T: 01822 851370 E: admin@sparse.gov.uk
The RSN believes that Rural Communities are frequently overlooked in a policy environment dominated by urban thinking and policy concerns. This often means communities either miss out on the benefits or experience unintended consequences from policies which are poorly thought-through from a rural perspective. This means that government policy currently neglects the many hundreds of important rural towns across England.
We believe these towns play a vital role not only in the lives of their inhabitants but also in both the local and national economy. That is why we want them to receive more focus.
Rural areas and their intricate network of rural communities should be able to realise their potential within the national economy and need to be appropriately recognised and supported in government thinking and actions.
To underline the importance of these English towns, the role they play and their potential going forward, The Rural Services Network have developed a new initiative to develop a Rural Market Town Grouping within the Rural Services Network. This new Grouping will work to add to our Call on Government for a Rural Strategy.
We have begun this initiative by approaching one town or the largest village in each of the 200+ rural areas across England which has been identified by Defra for their distinctive characteristic. This process will be expanded in time to ensure that all those that wish to be involved are fully engaged.
Whilst we appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our rural areas, we seek to create a universal voice to represent all different types of rural areas across England ensuring that no form of rural area is excluded.
Up to until now 180 Towns and Parishes have already agreed to commence the group.
If other Rural Towns who we are yet to contact want to learn more about this matter, please contact us at admin@sparse.gov.uk
Services provided to the group will include:
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Alton Town Council |
Chobham Parish Council |
Brewood and Coven Parish Council |
Peacehaven Town Council |
Bovingdon Parish Council |
Oundle Town Council |
Middleton in Teesdale Parish Council |
Camelford Town Council |
Bideford Town Council |
Easingwold Town Council |
Luddesdown Parish Council |
Minehead Town Council |
Okehampton Town Council |
Malton Town Council |
Maldon Town Council |
Great Dunmow Council |
Moretonhampstead Parish Council |
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Edenbridge Town Council |
Tadcaster Town Council |
Hunstanton Town Council |
Ripley Town Council |
Hythe Town Council |
Wirksworth Town Council |
Ripponden Parish Council |
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The following Councils have also been approached but because of the current lockdown measures affecting their operation, the pressure of extra work caused by the COVID emergency and/or the resulting reprogramming of the meetings they are unable to determine their council situation on this matter at this time. The Councils have indicated they are prepared therefore to go on a reserve list at this stage to safeguard their position so that they can consider the matter as they can. These Councils will therefore consider our invitation for them to be involved as they are able.
Barnard Castle (Durham), Bishopthorpe (York), Bradfield (Sheffield M.B.), Burnham on Crouch (Maldon), Capel (Mole Valley), Clifton Campville (Lichfield), Denby Dale (Kirklees), Dinnington and Maltby (Rotherham MB), Driffield (East Riding), Lenham (Maidstone), Midhurst (Chichester), Northallerton (Hambleton), Portland (Dorset), Sandwich (Dover), Shirebrook (Bolsover), South Elmsall (Wakefield), Sturry (Canterbury), Todmorden (Calderdale), Truro (Cornwall), and Windlesham (Surrey Heath).
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