ABOUT ATP

	The Role of the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership

Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership came to an end in December 2008 following changes at national level to partner organisations. An independent evaluation was undertaken by European Policy Solutions from September to November 2008 and a Summary and full version of the report can be downloaded using the attached links

ATP Evaluation 12 December 2008

ATP Final Evaluation 03 February 2009

The report, based on a series of interviews with partners and the communities, concludes: “ATP has been highly successful in developing community capacity and making communities better places to live and work in.”

The report commends the high commitment from both council staff and the communities; and records comments from
local participants including about ‘growing confidence’ and how the partnership has developed a ‘feel good factor’. The partnership will be succeeded by independent organisations, which will be assisted by Aberdeenshire Council over the next two years to become sustainable and help lead developments in their towns.

Bill Clark, Aberdeenshire Towns Programme Co-ordinator said: “This is a very positive report which correctly reflects the teamwork and positive spirit which developed between partners and communities throughout the programme."

If you have any questions regarding the programme or the reports please contact Bill Clark by email bill.clark@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or by phone 07769 642360

The purpose of the Partnership is to:

1. Provide strategic leadership
2. Carry out joint research relating to the town needs
3. Intervene, where necessary and feasible, with direct or indirect investment programmes (staff and/or money)
4. Create a framework for enabling and assisting community action

The Mission Statement of ATP is:

"Through a specific framework based on contemporary research, distinct policies and targeted support, the Partnership is committed to the stimulation of sustainable community development in Aberdeenshire's towns.
This will be achieved through the careful provision of the highest quality joint services and infrastructure, along with the active encouragement of community participation, in order to maintain and enhance the continued social, economic and environmental vitality of one of the most attractive areas in northern Europe".
As the programme progressed the towns of Ellon, Inverurie and Stonehaven ‘graduated’ from the programme to be replaced by Huntly, Banff and Macduff. The Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership will come to an end in December 2008 and the remaining towns are currently planning how they wish to proceed.
 

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	Overall Objectives

Based on professional research and significant community involvement the principal strategic and local objectives for the ATP are:

• Develop a diversified business base providing quality jobs.
• Help make towns attractive places to live, work and visit.
• Encourage a skilled, educated and enterprising workforce.
• Establish a modern, connected and flexible business infrastructure.
• Enhance the vitality and viability of our town centres.
• Help create sustainable and inclusive communities in our towns.

In addition the individual towns set their own objectives:

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