A vision for the south

MORE affordable housing and better planning are two of the main topics to emerge from a year long community consultation exercise in Shetland’s south mainland.

The Shetland South Vision Report, published on Monday, is the culmination of one of the largest consultation ever undertaken in the isles.

The 12 page report, published by the Shetland South Local Service Delivery Group (LSDG), addresses a wide range of issues local people had identified during 2009.

As a result four action groups have been formed to help communities between Gulberwick in the north and Sumburgh in the south achieve their aspirations.

The groups will be responsible for:

”       learning, health, youth and community;
”       environment, tourism, heritage and culture;
”       economic development and agriculture;
”       housing, planning, roads, transport and communications.

Communities also suggested that a development group for the area should be created to take a strategic look at future developments such as land use, tourism, marketing and website design.

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Shetland South LSDG chairman Jonathan Emptage said the report should be read as a guide for decision makers.

“The Shetland South Vision report is the culmination of a lot of effort from a lot of people and if the local community hadn’t come to the public meetings or filled in the postcards then we wouldn’t have this report,” he said.

Shetland south councillor Rick Nickerson added that the consultation had brought communities together and ultimately empowered them.

“Due to the work carried out last year through the Shetland South vision the community is in a strong position to influence areas of service provision such as planning, education, utilities, health and care,” Mr Nickerson said.

“Shetland South LSDG will endeavour to involve the community at all times and will ensure that progress is reported and updated regularly.”

The vision report can be found at http://www.shetland.gov.uk/communityplanning/LSDGSouth.asp