Project summary and overview of early work by facilitation group
Throughout the early months of 2021 a small community group came together to consider ideas for the future of the village which can then lead to wider community discussions to find solutions. Initial discussions have been aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act (2015) and aims to start and facilitate discussions which can lead to a thriving, happier, sustainable and greener future for the village community, and all involved: residents, tourists, businesses and third sector (charities and volunteers) and statutory bodies. You are all stake-holders in the future of Borth, so we invite your contribution and participation in Phase 2 of Borth 2030.
OUR APPROACH TO WRITING UP PHASE ONE
We have not detailed what appears to be going well, but to focus upon opportunities and what might prevent these being achieved, that is, threats. As discussion progresses, we can certainly build on Borth’s many current excellent attributes, activities and partnerships. The geographical area considered in this paper covers those areas currently served by Borth Community Council but recognises that activities arising from Borth 2030 are very likely to affect and be affected by neighbouring areas, even to the boundaries of Borth Surgery that extend to Furnace in the north, Penparcau in the south and Ponterwyd in the east.
We looked at Borth from the perspective of the seven themes from ‘Future Generations’ and asked, ‘what are we doing well; not so well; what could we do and what might prevent achievement of those ideas?’ These are the Community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, that is, a ‘SWOT’ analysis. We also looked at successful case studies that might inspire us.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
This is a baseline for discussion, it is not anyone’s policy. The opportunities will not happen by themselves nor with any one group leading it all. It will require participation from the community in small and big ways; linking between groups, creative entrepreneurs, volunteers, co-ordinators and, of course participants. We invite you to consider this work in an open, constructive manner and how we achieve a better, happier, safer, sustainable and thriving Borth in 2030 and beyond.’ What could we easily achieve within a year or so, and how? What might take a couple of years and how might we do it? What might take longer and how might we undertake those activities? For some, we may require external funding, or to lobby statutory authorities; for others we may request philanthropy and local participation.
The case studies are only a few examples that relate to some of the opportunities as inspirations for what has been possible elsewhere. We may like to copy these, vary them, do something completely different; it is up to the community and those who contribute to, and participate in the eventual ‘Borth 2030 vision’.
Phase One:
We aimed to bring together a wide range of knowledge, experience and ideas from across Borth to help propose a medium- to long-term strategic direction and vision for the village, by using current trends and taking into consideration all possible threats and opportunities that might arise as we move forward. The initial work was conducted at arm’s length and independent of Borth Community Council and any other established group. If proposed plans and ideas are agreed then all the relevant stakeholders could work collaboratively over coming years to make any required changes and deliver results together, while always looking at the bigger picture and for continuous improvements and opportunities. While this work will look at the current situation and even look back when required, its main focus must always be to look forward by considering interacting scenarios, to improve the village by linking to the key seven priority work areas (highlighted below).
The key question to be answered from this work is, ‘What does a better, happier, safer, sustainable and thriving Borth look like in 2030 and beyond’ plus ‘what are our biggest opportunities and threats’ which then leads on to, 'how do we get there?’
7 Themes ‘SWOT analysis’ and ‘case studies of what might be possible’:
These are the seven themes we explored. Each is summarised, in turn, in this document.
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