A storm forecast with typhoon-force winds is not what you want when you have a major conference planned that you hope will attract a large crowd.

That's just what happened to Avondhu Blackwater Partnership on Wednesday last, but despite the tempest that raged around Corrin Event Centre, they ended up with an attendance of 290, down from the number registered  but a very good turnout, all things considered.

Those that were able to be there were rewarded with a lively exchange of ideas and discussion on measures to improve and enhance their local environment.

The aim of the day-long conference, titled 'Tidier Towns - The Way Forward' was to motivate community groups to improve their areas. There was plenty to capture the imagination and inspire from the talks given by the guest speakers.  Each had interesting views on how the public can get involved in the planning and aesthetics of their local community.

Celebrity garden designer and well known TV personality Diarmuid Gavin, Henk van der Kamp of the Irish Planning Institute, Alison Garvey of the Heritage Council,  president of Muintir na Tíre John Hogan and Wesport town architect Simon Well, were the speakers while Peter 'Franc' Kelly acted as MC. The opening address was given by Dr Tom Cavanagh of Irish Business Against Litter while Sean Hegarty, chairperson of ABP, gave the closing address. The guest speakers first addressed the conference individually and followed up with an open forum and question and answer session.

Tidier Towns – The Way Forward was the culmination of ‘Village Image’, a three-year, transnational, Rural Development Programme project undertaken by Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and Noardwest Fryslan, their European partner company in Friesland, the Netherlands.

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