Without Walls is a partnership of some of York's most influential organisations.

They have agreed to work together in what the Government calls a "Local Strategic Partnership". The group, which includes City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and the Evening Press, is made up of those whose actions and resources affect us all in our daily lives.

They are developing a community strategy. In York's case, they are looking at the way York as a city could be developed in the next 20 years.

York's partnership is called Without Walls in an effort to emphasise that there are some barriers that need to be challenged when we think about the city's future.

The group is led by a small executive board, which includes three members from the council, a senior representative from each of the seven themed partnership areas and places for four co-opted members.

The seven themes which broadly make up the Without Walls scheme are Healthy City, Safer City, Learning City, Thriving City, City of Culture, Inclusive City and Sustainable City.

The executive board tries to act as a focal point. However, the grand plan was developed through the wider Without Walls partnership.

Why do we need a vision? We need a plan for the future because York will change whether we like it or not. Through a structured plan for the future, we can take control and plan our own path - a road which gives us the best possible chance of success.

We all depend on local services and, by working together, we can all help to improve York far quicker than if we act on our own.

Updated: 12:33 Thursday, July 22, 2004