THE deadline for Hatherleigh residents to give their views on the future planning of the town is fast approaching.

Surveys distributed as part of the town's new planning process 'Plan-It' must be returned by January 31.

The Plan-It project is a new approach to planning that enables rural communities to produce their own Community Plan — Hatherleigh is the first community in the borough to do so.

In December, residents of every household in the town received a survey seeking their views on the current planning needs of residents as well as the priorities of the community for the future.

Although the approach was developed by West Devon Borough Council, the Plan-It group is made up of Hatherleigh residents and town council members.

Liz Abell, Plan It co-ordinator, said: 'T­he more people who complete their surveys, the more representative the results will be, so if you want your view to be heard, please fill in and return your survey. 

'Every member of the household is welcome to complete their own survey, which enables everyone's opinions, concerns and ideas about the future of Hatherleigh to be shared.

'Remember, if you don't share your thoughts, they may not be represented, so it is very important that you complete and return the survey by January 31, 2012.'

Cllr Christine Hall, borough councillor for Hatherleigh, said: 'We're delighted to be the first community to take part in the Plan-It process.

'Our Plan-It group is made up of local residents and they have been working really hard to make sure that all members of the community get the chance to make their views known.

'I urge all Hatherleigh residents to complete and return the surveys so that our planners can be as informed as possible about the needs of the community.'

Copies of the survey can be collected, completed and returned to Hatherleigh Community Centre and The Paper Shop.

The results of the survey will be shared at the community Plan-It event on February 25, from 10am to 3pm at Hatherleigh Community Centre.

For more information about Plan-It, contact Hatherleigh Town Clerk on 01805 804254 or West Devon Borough Council's strategic planning team on 01822 813600 or [email protected]">[email protected].