Welcome to Thatcham Online

This website, www.thatchamonline.net, is the web presence of Thatcham Vision.  ‘Thatcham Vision’ is the town’s parish plan. Parish planning is a countrywide initiative which was established by national government, as a result of which many parishes in West Berkshire have developed a parish plan. The aim of each parish plan is to identify things that might be done to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to local people.

Thatcham’s parish plan was initiated in 2004 by Thatcham Town Council with support from Community Action West Berkshire. Through their parish plan, residents can voice opinions about things which matter to them and let those in local government know what they’d like to see done. Thatcham Vision’s First Action Plan was completed in 2006 and was submitted to major agencies (notably West Berkshire District Council and Thatcham Town Council) as the organisations with the resources to put the plan into effect.

Thatcham Vision’s Action Plan is a result of extensive consultation with local people and groups. Drawn up by topic teams, a document including eight reports was published, each containing background information, goals, actions and projects. Implementing these plans will need to involve different groups and organisations, in some cases through the Vision, in others through other agencies. A huge amount of work went into producing the Action Plan and even more will be involved in implementing the proposals contained in it.

There is a lot of work to be done to develop and progress actions and projects identified in the Action Plan. This will include making official requests for action by those agencies with the responsibility and resources to carry them out as well as supporting local groups in putting their own proposals into effect. To progress many projects, further consultation and costed proposals will be necessary – individual volunteer support can help Vision.

On its own, there are limits to what Thatcham Vision can achieve. Its objectives are to:

• Identify needs and opportunities for the benefit of the parish of Thatcham
• Develop and take actions (and encourage others to do the same) that will benefit people and the environment of Thatcham and its locality

Anyone who lives or works in Thatcham and who cares about life in the town is welcome to volunteer their services to the project with a view to turning the Vision into a reality! Contact us by visiting our contact page or read more about Thatcham Vision by clicking here.