FINAL deadline for responses to the draft Fenland District Council corporate plan for the next three years, is February 3. Members of the public, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to look at the draft corporate plan on the council's website: w

FINAL deadline for responses to the draft Fenland District Council corporate plan for the next three years, is February 3.Members of the public, businesses and other stakeholders are invited to look at the draft corporate plan on the council's website: www.fenland.gov.uk and either submit responses on the on-line form provided or e-mail them to yourviews@fenland.gov.uk or alternatively write to Corporate Plan Consultation 2006-9, Fenland District Council, FREEPOST (PE385), Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8BR.The draft plan was drawn up after extensive consultation with the people of Fenland as well as the business community and other stakeholders. Now the draft has been formulated, there is a final opportunity for people to examine it and suggest amendments.The consultation exercise revealed clearly what was important to local people: public transport and traffic congestion, community safety and crime levels, shopping facilities, health services, clean and well-maintained streets and activities for teenagers.The final corporate plan will reflect public concerns and it will set out the council's vision, objectives and priorities for the district for the next three years based on those concerns.The council is proposing only a three percent rise in Council Tax from April to cover inflation and the next phase of improvements - a figure well below that of other local authorities. The plan will map the second phase of the council's major improvement programme, which is encompassed under five key objective areas: - Community First - to deliver excellent customer service, improve access to services and information as well as a wide range of sports, leisure and community facilities to improve local health and wellbeing- Streets Ahead - to create a clean and safe environment in our market towns and villages- Open for Business - to work in partnership to promote the growth of local businesses and develop the Fenland economy- Quality Organisation - to develop effective organisational structures, policies, procedures, skills and cultures to enhance the capacity of the organisation, to deliver the priorities of local people- Decent and Affordable Homes - to contribute towards provision of decent and affordable homes for local residents.Three years ago, the council embarked on a radical improvement programme. The first phase concentrated on cultural change within the organisation as well as a targeted programme of investment to improve customer access to council services.The second phase of improvements will embed the cultural changes deep into the organisation and drive up performance in key core areas.Leader of the council, Councillor Geoffrey Harper, said: "This council has made huge strides in the last three years in delivering services that people want as well as building an infrastructure that will promote and foster economic growth."We have achieved this in partnership with local people and we intend to continue this winning formula by consulting with local people, businesses and community stakeholders before finalising plans for the next phase of development.