This last year Wokingham Borough Council embarked on an exciting new approach to setting its priorities for the future.

In the recent past, the council has formed its own strategy and then consulted the community.

We have been trying to reverse the process. We want to start with the community’s aspirations and end with the council adopting a strategy that seeks to deliver those aspirations.

We have come a long way. The idea of a Community Vision was first aired at a well-attended launch meeting in Wokingham Town Hall.

This was followed by a series of workshops to obtain the views of voluntary and charitable organisations, businesses, town and parish councils, educators, health providers and the emergency services.

The Youth Council, which represents young people in our community, was also asked for its input. 

We then established a steering group, chaired by an independent person - Nick Fellows of the Wokingham Volunteer Centre.

It has representatives from business, the press, the charitable and voluntary sector, health providers, faith groups, schools, the Youth Council, and the University of Reading, as well as council officers and elected councillors.

In the autumn, we began a wider consultation, asking people what they liked and what they would like to change about the areas they live in. We also asked how they would like to describe where they live in the future.

We are now analysing the results, which will help to shape the first draft of the Community Vision.

The range of views is very great. But we will endeavour to make sure all voices are reflected. What is perhaps surprising is that a large number of common themes is emerging.

A big thank you to all who took part. There is still time for anyone who missed the opportunity to contribute.

If you haven't commented yet, but would like to help shape the Commmunity Vision, please email me on Stephen.Conway@wokingham.gov.uk.