What are we doing to make Princetown a better place?
Princetown is a wonderful place to live, and whilst not without its challenges, by working together we can make it better. We know the village faces some difficult problems from losing treasured attractions like the visitor centre, employement and footfall from the prison, to changes in population mix and demographic putting pressure on local services, and changes in government support for farming.
Added to this, businesses are working in different ways, they need different things from their premises and staff. And our visitors are changing too, including their expectations and needs which affects how they engage with the village (and our businesses).
We know change can feel unsettling but as our situation changes, so must we, whatever part we play in the community.
To make sure this change is right for us all, we want to work with the community to create a shared vision and then use this to inform a plan for change (known as a place strategy).
What is a vision?
A vision is a big-picture idea of what we want
Princetown to be like in the future. A shared ambition that guides how the village and community could adapt, improve, and how we take care of our families, neighbours and community.
A vision can include anything from buildings to local events, from how knowledge and resources are shared to how communal spaces are used. A vision can include ideas from and about all ages and parts of the community and can be as much about attitudes and feeling as about material things!
What can we do with this vision?
When we have developed a shared vision for the village, we want to use it to develop a Place Strategy. A Place Strategy is how we will deliver the vision together. Through the process, you and your neighbours can identify what matters most – from improving parks, transport and housing, to addressing economic challenges, inspiring more collaboration, connection and new local events. From here we can work together to create a shared plan to make things happen.
How can we create this vision?
A vision for Princetown should come from you – the people who live here and the businesses that operate here. Your ideas, hopes, and needs should shape the direction our village takes. When we build the vision together, we build a stronger community.
If you don’t live or work here but visit often, we want your ideas too!
To help this, we’ve commissioned an ‘Encounters Shop for Princetown’ at the Duchy Hotel “where nothing’s for sale but there’s lots on offer”.
How do I get involved?
Please do pop in to the Encounters Shop in the Duchy Hotel – this is the place to get involved, bring your voice, see and hear what others are saying and make connections. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Find out more here- click here to find out more:
This autumn and winter we will be asking for your thoughts and ideas, and sharing updates in different ways, so also look out for news on our website and social media channels as well as posters and information at various venues around the village including the Post Office, Community Centre and the notice board at the Encounters Shop
Who can I talk to for more information?
We hope in time that all kinds of people across the community will be involved. Right now, the initiative is being developed by a group made up of representatives from the Parish Council (Councillors Mark Williams and Brenda Cotterill), the local business community (Nikki Hirst, Sarah Howard, Tom Bickle and Mark Renders), the Duchy (Emma Magee and Matthew Morris), local community organisations (Emma Byrom formerly of the Primary School and still of the Youth Club) and representatives from the National Park (Richard Dysdale) and West Devon Council (Laura Eames and Chris Brook).
Any of the Steering Group will be happy to hear from you. Alternately you can contact the Steering Group via email using the address: princetownvision@gmail.com.