Hunt for Kirkfieldbank history trail launches 5-Year Community Action Plan

Residents of Kirkfieldbank are celebrating the launch of a new 5-year community-led action plan and inviting local people to enjoy the planned launch activities which include a Hidden History trail. The plan is available on the new Kirkfieldbank website www.kirkfieldbank.com.

Over the last 6 months, residents have input their views and ideas about how they would like to see Kirkfieldbank change and develop from 2020-2025 and which projects would help improve the lives of local people. The plan is driven by a local steering group, funded by Lanarkshire LEADER and supported by The Rural Development Trust’s Community Action Lanarkshire team and consultant’s icecream architecture. Lockdown restrictions meant that most people gave their views online and via telephone interviews but paper surveys, posters, newspaper articles, school workshops and word of mouth ensured that 109 residents completed the survey, and 112 ideas were generated gathering 837 votes.

Key projects include the community taking on the local pub, installing signage, way markers and information boards, brightening up the village with floral displays, improving the top park and establishing a Community Development Trust to help drive forward improvements. The plan serves as evidence of what the community needs for potential funders, partners and local agencies.

Susan Hamilton from the Kirkfieldbank Steering Group said,

“I have been delighted with the response from the community and heartened by the fact that all ages and backgrounds have engaged with this process so magnificently. The community has proven what a strong and progressive vision we have for our place. The responses recognised the advantages of living in Kirkfieldbank and the improvements that we have already achieved, but also identified areas to act on for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. The community aims to be inclusive and welcoming to all. Thank you to Chris Strachan, Lorna Diplacito and Ruth McElhinney for their support in helping this community action plan progress.”

Kirsten Robb, Manager at Community Action Lanarkshire, said,

“A few years ago Kirkfieldbank came together as a community to create their fantastic local park. Now with a new local community-led action plan, I’m sure residents will get involved and drive forward the changes local people want to see. As a team, we are delighted to be able to continue to support the community and deliver on the plan over the next three years, thanks to lottery players through the National Lottery Community Fund.”

Copies of the plan can be viewed at www.kirkfieldbank.com and www.communityactionlan.org. For more information, connect with Kirkfieldbank Community Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kirkfieldbank-Community-Group or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 07484 094 780.