In 2011 the Government introduced a concept of Neighbourhood Planning into its 'localism' agenda with the express view of enabling local communities to have an important say in the how their local areas would be developed.

In Harlepool, with the support of the Borough Council, the Parish Councils got together to develop a local plan embracing the rural areas of Hartlepool from Hart in the North to Greatham and Newton Bewley in the South. The group was successful in obtaining government funding to help them develop a plan. Elwick Parish Council was one of the leading councils in setting up the Rural Plan Working Group but it needs your views as to how you see the village developing over the next 10 to 15 years.

Since it was formed, the Group have been engaging with the local community to developing the draft Plan, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of the community whilst also gathering key pieces of evidence about the Rural area. Collectively, we want to make the Rural area a better place to live, work and visit for now and for future generations.

Please take a bit of time out to visit the Rural Plan web site at http://www.hartlepoolruralplan.co.uk and let them have your views.

If the Plan is to be successful, it must demonsrate that it reflects the Communities' views as a whole, not just the thoughts of a few.

IMPORTANT NOTICE