The Council, working in partnership with local residents and statutory authorities, undertook a Community Appraisal to ascertain the views of local citizens, their aspirations and to understand the reality of life in the Community. Information was gained from both adults and young people in the Community.

Following the analysis and processing of this information, the Council, in its capacity as Community Leader, agreed a Community Strategy for the Authority.

As a primary step, the Council agreed its strategic vision statement:

“The Community Council aspires to be an Authority which leads it citizens in a constructive context. It will promote and provide wherever possible efficient, effective and needs driven services. The Council will work in partnership with all sectors to achieve a safe, clean, and healthy Community where individual enterprise is encouraged and opportunities for education, participation in civic life, and self-reliance are supported.”

Through considering and processing the data gained through the Community Appraisal, the Council identified key Authority areas of activity and issues which local people wished to highlight. These were categorised into the following themes:

• Corporate / Governance
• Community Safety
• Education
• Culture and Recreation
• Health
• Business, Tourism and Commerce

Each strategic key area was discussed with Key Performance Measures being agreed by Council to ensure consistent action and effort in achieving effective Community Leadership.

Council Officers report to the Authority's Members on progress regarding the Community Strategy, and, through the Council's Assessment and Performance Scheme, the Key Performance Measures are mainstreamed into Council activity and practice. Furthermore, best practice which arises from the Community Strategy is regularly reported to Members and is shared with appropriate groups and agencies.