Fairford Community Voice (FCV) needs your help. We have been looking back over 60 years of activity to consider all that we, and those who came before us, have achieved. Sadly, the current FCV committee has come to the decision that due to age and other community commitments we can no longer continue to run FCV.  Therefore, if the work of FCV is to carry on, we need others in the community to come forward and continue the work we have been undertaking, either as a single group or a range of groups focusing on specific areas.

All the three groups: FPT, FES and FPW which joined forces to become FCV, came into being in response to a particular planning event or proposal and the first of these was the threat of demolition.

• In the 1960s East End’s Cable Cottages were dilapidated and in such a poor state of repair that they were likely to be demolished. Fairford Preservation Trust (FPT) was formed and the cottages, now much loved, were saved. Over the next 60 years the FPT continued to help protect Fairford’s architecture and heritage.
• In the 1990s Fairford Environmental Society (FES) was formed to protect Fairford’s green environment and successfully opposed the first planning application for development on Lake 104, which at that time was a beautiful unspoilt rural lake with a lovely walk around the perimeter.
• In 2014 Fairford Planning Watch (FPW) presented evidence at the appeal by Gladman against the refusal of planning consent for a development along the Cirencester Road. The appeal was won by Gladman.

In the years since there have been many changes to the town and pressure from these groups has helped to make those changes as positive as possible. We have spent many happy evenings discussing issues important to the town over a glass or two of wine.

FCV is presently involved in:
Planning – monitoring planning applications for Fairford as they come in and responding where necessary (positive and negative) and in discussion with Fairford Town Council
Walkers are Welcome – organising routes, monitoring Public Rights Of Way (PROWs) to ensure that way signs are maintained and the paths kept clear (including keeping an eye on legal path closures to ensure that they are closed for the minimum amount of time)
River watch – regularly testing the quality of water in the river to monitor for pollution, seeking possible opportunities to work with local charitable trusts to improve river habitats.
Environment – supporting local wildlife where possible, largely through articles in the FTC newsletter but also through activities such as tree planting..

Now it is time to pass on what has been a most fulfilling role for all of us down the years. Over the next 6 months we encourage anyone who is interested in continuing this work, or specific aspects of this work, to let us know. We can help put individuals with common interests in touch with one another; our website is www. fairfordcv.org.uk where more information about FCV can be found.

If you feel you can help with any of these, please contact info@fairfordcv.org.uk