Published on:
27
April 2009
Clackmannanshire Council is calling on adults in the area to help support a new exchange initiative with its twin towns in France and Spain.
The Council has been twinned with Vendargues in the Languedoc Rousillon region of Southern France and Espartinas in the Andalucian region of southern Spain for the past three years.
Originally the purpose of the twinning arrangement was to develop youth exchanges during the summer months and so far two successful trips have been organised involving more than 40 young people from across Clackmannanshire.
In July this year, six young people aged 12 to 15 will be visiting Vendargues with a further nine going to Espartinas.
And now the Council is now hoping to expand the opportunities by setting up adult exchanges with the towns.
Councillor Eddie Carrick, Sustainability Portfolio Holder, said: "I have been lucky enough to visit Espartinas and Vendargues and can recommend them as culturally interesting and beautiful places. The Council would be interested to hear from any adults living in Clackmannanshire who would be keen to visit either of the twin towns for a long weekend or three or four days who would be willing to stay with a French or Spanish host."
The Council would work with the twin towns to match people up and assist with travel arrangements.
Anyone wishing to take part would have to pay for their own travel and any other expenses incurred during the trip. They would also need to be prepared to provide hospitality for a French or Spanish host during a reciprocal visit to Clackmannanshire.
Espartinas has a population of around 10,000 people and is 15km from Seville while Vendargues has a population of just over 6000 people are is near Montpellier.
For more information, contact Council Policy Officer Jane Adamson on 01259 452196 or by email at jadamson@clacks.gov.uk.
More information on the twins towns can be found on the following websites:
www.clacksweb.org.uk
www.espartinas.net
www.vendargues.fr