RESIDENTS in Bassingbourn have been praised for their community spirit and commitment to the future. More than 120 residents attended two public meetings set up to discuss what should be covered in the forthcoming Bassingbourn parish plan. The meetings,

RESIDENTS in Bassingbourn have been praised for their community spirit and commitment to the future.

More than 120 residents attended two public meetings set up to discuss what should be covered in the forthcoming Bassingbourn parish plan.

The meetings, which were held in the Limes Community Centre, attracted villagers and representatives from businesses, clubs and the church.

Steering group member Ann Lynn said: "We were delighted with the response from the village.

"We had no idea how many people would attend, and in the end we had a full house," she said.

"It is heartening to see and hear such a response, especially at the start of the project.

"The main purpose of the meeting was to generate ideas from residents and those with local interests as to what issues should be addressed in the parish plan."

Ideas included traffic concerns, protecting village shops and businesses, care for the elderly and provisions for the young.

Other topics raised were policing levels, community facilities and recycling.

On a positive note there were also pleas to foster the increased community spirit within the village and to protect Bassingbourn's listed buildings and trees.

Mrs Lynn said: "As soon as the villages community spirit was mentioned, we were soon reminded of past events which have involved their enthusiasm and ideas.

"If a renewed community spirit in Bassingbourn is a side effect of producing a parish plan then that is exciting."

The steering group's next step is to compile a questionnaire which will highlight a majority of the ideas raised.

It will then be circulated throughout the village to gauge wider opinion.

Mrs Lynn said: "Following on from the subjects raised the questionnaire will include topics such as traffic, young people and local businesses in an attempt to generate more detail.

"Hopefully, when asked to complete the village's questionnaire, residents will continue to support the plan as enthusiastically as they have done."

- The questionnaire will be dropping through doors shortly and if anyone has any comments on the proposed parish plan they can contact the steering group through Dr Laurence Robinson on 01763 245147.