Ribble Valley Borough Council approved a plan for Longridge to have a ''Town Team'' responsible for planning its future economic development, made up of representatives , local councils, local organisations and private business .
The decision made at Ribble Valley Borough Council planning and development committee approved a Longridge economic development report including setting up the Town Team .
Ken Hind Conservative councillor for Longridge Dilworth and chairman of Longridge Conservatives commented :
''Town Team's main function is to ensure Longridge continues to be a viable sustainable community creating jobs and maximising local facilities, including those of leisure and culture.'Town Team will work in partnership with local councils, government , private sector and Longridge based organisations to deliver this sustainable economic future.
'' The responsibilities of the Town Team are to identify development sites for retail and industry with a view to attracting new investment opportunities and jobs. Improve and develop the retail centre of Longridge and conservation area in Berry Lane, maximise the motorway links, explore potential for hotel development, market and promote Longridge for purposes of tourism and business. In addition to look at transport provision with a view to recommending improvements and work with like Preston City Council to develop the Shay Lane industrial estate.
''Over the last year Longridge Conservative councillors have considered the industrial and retail future of Longridge and in the report ''the Longridge Way'' we set out for RVBC plans for future economic future of the town. In that report we recognised that for a proud self sufficient community, the initiative will have to come from within . Council reports which contain cold analysis but no long term solutions are of no use. What was needed was a vehicle to plan and develop in partnership with the private sector such a future. This solution is now provided by the ''Town Team.''
'' This is very important move forward in the development of Longridge . The Town Team will be supported by officers of the Ribble Valley Borough Council and made up of representatives of RVBC, Lancashire County Council Longridge Town Council, Longridge Business Group, Longridge Partnership, private business and the voluntary sector.
''The Town team steering committee is now looking for local business people of all skills , builders , developers ,professionals who will give of their town in the Town Team, to build a better future for Longridge .
''Longridge is the tourist gateway to the Forest of Bowland and one of the most important restaurant and food production providers in the Ribble Valley.It has more top class restaurants than any other town in the Ribble Valley and in the field of tourism Town Team will build on this base.
'' With it's partners Town Team will plan for the a better future and encourage outside agencies , developers and businesses to come to Longridge to create the factories , shops, offices and leisure facilities needed as a community we work our way out of the current recession.