The Value of Market Towns and large villages in Somerset
Rural towns and large villages in Somerset are taking action to improve the quality of life of residents and those who use their services. Market towns which provide shops, services, jobs and meeting places are key to maintaining the vitality of isolated rural areas. Market and coastal towns are working together with their surrounding parishes to support that vitality through initiatives including community transport, tourism development, arts events and services involving young people.
Small towns in rural areas are often affected by the decline in traditional industries such as agriculture and engineering, competition from larger shopping centres, lack of affordable housing and lack of facilities for young people and vulnerable groups.
This said, small rural towns also have a lot to offer. They are attractive places to live and to visit, their communities believe in them, are proud of their heritage and are actively involved in regenerating their towns to support community life today.
Nine towns in Somerset are involved in the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, and x of these are Members of SMTF. The MCTi process involves all sections of the community in producing a strategic plan and in action resulting from this. More info available from www.mcti.org.uk