Our team were absolutely delighted at the number of local people we met at last week’s Avonbridge public meeting, and to hear so many positive discussions about ways to improve the village.

Led by Avonbridge Action Group – now Avonbridge Community Group – and supported by CVS Falkirk & District development officers, the purpose of the meeting was to hear the thoughts and views of those living in Avonbridge regarding a community committee who could take forward the development of local activities and events. We are so pleased to say that the new Avonbridge Community Group now has a full committee, with all key positions filled, and we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who came forward to join the committee and volunteer their time and efforts to drive the group forward.

Our Community Development Officer – Upper Braes, Adam Gillies, worked closely with Avonbridge Community Group to organise this meeting, and will continue to support them in their journey going forward. He reflected:

“I was really inspired to see so many people at the meeting. Everyone was so positive and willing to come together, and I’m delighted at the progress that has already been made in such a short time since the meeting.

“I’m really looking forward to working with everyone towards positive changes within the village.”

During the meeting, residents were able to discuss the need for a community group, the challenges facing the village, and how a community group could empower the village to mitigate these challenges. As a result, key priorities for the village were identified, including new community noticeboards, and ways to bring different activities back to the village.

Since the meeting, Avonbridge Community Group has already created a new constitution and begun exploring funding priorities for the village. Our team will continue to support them with this work, drawing on our experience of supporting other villages across the District. Part of this will involve using the thorough feedback we received during the meeting to inform these priorities, which our team is very grateful for.