Top Regeneration Award For Alness
The Easter Ross Town of Alness has won a national award organised by the British Urban Regeneration Agency (BURA) for community inspired regeneration.
The Alness Initiative fought-off stiff competition, to come top of over 100 entries from across the UK. To clinch the award, the town had to meet demanding criteria and take part in three rounds of judging, including two visits by members of the panel.
Sponsored by Communities and Local Government, these prestigious awards are a celebration of exceptional regeneration schemes which have originated from the desire of local communities to enhance the quality of life for local people.
Councillor Carolyn Wilson who is actively involved in the Alness Initiative was delighted. She said: “This award will raise the profile of Alness and open up new opportunities to work with BURA and its associates. Winning the award shows what can be achieved by local people who care passionately about their community. Our regeneration success has been achieved thanks to the significant input from local volunteers as apart from one part-time worker, the Initiative is run on an entirely voluntary basis. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment. The growing sense of pride and ownership and improved reputation of Alness has undoubtedly helped to attract new businesses and tourism to the town.”
The Alness Initiative was formed in 1995 when a group of community and business representatives came together to raise aspirations, profile and potential of the town. A shopping list of changes and improvements was produced, covering economic, social and environmental issues. The Initiative has raised £1.6 million from a range of sources to enable projects on the entire shopping list to be achieved.
Speaking on behalf of Communities and Local Government, the scheme’s sponsors, Liveability Minister Baroness Andrews said: “The Community Inspired Regeneration Award winning entries are all excellent examples of innovation, of community inspired and led projects that are making a positive difference to the quality of neighbourhoods and to the lives of people who live there.
My department recognises the pride that people feel for where they live and is committed to creating greater opportunities to help them shape their communities, giving more power to address the issues that are important to them. These awards - and the good practice identified by the many projects already underway - set a high standard which I am sure will inspire others to follow.”
Representatives from the Alness Initiative will travel to London on 18 January to be presented with their award during a special ceremony at the House of Lords.