The small town of Cardenden in Fife launched their 5 year Community Action Plan recently, which was prepared with assistance from STAR through the Coalfields Community Futures Programme. At the launch, various projects were highlighted which have already used the action plan to successfully secure funding – such as improvements to Auchterderran Church hall and the purchase of a community mini-bus. One lasting legacy is the Cardenden Community Futures Steering Group, which has brought all local groups together and will continue to jointly co-ordinate the delivery of the priorities for the community. Vi Penman, one of the steering group said: “The Action Plan isn’t just a glossy brochure that sits on a shelf. It will be a great help to the Community – it will be used to support funding applications and shows that we are organised and committed.”

In his vote of thanks, Lindsay Roy, MP for Glenrothes and Central Fife, commented: “This bold vision for the future is the result of an astonishing amount of hard work by the Community Futures Steering Group and follows extensive consultation with local people. It is without doubt a model of community involvement and a wonderful example of people working together to make a real difference, and I congratulate everyone involved in producing the Plan.”