I was approached recently by a young man from Padstow who offered an idea relevant to this group, the town and its original inhabitants. If Padstow as we know it is to survive I reckon the idea and the proposals there after could be the key to that future. Here is what I was sent… “With the way the town has evolved in recent years and the speed at which it has become a major tourist attraction, many criticise without giving much thought to how we can overcome various issues. Now Im open to suggestions ,improvements and criticism etc but have been thinking about the issue for a long time now. This isnt an idea in stone and I believe with the right people involved can only move in the right direction and improve. I feel if we could form a consortium of Padstownian’s and perhaps those that live amongst the community that have committed there free time who are not necessarily classed as local but love the place as we do. We could get as many people as possible involved and all commit to parting with a small amount of money each and equally so its fair for all. We buy a property within the town and establish a new fruit and veg shop, butchers, deli, fishmongers or combination of things somewhere in between. Its open for discussion but we could then loyally commit to buying from this shop as to maintain its survival turning our backs on the Tesco tax dodgers. Obviously someone would have to work the shop and a local member or members can be employed and paid accordingly. This will be designed as a non-profitable organisation almost a charity if you will. Then in time we use the profit to purchase another shop or viable business proposition to benefit the town further, this would take time to do but its laying the foundations for the future generations and claiming back that community spirit. As a result we too would gain from tourism if this where to go ahead. We would also support local suppliers as best we could whether it be fruit and veg or a butchers / fish mongers etc. There are so many possibilities available and I do believe we could gain enough support for something like this to move forward. We Would appreciate your thoughts and opinions on this idea and if you feel its got potential then feel free to copy and paste to your mayday page or any other you feel relevant. Cheers.” Now I’ve taken a look at several web sites and done a bit of research and this idea has some serious merit! it would show once and for all if local people have the will or inclination to try to save at least part of the town we know and love rather than just end up dancing round it mayday every year till all hope is gone and our people, traditions and way of life are too. Has big money has got the better of us? On its own at present we are looking down a dark road for our children’s future in Padstow and that saddens me greatly… this could be the flickering candle of hope against the winds of change and offer great potential for the future when all the tourists as in Victorian Welsh seaside town once in great favour, have moved on. A simple case of putting our money where our mouth is! We have great produce locally and a very foody audience I reckon we should utilise that status to make our future in the town more sustainable. Here is a little light reading for anyone who see’s the potential. Also the odd article about others who have had community based ideas that are making good things happen and business ideas that may work straight out the tin feel free to like, share and or pledge support, funds, skills, manage the whole thing.... etc etc etc:- walesonline.co.uk/…/meet-tiny-welsh-village-figh… see3.co.uk/town-team/ tebayservices/our-story buxtontownteam.org/what-we-do/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_interest_company battlefield1403/page/butchery broadstairstownteam.org.uk/about.php theguardian/…/setting-up-community-interest-… https://gov.uk/…/office-of-the-regulator-of-community-i… https://gov.uk/set-up-a-social-enterprise https://gov.uk/…/improving-high-streets-and-town-centres may offer possible funding and or grants as may the lottery if we can match it. telegraph.co.uk/…/David-Cameron-pledges-250m-for… mycommunityrights.org.uk/community-right-to-bid/ theguardian/…/local-groups-benefit-community… theguardian/…/shop-locally-small-business-sa… sibgroup.org.uk/…/over-pound16m-available-to-co…/
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 11:33:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015