Pool-IN-WHARFEDALE residents will be in the know this autumn when a monthly community newsletter starts to roll off the presses.

At a workshop meeting of the Pool 20;20 Group in Pool Methodist Church Hall last Wednesday, it was agreed to produce a monthly newsletter to keep residents more informed about what was happening in their community.

Pool 20;20 member David Mortimer said: "The newsletter will give details of some of the things that are going on in the village.

"It will also include a community directory with a list of organisations and groups and their telephone numbers. This way there will be no excuse for people not knowing what groups there are in the area and what's going on."

He said that the Pool Village Appraisal survey showed a lack of knowledge by villagers on services and groups on offer to them.

It is hoped that the newsletter will be distributed free to every house in the village. It will be compiled and designed by a member of the 20;20 group.

As part of the village's strategy for improving access to information, the group will be holding a public meeting on Wednesday, September 15, at the Methodist Church Hall (7.30pm).

The meeting is aimed at encouraging residents to set up, run or join their own community organisations.

Mr Mortimer said: "Through the Pool Village Appraisal we found out that residents would like more groups in the village. This is their chance to join.

"They said they were interested in groups like a rambling club, arts classes, drama groups, whist clubs and music clubs, to name but a few. Many people said they would run a group, too, so we need them to come to the meeting.

"People can set up any group they want. In the appraisal, a third of Pool people said they were interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme -- this is their opportunity to come along and find out more about that, too."

In the long term, Mr Mortimer said the groups would be looking to encourage more evening classes to start and the formation of more sports clubs in the area.

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