Congleton Partnership Visits Uppingham

Following the successful Congleton Means Business Expo in May and the very illuminating presentation given by Ron Simpson of Uppingham First,3 members of the partnership went along to see Uppingham for themselves.

The day was organised by David McGifford from Cheshire East’s economic department, and offered to all members of the Sustainable Towns Network. 5 towns took up the offer and were treated to both an informative and interesting day.

They were given a tour of various community, private business and public sector projects including

Uppingham Cricket Club and Uppingham Schools new sport facilities which are open to for public use as well as club and school members. They were shown Town Council developments on Tods Piece, The Welland Vale Nursery Project and an affordable housing scheme.

Presentations were given by Rutland Telecom who informed the group of the collaborative work being done with the community and partnership to provide high speed broadband not only for Uppingham residents but to many of the outlying villages. The project is 50% funded by 20 year loans from private individuals with interest payable against them . Currently 43 homes receive 50+ mbts and a target of 100mbts is the aim.

Uppingham have recently set up a Neighbourhood Forum and the effectiveness of their work was outlined in a presentation and discussion. The forum which hold open meetings with residents and uses the web for people to give views on various issues results in early community involvement and collaboration in projects and events appears to be working well, although there may well be size of scale benefits in a population of 4500 against some of our towns pushing up around 30,000 residents. This is a challenge for all in improving local participation in decision making and a feeling of belonging .

From a retail perspective Uppingham enjoys a good spread of quality independent traders with very few ‘national/multiple ‘businesses, the nearest supermarket is approximately 7 miles away. Aligned to the fact that the majority of housing is either in or close to the town centre there is a feel of vibrancy within the town centre which gives an additional element of self policing to the area.

Sunday trading is restricted to antique shop, book shops and restaurants all helping to create a unique and enjoyable environment for visitors.

There was a lot of interest around some of the projects Uppingham are working on, The Golden Ticket, Uppingham Wifi (free wireless access in the market square),Electric car charging points and the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony celebrations to name but a few.

Overall a very enjoyable and interesting day, with plenty to think about for the towns involved.

Website: www.uppinghamfirst.co.uk