‘Let’s explore what’s next for Stromness’ - community events announced

A series of consultation events will be held in Stromness next month for local folk to come together and discuss and share ideas for the future of Stromness.

'What Next for Stromness?' is a joint project between Orkney Islands Council, Stromness Community Council and the Stromness Community Development Trust, facilitated by PAS, a charitable social enterprise which helps communities to have their say in planning matters.

The aim is to work with the local community to find out what their priorities and aspirations are, and create a shared plan which contains a vision and actions for Stromness for the next 5 to 10 years.

PAS previously facilitated the Your Kirkwall project in 2018.

Public drop-in events will be held in the Warehouse Buildings on:

• Thursday 16 May from 15:00 to 19:00.
• Friday 17 May from 14:00 to 17:00.
• Saturday 18 May from 11:00 to 16:00.

All are welcome to attend, with no prior knowledge or experience required. Folk can drop in at any time, simply bringing their ideas, local knowledge and enthusiasm to help create the plan.

By the end of the Saturday session it is hoped that the main points of the plan will be prepared, with a final version due to be presented to the community in June.

Events are being held in the run-up to the drop in sessions with local community groups, school pupils and businesses to gather their views.

Councillor James Stockan represents Stromness and the South Isles and Leader of Orkney Islands Council. He said: "This type of community-led approach has been hugely successful in the past. The consultations carried out in 2007 led to 14 different projects which breathed a great deal of life into our town. These were absolutely driven by the community’s own ambition and I hope that same energy is evident here from a new generation of Stromnessians.”

Kris Bevan is Chair of the Stromness Community Development Trust. He said: "This plan will build on previous work that has taken place around community aspirations, creating a framework for the future of our town and collaborative action to make that future a reality. It might include community projects, how to make the best use of facilities, infrastructure, public spaces, new development or other things - it's up to the local community to build on what they’ve already told us to decide what's important."

Further information on the project is available on Twitter @WNFStromness and on Facebook - facebook.com/StromnessOrkney.