STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

n     A good number of community based voluntary groups

n     A lot of volunteers involved

n     Councillor support

n     Boroughwide support for NDC

n     A lot of local expertise and locally based professionals

n     Pre-school provision for 3 to 4 year olds very good

n     Some models of good practice

n     Some useful initiatives that bring people together eg

     -      Common good

     -      Business Forum

     -      Little Monkeys

n     Youth provision limited to once per week

n     More variety in activities offered is needed

n     Prices of facilities is prohibited ie Sports Hall

n     Most provision targets small age banks - need for a family centre

n     Too few people know full range of what is available

n     More under - 3 provision needed

n     More provision for parents needed

n     Provision is not always open/available when most needed eg weekends/holidays

n     Transport to and from estates and facilities needs improving.

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

n     To train local people

n     To employ local people

n     To use local businesses

n     To make better use of existing buildings and empty buildings/sites

n     To make better use of staffing resources/expertise already in place

n     To improve networks and linkages:

     -      sharing of skills and knowledge

     -      improving information sharing

n     To improve publicity re what is available

n     To readdress the balance in approach:

     -      facility and provision - needs led

     -      vs. Business - profit led

n     The coming of the East Lancs Railway, and the under-developed valley running through the town were both viewed as opportunities providing huge potential with spin off for children and young people

n     To explore use of incentives and rewards for children and young people

n     Too many unsupervised facilities and sessions

n     Bullying

n     Vandalism

n     Not turning ideas into action

n     Littering

n     Transport issues and costs

n     Limited access to facilities

n     Prohibited costs