Formby Society Future

We can be described as a "group of people who care passionately about their surroundings". As we approach our 50th anniversary we are convinced that it is important to continue to build on the activities for which the Society was established. As Formby's Civic Society our job is to care about our surroundings, help find solutions to environmental problems, help improve the fabric of the area for present and future generations, safeguard the heritage and character of Formby, listen to the local community and campaign for their interests. Also to argue the case for better design and sustainability of our built environment.

To aid these objectives you will know that during the last year or so we have been putting the case for Formby regaining some of its Civic independence by means of the creation of a parish or town council. Because of the deliberations of the current Local Government Boundary Review we have been told that we should know the Secretary of State's decision within the next few weeks. In the meantime we intend to undertake a 'Village Appraisal' along the lines of many that have been undertaken in other parts of the country during the last two years. This will provide information on what local people really feel about local services such as Transport, Community Health, Sport and Recreation, Urban Green Spaces, the Environment., Planning and the working of Local Government.

It is interesting to note that the idea of the whole of Sefton becoming 'totally parished' has already been discussed .If we were to succeed in obtaining this status here in Formby it is good to know that Little Altcar Council have already welcomed the possibility of eventually joining in a combined town council. This would indeed make a lot of sense.

During the last few month we have been carefully studying and commenting on the new Sefton Draft Unitary Development Plan, which will largely determine the way Formby will develop during the next decade or so and this was the vital subject of the opening (public) meeting of the new series last week, when the Borough Planning Director explained the new proposals, listened to our views of and answered questions on this very important issue.

Now that the idea that the new swimming-pool might provide some other community facilities has been abandoned we will continue to look at the provision of better community meetings facilities to help and encourage the vast number of community groups also working in Formby to improve the quality of life in our community.

Meetings of the Society consist of a series of (Monthly) General Meetings when invited speakers speak on (often) very topical issues and a separate series of talks on Local Historical subjects. These are usually held in the Ravenmeols Community Centre. We recently reinstated an enjoyable Annual Dinner, held in the Spring and there is always at least one Summer day-outing to a place of interest.. The Society produces a quarterly newsletter, the Formby Civic News. . All meetings are held at the Ravenmeols Community Centre, unless otherwise stated.

Membership of the Society is open to all. We would like all who have the future of Formby at heart to join the Society and help our efforts to maintain interest in our local heritage and keep it safe for the future.