ves.

Create a network of footpaths for recrea on linking sites of interest and natural beauty. Inves gate and develop a poten al touring/camping park area. Improve and implement signage throughout the Community and wider area. Inves gate the poten al for a community events programme for Helmsdale. Develop a Helmsdale marke ng strategy. Support projects which culturally enrich Community life and iden ty. Support the re-development of the Railway Sta on Building.

These are just some of the areas we are looking to address. This plan is a working document and we aim to meet as many of your aims for the Helmsdale & District as possible. Please do not hesitate in le ng us know your priories for development.

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