Richard Furber reveals what heíd like for Audlem in 2007

This week, as we are in the midst of the Christmas season and the New Year is looming, Audlem Online started a series on what local people would like to wish for, or see, in Audlem in 2007. Today, we feature Richard Furber, chairman of Audlem Parish Council:- "My main wish for Audlem may come as something of a surprise considering how hard the Parish Council fought to modify the plans for the Moseley's Yard development off Shropshire Street."

"It has been a contentious issue for some time since the first planning application in September 2004 for 35 dwellings and two retail units. Despite the best endeavours of the whole community the planners informed us at a site meeting in December 2005 that the revised development of 18 dwellings and three shop units was going to be permitted, and there was little we residents could do about it."

"But, given that we succeeded in getting important modifications, that the development is now a reality, and this is the season of goodwill, I'd like to see Moseley's Yard become a success architecturally and a credit to the village."

"It occupies, after all, one of the prime sites in Audlem. And despite the reservations many of us had about the development, the old garage there had been unsightly for some time. Work commenced in October, and caused much disruption, but if the new development turns out the way we now hope it might, it will be a very definite improvement. And I'm sure we'll all be glad to see the back of the black fence that now surrounds the site."

"In any case, we want to extend a warm welcome to the new residents that will move in when Moseley's Yard is finished. And we want them to be part of one of the best communities in the land."

"I'd also like to see an idea the Parish Council is examining at present work out. We are looking at creating a Youth Council which will involve younger people in Audlem getting involved in the way their community develops in the future. Some other councils already have the idea up and running. We are still in the early stages but, if there's enough interest, it would be an important signal that we want to involve all ages in Audlem's community life."

"Most of all, I'd like to see Audlem build on the many successes we have enjoyed in the past year or so. We are a rural community which means we have to work hard to keep all the things we like about being a successful village in a very attractive environment. If we do just that, we will continue to have a community we are all proud to call home."

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