It is not accurate to say that the LAA replaces any Community Strategy; Castle Morpeth's Sustainable Community Strategy dovetails into the Northumberland-wide Strategy. Both are working documents and have set the context for the LAA; the LAA describes in detail what needs to be done and provides the mechanism for monitoring progress. At County-level, the Sector Boards continue to stimulate and monitor activity. Within Castle Morpeth, the Partnership Theme Groups (similar in nature to County's Sector Boards) focus on key priorities within a more localised setting.

Some of the very real changes experienced in Castle Morpeth, include the CAN Travel Project which provides transport support for individuals seeking training and work and the Taxi-Card Scheme that offers subsidised transport solutions to people living in some of the more rural communities. Other projects in the offing include the proposed and much needed commercial workspace in our coastal villages of Castle Morpeth and two major youth projects.

Many people have worked hard, in partnership and across boundaries to develop and support these projects which can make a real difference in people's lives. I would like to think that the new unitary authority with its LAA will build on this work and continue to recognise the importance of partnership working. In my view with the Community Strategy and agreements encouraging people to work together, we can make the best use of resources in a new Northumberland.

BRENDA FORDY-SCOTT
Chairman, Advancing Castle Morpeth