A BLUEPRINT for the future of Whalley has been revealed following an 18-month project.

And today the author for whom the 60-page report became a labour of love revealed he was stepping down from his post.

Alan Holgate, chairman of Whalley Action Group, compiled the Parish Plan 2004 setting out a number of issues to be tackled in the village.

But Alan, 60, is to step down as chairman after presenting the plan to locals at a public meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday.

The former air traffic engineer said a recent heart attack has forced him to slow down and he will now concentrate on working for Whalley Parish Council, of which he is a member.

The action group was given a £3,000 grant by the Countryside Agency in March 2003 to draft its own plan on behalf of the parish council under the agency's Vital Villages scheme.

It was set up to help small rural communities take stock of the village and identify what was need to revitalise it. In East Lancashire, only Whalley and Chipping have taken advantage of the scheme.

The eight Whalley Action Group members compiled a number of proposals they hope will improve quality of life, as well as recent improvements already made.

The group, which will appeal for new members and a chairman at this week's meeting, has now sent copies of the plan to Lancashire County Council, Ribble Valley Council and the police for their feedback. Each authority will identify issues relevant to the services they provide before deciding what action, if any, can be taken.

Alan, of Abbot's Croft, said: "It's been a lot of hard work to put this together but I'm pleased with it. Whalley hasn't necessarily been neglected in the past but there was always room for improvement.

"Whalley wasn't worse than anywhere else - it just needed tinkering with. It highlights some of the village's biggest issues, such as parking in King Street and improving footpaths. We've also touched on housing developments as a lot of people are worried there aren't enough facilities in Whalley to sustain a bigger population.

"We've consulted with residents and focus groups and worked with both councils. Hopefully it will provide a framework for the future."

The Parish Plan will be discussed tomorrow from 7.30pm. Anyone wanting to join the group can contact Alan on 01254 824302.