ORGANISATIONS across Cambridgeshire have joined forces, for the first time, to work on a Vision to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, learns, works and travels in the county. The Vision was launched at Cambridgeshire County Council, Shir

ORGANISATIONS across Cambridgeshire have joined forces, for the first time, to work on a Vision to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives, learns, works and travels in the county.

The Vision was launched at Cambridgeshire County Council, Shire Hall, Cambridge.

At a time of unprecedented growth, statistics in the Vision show:

- the county is forecast to be among the fastest growing in the country over the next fifteen years

- 73,3000 homes are planned between 2001 and 2021

- Cambridgeshire's population is likely to grow by 15% between 2006 and 2021

- the number of people aged 85+ is forecast to increase by 58%

The Vision also reveals:

- domestic violence is the most common form of violence in rural areas

- alcohol misuse is on the increase, particularly amongst young girls

- nearly one in four adults have no qualifications

- Cambridgeshire produces an estimated 11.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide for every person, every year

- households generate over 309 thousand tonnes of waste a year

'Cambridgeshire Together' is a group of high-level representatives from key organisations across the county's public, private and voluntary sectors. It's drawn up dozens of ambitious targets to "promote the well-being of local people, the economy and the environment" by 2011.

Councillor Jill Tuck, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council and Chairman of the Cambridgeshire Together Board explained, "Our targets have five goals - growth, economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, equality and inclusion, and safer and stronger communities. Together they'll ensure high-quality, cost-effective public services meet the needs of local people.

"The Vision ensures local priorities meet regional and national aspirations and they tackle head-on those challenges that are unique to our county. We're aiming to make lasting improvements to issues that matter to local people like affordable housing, adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change, meeting the demands of population growth, perceptions of anti-social behaviour and healthy lifestyles.

"There's a strong interest and enthusiasm from everyone involved to make a difference. Our five districts will also be working on challenges local to them as there isn't a single answer to all the issues," said Councillor Tuck. "We all want Cambridgeshire to be a county of strong, growing and prosperous communities supported by excellent services. A place where people can fulfil their potential, live longer and influence decision-making. With the Vision launched we can make great strides over the coming years."

The Vision has a three-year action plan containing up to 51 improvement targets negotiated with central government, plus five additional targets agreed locally. The action plan, also known as Cambridgeshire's Local Area Agreement (LAA), is now being submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG).

Residents can see a copy of the Vision at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Further information about the LAA can be seen at www.cambstogether.org.uk/