Search starts for Chairman of new economic partnership

(Date of issue: Friday, 17 July 2009)

The search is on for someone to help drive forward economic plans for Brampton and the surrounding rural area.

Brampton Economic Partnership aims to promote the area’s economic needs and is looking for a Chairman. Work will begin in the next two months, based on an Economic Action Plan drawn together by the partnership, in consultation with local residents and businesses. Someone is now needed to lead this next exciting stage.

Councillor Marilyn Bowman, Economic Development Portfolio Holder for Carlisle City Council sits on the new partnership and explained:

“Over the last year a number of organisations and individuals have been meeting to put together an economic plan for Brampton and the surrounding local area. This covers issues around enhancing Brampton’s role as a 21st Century Market Town, how the town can be made more attractive to local people and visitors, how the rural economy can be supported and how to sustain new and existing businesses.

“No one organisation can, or should, try and deal with all the issues around the local economy. The only way we will make things better is if local organisations work in partnership, have a clear idea of what needs to be achieved and Brampton and the surrounding area speaks with one clear voice.”

The Brampton Economic Partnership is made up of representatives of Brampton Community Association, Sustainable Brampton, Brampton Parish Council, Brampton Chamber of Trade, Carlisle City Council and Hadrian’s Wall Heritage. Other organisations with an interest in the economic vibrancy of the town and the surrounding area have been invited to join.

The search is now on for somebody to Chair the new partnership.

Alison Cheetham, Chair of Brampton Chamber of Trade, explained:

“We need someone who can speak up for Brampton and can bring a fresh perspective on how the local economy can be developed. Whilst this is a voluntary, unpaid post, we think there are some very experienced and knowledgeable people in the local community who will be prepared to commit a bit of time and expertise in leading and facilitating the work of the partnership and who can to make a real difference to the lives of local people.

“In addition to leading the partnership, we need somebody of integrity and authority who is prepared to speak up for Brampton on economic matters, make sure we get access to any resources available but most of all make sure things happen.”

Members of the partnership will select the Chair sometime in August.

For further details of the partnership and the role of the Chair can be found at www.carlisle.gov.uk/brampton   or by contacting Don Taylor or Claire Rankin at Carlisle City Council on 01228 817000.