Introduction
“As we present this Four-Year Plan, we do so with a deep sense of pride in our community - and an even deeper sense of responsibility. This plan is not just a roadmap for the years ahead; it is a reflection of the values, voices, and vision of the people who live, work, and invest their lives here.
At the heart of everything we do lies belief in the power of community. In recent years, we have faced both challenges and change—some expected, others less so. Yet our town has shown resilienceand a remarkable spirit of unity that has shaped the goals and actions within this plan.
We have listened closely. Through surveys, forums and conversations, your feedback has been essential in identifying what matters most—whether it's affordable housing, vibrant public spaces, safer streets or support for local businesses and services. This plancaptures the aspirations of a community that wants to thrive and where decisions are shaped not only by leadership but by the lived experiences and hopes of our residents.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s continue to shape our future - together.”
Cllr Jim Mason, Chair
The Spirit of Winchcombe
Winchcombe is a thriving town with a rich and diverse heritage. We are proud of who we are and ambitious for what we can achieve together. Our strong and cohesive community continues to be our proudest achievement. The way we look out for each other and handle the challenges we face is what makes our Cotswolds town the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Winchcombe by numbers
- There are 5,121 people living in Winchcombe
- 32.2% of our population is over 65 (England average 18.4%)
- 26% of people aged 16-74 are in full-time employment in Winchcombe compared with 34% across England
- The overall crime rate is lowervthan the average across England atv3.1 per 1,000 populationv(England average = 97.2)
- 86.3% of people are 'satisfiedvwith their neighbourhood' - higher than the Englandvaverage of 79.3%
Source: Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI) 2023©OCSI 2023.
Some of our Council services
- Purchase and install general waste bins, noticeboards and benches
- Manage Winchcombe Park, The Finches, Jubilee and King George V play parks
- Own the pitch and facilities of Winchcombe Sports Hub
- Landlord to Abbey Fields Community Centre, Winchcombe Playgroup and the Community Orchard & Allotments
- Maintain Back Lane Public Toilets
- Manage the cemeteries at Greet Road and Mount View Drive
Our vision and values
Vision
As a council, we know our mission is to ensure:
- The people of Winchcombe are empowered to live full, healthy and enriched lives.
- Our community is strong, and our town continues to be a beautiful and vibrant place to live
- Our local economy thrives and is supported by diverse businesses, healthy tourism and working closely together
- We lead the way in how councils communicate with and listen to their community
Values
Our councillors, staff and contractors will work with:
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Selflessness
- Leadership
- Objectivity
- Accountability
- Openness
Our priorities and objectives
What we have to do
- Manage and Maintain assets
Winchcombe park, Sports Hub, three play parks, War Memorial, three cemeteries, litter bins and furniture - Financial Management
Meeting statutary requirements with openness and transparency - Planning Consultee
Continue to Planning Consultee uphold the best interests of our town - Contract Management
In Winchcombe Park, playing fields and cemeteries - Consultation - Four-Year Plan
Conduct community survey to find out what matters to local people - CiL investment
Community consultation
What we have committed to do
- Mount View Cemetery
Open by early 2026
Volunteer Tree Planting Project - Neighbourhood Development Plan
Over-development
Affordable Housing
Environmental Protections - Winchcombe Park Phase Two
Pump Track
Petanque Court Improvements - Biodiversity
Working Group
Action Plan
Policy - Traffic Management Consultation Follow Up
Speeding
Traffic
Parking - Community Grant Scheme
Launch in 2025
What we would like to do
- Youth Centre
Supporting Youth Centre the Old Boys School Project - Improve & Maintain Community Communications
Implement and deliver Community Engagement Strategy – finding better ways to share our work and listen to your views
ARegular newsletter, social media posts, website upgrade
Meet Your Councillor drop-in sessions - Sense of Community
More community volunteering opportunities inc; Phone Box Friends, Tidy Town Taskforce and cemetery tree planting project - Winchcombe Park Phase Three
Toddler Play Area
Additional equipment including a slide and swings
Water fountain - Part-time staff member
Additional human resource will ensure capacity to deliver Four-Year Plan actions
How we allocate our resources
- Administration: 7%
- Finance: 34%
- General Purposes: 7%
- Leisure & Tourism: 10%
- Playing Fields: 20%
- Burial: 12%
- External interests: 10%
Monitoring and review of the Four-Year Plan
PlanProgress against the council priorities and key actions will be monitored by the relevant Committees and Working Groups leading on each area, and with reports at Full Council meetings. The plan will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects the changing needs of our community.
- To download a .pdf copy of Winchcombe Town Council's Four Year Plan, please click here