Due to the diverse geographical
spread of the Berwickshire communities and the relative isolation,
particularly in Winter months, it has become apparent that information
relating to various issues, activities, newsworthy items etc at individual
community level does not always reach that individual community and
certainly does not normally reach all of the communities in Berwickshire.
Each respective community tends to rely on notice boards and, while some
have their own websites and coverage may succeed in pockets at a local
level, other communities are not likely to be kept informed. Many of the
BCCF’s activities suffer from a general lack of awareness and as many of
these activities are in the public interest, there exists a requirement that
these are in the public domain.
The internet is changing the way we live and the way we do business. From a
community point of view, it offers opportunities to prevent isolation,
enhance communication, promote tourism and highlight all aspects of
community life. We strongly believe that we can facilitate a greater degree
of awareness and of communication through the development of a BCCF website.
Project Aims and Objectives
Aims:
The aim of the project is to help create a more sustainable, self-sufficient
and vibrant network of communities across the County.
This project must ensure events and activities organised by the community or
its representatives are as well supported as possible and achieve the
maximum benefits for the population of Berwickshire and visitors to the
area. Moreover, the project’s seeks to help stimulate social networks that
will assist the retention of young people, in particular, in the area, but
also to make society as open and welcoming to the many new residents of
Berwickshire who may arrive in years to come. This will be especially
important if, as set-out in the New Ways strategy for the Borders, the
Eastern Hub development, centred on Eyemouth, succeeds in generating
employment and population growth.
Objectives:
This project sets out to achieve a number of specific objectives in order to
fulfil our aims stated above.
- The “Berwickshire Communities Online”
project will engender a greater involvement in community activities and
promote communication within and across communities, as well as aiding
consultation in issues affecting the communities.
- It should also foster a sense of pride in
the communities, and Berwickshire collectively, and encourage greater
involvement in conservation activities in and across Berwickshire to help
protect and regenerate the built and natural heritage of the area.
- Contribute towards generating medium to
long-term economic benefits through aiding efforts to retain our young
people, and regenerate our towns, villages and hamlets and surrounding
countryside.
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