In 2007 it was agreed to compile an Action Plan, to gain a snapshot of local needs and aspirations for the future development of the community of Rosemarket. During January and February of that year, Community Visioning Workshops were facilitated by PLANED (Pembrokeshire Local Action Network for Enterprise and Development). Information gathered from the workshops was written up into a document, which also included the results of a Community Questionnaire that was undertaken.
Entitled the DRAFT Community Action Plan, it was distributed to all Rosemarket households in May 2007, in conjunction with Rosemarket Community Council.
Residents were invited to help finalise the Community Action Plan by attending a public meeting at the Village Hall on
5th June 2007 to discuss the findings and proposals within the draft, the feedback from which would contribute to a final document.
Rosemarket Local History Society (RLHS) has a copy of the draft, kindly donated by a resident. PLANED has been excellent in searching their archives for us and locating a copy of the final document that was created – on which the remainder of this article is based.
A4 in format, the 16 pages cover a multitude of topics including community facilities and activity groups, the environment, local history, transport, traffic and highways, and housing.
The following extracts are taken from the Community Action Plan document to give a sense of its contents:
People and a Sense of Place
“An exercise carried out during the Community Visioning Workshops encouraged residents of all ages to sum up the essential qualities of their village. Rosemarket was described as a ‘quiet location with a good heart’ – a close knit community with a strong sense of community pride”.
“The Church, Community Hall and local pub are regarded as important facilities which help keep the community together, as do the variety of local clubs and regular events”.
“Local history is an important aspect of pride in Rosemarket – the dovecote, hill fort and church were all mentioned as valued features”.
The 21st Century vision
“During the Community Visioning exercise, participants were asked to envisage their ideal community in ten years’ time. They believed that pride in Rosemarket should be retained. There would be a shop selling local produce, an internet café and more facilities for young people. It was clear that younger people liked their village but want a Youth Club which would include organised activities such as discos, trips and sports”.
“Road safety would be improved, with speed restrictions and pavements throughout the village. Public transport times would also be improved to make it more accessible”.
“The environment should be preserved, especially hedgerows. The tidy nature of the village should be retained and litter banished. Housing development was discussed, with some difference in opinion over the type of accommodation”.
Community Activities and Facilities
“Community spirit and a ‘core of interested people’, are regarded as strengths in Rosemarket but there is a concern that this will not be sustained by future generations. Events such as bingo, treasure hunts and the Church fete are an important part of the annual calendar”.
“There is enthusiasm for holding an Annual Village Festival over the course of a weekend, with activities ranging from ‘Best Dressed House’ to kite-making and flying competitions, fund raising walks, musical events and dancing”.
Environment and Enhancement
“The local environment is regarded as a great asset by residents who are keen to enjoy and protect it”. Several young people expressed an interest in an ‘adopt a flower bed’ scheme which would be a great way of getting them involved in community life”.
“The Community Council employs a maintenance man which is a great advantage. His work could be supplemented with voluntary work”.
Heritage and History
“Workshop participants described wishing to preserve local heritage. A Heritage Trail could be part of the proposed Rosemarket Village Festival – which could also feature a Medieval Fair to celebrate local history, followed by a pig roast”.
Transport, Traffic and Highways
“Road safety issues were raised by a large number of workshop participants, particularly the ever-increasing volume and speed of traffic through the village. Pedestrian safety is a primary concern and creation of a pavement and traffic calming measures have been proposed”.
“Young people feel that the bus shelter would be more attractive if decorated with artistic designs”.
Housing and Services
“Local people want a balance between retaining the current size and identity of their village, with provision of affordable homes for young people, disabled and the elderly. Some suggested that the village boundary be extended to allow more homes”.
“Rosemarket has a reasonable range of local services, including a mobile library, mobile hairdresser, paper delivery, coal delivery and meals on wheels. Residents are keen to support local producers and service providers”.
What happened next?
The document contained a number of proposals on how to implement and support the suggestions made. This included the proposal to create a Community Forum to help get the Action Plan proposals underway, with PLANED being available for advice and support along the way. It is not known if such a Forum was ever created. We would love to hear from anyone who either participated in the workshops or helped set up a Community Forum.