Ambitions for Swale

This web page introduces our Sustainable Community Strategy which is known as 'Ambitions for Swale'. 'Ambitions for Swale' sets out our vision for the kind of place that we would like Swale to be in the future. It describes our priorities over the next twenty years, and sets out shorter term targets to focus us in the right direction.

The challenges for Swale over the next few years are considerable. For example, skills levels in the Borough fall substantially below the national average, holding back the potential of our citizens and businesses. We also have concentrations of deprivation which are among the worst in the country, and which must be tackled if we are to achieve the quality of life that all our residents deserve. Along with this, we must ensure that in all our activities and policies we combat the causes and manage the effects of climate change and protect and enhance our natural environment. And, in the short term at least, we will need to work within a more challenging economic climate.

Yet in many ways, Swale's opportunities for regeneration and improvement have never been greater. Connections are much improved with the new Sheppey Crossing, and the forthcoming Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road and faster rail connections to London. Major new investment will transform Queenborough and Rushenden and Sittingbourne Town Centre. And perhaps most importantly, the organisations involved in providing services and representing the community in Swale have a new commitment through the Swale Local Strategic Partnership (SLSP) to work more closely together.

'Ambitions for Swale' will provide local partners with a shared vision to help them deliver better services to the community. To be successful, it must reflect the views and ambitions of the people of Swale. To this end, six consultation workshops were held through October and November 2008, in addition to a draft copy of the document been made available for public consultation. Public feedback has therefore helped to shape and validate the strategy.

'Ambitions for Swale' is a rolling strategy which looks approximately 20 years into the future. The action plan to acheive the strategic objectives covers a more focused 2-3 year period. Therefore a regular review of the document on an ongoing bases ensures that it accounts for the changing influences of the time.

Download Swale's Sustainable Community Strategy

'Ambitions for Swale' - Swale's Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2026 (PDF - 525kb)