SIR – I would like to update your readers on the progress of creating a sustainable community plan for the borough for the period up to 2021. Over January and February we asked residents and partners across the borough to share their views on what the lo

SIR - I would like to update your readers on the progress of creating a sustainable community plan for the borough for the period up to 2021.

Over January and February we asked residents and partners across the borough to share their views on what the local priorities should be for the future.

The council and our community partners within the Welwyn Hatfield Alliance are listening carefully to this.

During the consultation programme, we had a great turnout at public meetings and other events to debate issues such as providing more affordable homes, building safer and stronger communities, promoting health and well-being, and jobs, skills and learning needs in the borough.

Now that the consultation period has ended, many partners are developing the 2009/10 action plan and the multi-agency targets to support it.

This ongoing dialogue with residents and partners will enable many key agencies such as health, police, the council and children's services, to identify where there are gaps in public services in the borough. There have been some great new ideas which will help all partners working together make necessary changes to services over the next three years, and over the longer term.

A summary of the views expressed during the consultation programme is on the council's website, and can also be obtained by calling us on (01707) 357000. We expect to publish our Sustainable Community Plan in May this year.

I would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views with the council and our community partners. Residents can follow progress by visiting the alliance and council's website.

By working together we can build a bright future for Welwyn Hatfield.

Councillor John Dean,

Leader, Welwyn Hatfield Council.