There is still time for residents and businesses to have their say on a plan for the future of Stafford Borough.

The consultation on Stafford Borough Council’s draft business plan will end on Friday (17 January.) The refreshed plan continues to earmark growth, wellbeing in the community, tackling climate change and running a tight ship as its priorities.

The Corporate Plan is set against the backdrop of an ever changing local and national landscape with the Government announcing proposals last month for the reorganisation of local government as part of the ‘English Devolution White Paper.’

Council leader, Aidan Godfrey, said it was important for the community to give feedback on the local authority’s vision, priorities and objectives.

Delivery of major projects was set out as an objective in the previous plan - and in the last 18 months the council has delivered the £1.5 million transformation of Westbridge Park in Stone and the refurbishment of the Market Square in Stafford. And over the last year the local authority has purchased the derelict former co-op and ailing Guildhall Centre in the Stafford high street with ambitious plans for regenerating the town centre.

You can give feedback on the updated plan until Friday (17 January) at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/corporate-plan

Councillor Godfrey, continued: “We are an ambitious council and this Corporate Plan sets out our priorities with the aim of growing the local economy by attracting further investment and supporting businesses. We have already taken some big decisions by using Government money to buy key buildings so that we can prepare the groundwork to attract investors and developers.

“We should be in no doubt that we cannot ignore the effects of climate change for the future of the planet and as a council we will do all we can from our own activities to reduce our carbon footprint. But we can’t do this alone - we need our local businesses and organisations to support moves to be more environmentally-friendly.”

He added: “Please read the plan and then give us your views. This will let us know whether you think our priorities are the right ones to ensure our borough remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest in - and ensuring we are directing the council resources to those areas that most need it.”

You can take part in the consultation at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/corporate-plan

Press Release No 6182