TURF 'war' launched
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A TURF ‘war’ of a positive kind is set to provide a boost to the twin towns of Banff and Macduff.
A new campaign aimed at stimulating the economic, social, cultural and physical development of the communities has been launched.
TURF – Twin Towns United Regeneration Forum – has been meeting as a group of interested local community organisations for the last six months.
Its mission statement is to “engage with relevant agencies, community groups, public and commercial bodies and individual members of the public to stimulate the economic, social, cultural and physical development and regeneration of Banff and Macduff, using all positive methods it considers applicable”.
Ian Williams of Banff and Macduff Community Council is the inaugural chairman of TURF and he believes it has a positive role to play in taking the towns forward.
With beautiful scenery, friendly people and nice visitor attractions, Mr Williams believes both towns already have a lot going for them.
And while there are a number of empty and disused shops and buildings in the area, he pointed to some new shops opening up, and businesses that are thriving and growing.
TURF wants to work positively with Aberdeenshire Council to bring about even more regeneration.
“There are a lot of regeneration activities already happening and we are not trying to take over. We have some concrete plans in place and there is a lot of enthusiasm,” said Mr Williams.
“The amount of energy at our meetings so far has been fantastic.”
Sitting back and doing nothing was not an option, and that is why the community council planted the seed of TURF with other local groups. There are 15 represented on TURF and there will be a new chair every quarter. The group is open to any organisation with a desire to help regenerate the local community.
Restoring Banff and Macduff to the way they were 20 or 30 years ago is not realistic, with people having different shopping habits now, particularly online shopping.
However, Mr Williams said: “Thankfully some people are seeing and making the most of the opportunities that do exist in the towns, and succeeding; we just need to support the local businesses more and encourage more positive thinking and less of the doom and gloom, knowing that nothing stays the same.
“There used to be a bigger fishing industry to keep the towns going, now there are other things that are the economic heart of the area, like the very successful shipyard.
“The more you think about it you can see that there actually is quite a lot happening in the area, and it really is a lovely place to live and bring up families.”
One project on the go at the moment is being run by the community council and local Rotary club who recently launched a competition, aimed at the young people in the community, to give their ideas about regeneration.
This was circulated to all youth groups in the towns towards the end of last year, and is posted on Facebook and notice boards. The Banffshire Journal also recently printed an article on the competition.
Youngsters have until the end of March to take part and more details are on the Facebook “Banff and Macduff Community” page or by emailing bandmcommunitycouncil@gmail.com
