INITIAL discussions are under way to identify the essential steps that need to be taken to help secure a prosperous future for Wisbech and its residents.

The Wisbech 2020 Vision was announced earlier this year by the Leaders of Fenland District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council and NE Cambs MP Stephen Barclay. It is now being taken forward at a series of eight themed workshops examining the major challenges facing the town.

The first workshop has taken place, focusing on the town’s overall economy. Led by Dr Nicky Morrison of the University of Cambridge and Dr Glenn Athey from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership, it brought together academics, councillors and business people to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the area and explore ideas for positive, realistic change.

Seven similar events are due to follow soon, examining other key subjects including transport, leisure, social cohesion and housing.

Brief summaries of all the discussions will be posted online on www.wisbech2020vision.co.uk and www.wisbech.shapeyourplace.org

Anyone who wishes to comment on them or put forward their own positive ideas can do so via www.wisbech.shapeyourplace.org. Alternatively they can write to Jo Hart, Wisbech 2020 Vision, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, PE15 8NQ, or e-mail jhart@fenland.gov.uk.

People will have further opportunities to have their say in September. Then the main findings and recommendations from the workshops, together with input from the public, will be taken forward to a special Vision Summit on October 26, leading on to the formulation of a detailed action plan to be published in January 2013.