A VISION of a creative and sustainable Eden has been unveiled by district councillors.

The area’s priorities for the next four years are listed under different headings – sustainable, connected, creative, healthy, safe and secure – with specific goals set for each one.

The vision is outlined in the Council Plan, which was endorsed at a full meeting of the council.

The plan wants Eden to become “a place where people act together to meet the needs of all and ensure the well-being of future generations”.

More than 300 people had their say on the Council Plan during a public consultation that included leaflets, an online survey and an event at Rheged.

Their comments led to a number of amendments to the plan including a greater emphasis on the transport needs of the district, and meeting the challenges of an ageing population of the area and the need to attract young families.

Under “sustainable” there are plans for more renewable energy schemes and better waste and recycling services, with the ultimate aim of making the council’s own operations net zero carbon by 2030.

Proposals under “health” and “safe” include more safe walking and cycling routes and more access to leisure centres and exercise outreach programmes such as “fit4all” for older residents.

There would also be a study looking into setting up a home improvement service, helping access to grants to improve the condition, energy efficiency and carbon footprint of private rented and owner-occupied houses.

It will be “connected” with better transport links to villages – and with maximum coverage of super-fast broadband by 2023, making the district a more attractive place for businesses and creative enterprises.

Eden Council chief executive Rose Rouse said: “I would like to thank everyone who took their time to take part in the consultation – either through the survey, by attending our event at Rheged or by making contact with the council directly.

“To have over 300 responses shows how engaged residents and businesses are with the ideas that councillors set out, and we have taken all the comments on board and made a number of changes to the Council Plan accordingly.

“These are not just words and aspirations. The Council Plan has to be about delivery and we will be putting programmes in place to make sure it happens.

“We’ll report in detail on a regular basis to show the progress we are making.”

She added: “Some of the objectives are cross-cutting and will require collaboration with other organisations and local people so, in order to deliver, we will be working closely with partners including our parish and town councils, the public and the businesses community.”

More details can be found at www.eden.gov.uk/councilplan