Thanks to the Mytholmroyd Net for this news item

About a hundred local people, representing organisations, businesses, councils and themselves attended the Launch of the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance at Todmorden Town Hall hosted by Yorkshire Forward.

Paul Sheehan, Chief Executive of Calderdale, welcomed the initiative and looked forward to working in partnership with Yorkshire Forward. Andy Tordoff outlined the purpose of the Renaissance for the valley - this would be a unique opportunity for a group of communities to determine their future.

John Thompson, the consultant for the Scheme outlined the process of developing an Action Plan, by the people for the people.

After the presentations those present worked in groups to outline the situation in a particular area. The Mayor of Hebden Royd, Christine Bampton-Smith, worked with the Mytholmroyd Group - the consultants' representative was impressed with the activities in that community and the efforts being made by Royd Regeneration, as well as recording the hopes of the group for Mythomroyd.

There will be a series of meetings in the following months to develop an Action Plan for the Valley which will need to be submitted by October. Anyone with a commitment to their community and who wishes to express their ideas about creating a thriving, attractive environment for people to live work and play, is encouraged to attend the future meetings.

The next meeting will be in February and will be publicised widely.