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Home  About Dereham Area Partnership |
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About Dereham Area Partnership
The Dereham Area Partnership (DAP) aims to encourage and support activities that enhance the quality of life for the local community.
The Partnership is a voluntary organisation and a company limited by guarantee which was formed in 2001. There are currently 40 members drawn from the local voluntary, public and private sectors as well as individuals who are interested in being involved.
The aims of the Dereham Area Partnership are:
1. Develop the Partnership as an effective means of delivery and co-ordination.
2. Encourage a safe and social environment, which offers a variety of interests for all ages.
3. Encourage a vibrant economy, promoting business development and tourism.
4. Help to improve transport and access availability for all.
5. Promote an attractive and welcoming environment.
6. Foster a culture of lifelong learning and promote equality of opportunities for all.
The DAP received funding in 2002 to employ a full time Partnership Co-ordinator to work with the DAP members to plan, deliver and monitor projects which the DAP undertakes. So far, over 40 projects have been co-ordinated by the DAP in the Dereham area.
The DAP office is in the Breckland Business Centre,St.Withburga Lane, Dereham. Anyone can drop in to the DAP office to discuss project ideas or how to get more involved in DAP activities.
The activities which the DAP undertakes are all based on consultation with the local community so that they address the chief concerns of the public in the area.
In 2001 the major issues identified through consultation and their percentage ranking in the consultation process were:
Transport & Access 27%
Environment 15%
Youth & Community 11%
Town Centre 10%
Leisure & Sport 10%
Crime & Safety 5%
Culture & Heritage 5%
Health 5%
Village Services 5%
Economy & Learning 4%
Waste recycling 3%
A number of projects have already been implemented in and around Dereham by the Dereham Area Partnership. These include:
• Installation of bus shelters in Dereham Market Place
• Environmental enhancements to St. Nicholas Churchyard, Dereham
• Town centre ‘gateway’ improvements – renovation of Yaxham Rd. Cottage and level crossings around town
• Dereham ‘Mystery Shopper Audit’ completed by Tourist Board, giving ideas for increasing visitor numbers in Dereham
• Dereham Access Audit completed by NORDAT, identifying pedestrian areas of the town centre in need of improvements relating to access
• Free training carried out for volunteers in the area
• Various grants have been made through the Business Development Chest. These have been awarded to small, local businesses to help improve their sustainability
• Production of Dereham Heritage Trail leaflet, providing information on distinctive heritage features in the town centre
• Restoration of specific sections of Dereham Town Sign
• Supplying permanent planters to feature in Dereham Market Place
• Major refurbishments and ‘make-over’ to Nelson Place shopping precinct in Dereham
• Funding awarded to two villages (Gressenhall and Mattishall) to help them develop accessible areas of green space for the community
• Grants have been awarded through the Learning Development Chest. These have been made to organisations and individuals in the area wishing to undertake training or other learning initiatives
• Grants awarded through the Community Chest to local voluntary and community groups for various projects.
• Undertaking consultation with key bodies around Dereham to try and resolve traffic and access issues in the town centre – Dereham Transport & Access Strategy
Many of these projects involved seeking funding from local and national sources. The DAP were fortunate in 2001, to secure three years part-funding for activities through the East of England Development Agency’s ‘Market Towns Initiative’. Alongside this, funding has been secured from other sources such as Breckland Council, Awards for All, Dereham Town Council, Norfolk County Council, Learning and Skills Council, British Trust for Conservation Volunteers amongst others.
If you wish to become a member of the DAP then you can leave your details with the Project Manager and they will make sure you are sent the details of the next meeting. The DAP members meet once every quarter to discuss the strategic direction of the DAP and to update on particular projects. This is generally a useful forum as well, for individuals to meet with one another, share experiences and skills etc. Membership of the DAP is free and members are able, once a year, to stand as directors of the DAP, through election.
Contacts:
George Hayes
Tel: 07884 263241
Email: ghayes2098@aol.com
Address:
Dereham Area Partnership
33 Quebec street
Dereham
NR19 1DJ
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