A consultation launched on May 20th is asking for views on how the districts can tackle the challenges they face as they come out of recession and build on opportunities for future prosperity.

It has been recognised by both District Councils that they have a shared interest in achieving local economic growth and attracting and retaining investment while improving towns and the lives of the people who live here.

A document called the Ashfield and Mansfield Joint Economic Masterplan will include views from both District Councils, partner organisations, potential investors, local businesses and local people. This will include a strategy section and a set of living actions hoped to drive growth.

Frank Horsley, Head of Community and Economic Promotion at Ashfield District Council is leading the project on behalf of Mansfield and Ashfield, who are fully supportive of the joint approach.  Frank explained that the Masterplan will act as a catalyst for action and investment in three identified key areas – People, Business and Place.

“Our focus is on realising our ambition for the area and providing the opportunity for people and businesses to grow and prosper,” he said. “We want all local people to not only benefit from these improvements, but have an active role in contributing towards shaping our plans for our economic future.”

“Ashfield and Mansfield Councils are committed to helping shape this through the Joint Economic Masterplan and will be at the forefront of championing our area and enabling recovery and growth.”

He added that the consultation provides the opportunity for everyone locally with an interest in the economic future of Ashfield and Mansfield to have their say.

“Incorporating the results of this consultation into the final Masterplan will make it a dynamic, living document which will be under continual review by the Sherwood Growth Zone Partnership.

“We want to know what people think and what we can all do to make Ashfield and Mansfield a proud and prosperous place – taking part in this consultation and working with us will enable us to deliver our ambitions”

The consultation document “Ambition” is available online at: www.sherwoodgrowthzone.org
Comments can be submitted online, sent by e-mail to p.thomas@ashfield-dc.gov.uk or by post by using the comment form at the back of the document. Hard copies of the consultation will also be available.

The Consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, 17th June, 2011.