From vital services to “treasured community assets”, people across Cambridgeshire are being asked to share the issues impacting their communities
Residents across rural Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are being asked to speak up to “have a real opportunity to shape” the future of their villages, as a countywide initiative seeks to establish people’s views on the changes and improvements they want to see over the next five years.
Local people have until the end of the year to have their say on the future of rural life, from housing developments and population growth to vital services and treasured community assets. They can get involved by completing a short survey, attending an interactive community workshop or both.
The Future Rural Cambridgeshire Residents’ Survey asks people what matters most to them, while the workshops encourage communities to explore local challenges and suggest practical ways to help their villages adapt and thrive over the next five years. Both form part of Future Rural Cambridgeshire, an initiative led by Cambridgeshire ACRE and delivered by Wray Irwin Associates, which will use participants’ views to inform future projects, partnerships and funding proposals.
Dr Wray Irwin, of Wray Irwin Associates, said: “With new houses and roads transforming familiar places and the government’s drive for local devolution, there are many questions about what might be lost. My message is simple: this is the chance for residents to speak up and have a real opportunity to shape their neighbourhoods”
“People should act now to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns considered. Whether it’s a vital bus service, a treasured community facility or simply the character of your village, these are things we shouldn’t take for granted, but people need to make their views known.
“I invite residents across the county to get involved, either by completing the short survey or joining us at one of the workshops throughout November and December. Now’s the time to get involved.”
Hayley Neal, CEO of Cambridgeshire ACRE, said: “The people who live and work in our rural communities know their places best. We want to hear what matters to them, what is changing and what would make a difference. By sharing their experiences and ideas, residents can help us shape practical support that builds on local strengths and responds to local priorities.”
The anonymous survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, while numerous community workshops are scheduled throughout November and December:
The local workshops will take place on:
Tuesday 8 December, 7pm: Online
Thursday 10 December, 7pm: Little Downham Village Hall, CB6 2ST
No specialist knowledge or previous involvement in community consultations is required, and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences of rural life.
To book a workshop place, go to: www.tinyurl.com/Workshops-FutureRuralCambs.
To complete the survey, go to: www.tinyurl.com/Survey-FutureRuralCambs
The wider Future Rural Cambridgeshire initiative will continue until March 2027, with findings helping Cambridgeshire ACRE identify opportunities to strengthen rural communities across the county.
For more information, email FutureRuralCambs@gmail.com or visit www.cambsacre.org.uk.
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