A CALL has gone out for people in the Beaminster area to raise their voices.

An action plan to improve the lives of people in the locality is being put together and opinions are being sought on what could make a difference.

Questions being asked include whether redundant buildings in the Beaminster area should be brought back into use as homes, should existing bus services be retained, or what should be provided for young people in the area.

The Beaminster and Villages Local Area Partnership (BAVLAP), which is putting together the three-year plan is hoping that residents and businesses will make their voices heard.

BAVLAP chairman Rosemary Beeny said: “The three-year plan identifies actions to improve the lives of people living and working in Beaminster and the surrounding villages and countryside.

“The actions come under the themes of housing, transport and accessibility, environment, local prosperity, safer communities, health and wellbeing, and activities and opportunities for the community.

“BAVLAP is consulting local residents, businesses and community organisations about the plan between now and the end of June.”

A number of events are being held in coming weeks including drop-in sessions at Mosterton Village Hall on Wednesday, May 21, and the Yarn Barton Centre in Beaminster on Saturday, June 21.

There will also be a chance to find out more about BAVLAP and the action plan by attending a community lunch in Beaminster on Tuesday, April 29.

“Leaflets and feedback forms can be collected at shops, pubs and community centres including the Yarn Barton Centre, the Beaminster Children’s Centre, Broadwindsor Stores or the village shop in Thorncombe,” added Mrs Beeny.

BAVLAP covers the countryside surrounding Beaminster as well as the town itself, from Thorncombe in the west to Evershot in the east, up to Halstock and down to Mapperton.

Partners have a shared vision that Beaminster should continue to develop as a ‘thriving and vibrant hub to a surrounding area of lively, sustainable villages’.

To see the full draft action plan, for more information of the events, or to complete an electronic feedback form, go to dorsetforyou.com/ communityplan/west/ beaminster