THE new structure of the Whitehill/Bordon opportunity executive group is taking shape, as representatives for the district and county council were announced this week. Following news that the Whitehill and Bordon Opportunity steering group was to be streamlined into an executive group, councillor Ian Dowdle has been nominated to become the district council representative and Adam Carew is to become the representative for the county council. Mr Dowdle said: "I'm really pleased to be nominated. I think what is happening with the town as the Army prepares to leave, is of huge importance. "There are a lot of big decisions ahead and there will be a full public consultation. We have to work together, beyond politics, to achieve everything possible." The change to the structure of the opportunity group will include a number of topic policy groups, which aims to provide a broader range of opinions on the matter. "Changing the opportunity steering group will broaden the opportunity for individuals in the community to get involved. "The progress so far has been positive, but as a town we now have to step up and get involved," said Mr Dowdle. "As the local EHDC representative, my job is to represent everyone in the town- it isn't a political appointment. I want to reassure the people of the town that they will be involved and the outlying communities will also be consulted over the plans," he added. Adam Carew said: "This is the biggest thing to happen to our area in decades and we must get it right. "We are at a critical stage in the Whitehill-Bordon Opportunity and it will only work if the local voice is listened to. "The new project groups will be a fantastic opportunity for more people to get involved in the Opportunity process, but it is vital that our local democratically elected representatives have a say at an executive decision-making level too. "People are understandably concerned about what will happen when the Army goes but this is our opportunity to finally correct the mistakes of the past. To get the facilities we so badly need, while protecting our internationally important countryside for people and wildlife. We have adopted a 'green vision' to do just that. "I am confident that we can all work together to forge an exciting new green town fit for the 21st century here in Whitehill and Bordon." The executive group will lead, manage and co- ordinate the Whitehill/Bordon Opportunity project to implement the green town vision and ensure the best possible outcomes for the community of Bordon and the district as a whole. The new group will consist of two district councillors- including the leader of the council, Ferris Cowper as the chairman; one town councillor, one member of the town partnership, one county councillor, one SEEDA representative; one English Partnership member; one Natural England member and one MOD official. The first consultation period is due to begin before Christmas.
