AN INITIAL meeting was held last week to kick off a strategic plan for Didim and Akbuk for the next five years.

Political parties and civil groups came together to discuss potential plans, issues and improved infrastructure for the towns during an all-day conference on Thursday (Sept 4) at the Palm Wings Hotel.

The plan is a new requirement stipulation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for towns with populations over 50,000 people. The strategic plan will run from 2014-2019.

Didim Mayor Deniz Atabay, senior council officers, Didim Governor Ersin Emiroglu and Aydin Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu were due to be key speakers at the event.

The event was set to include a speech by Didim strategic planning officer Erkan Karaaslan before civil groups and other interested parties put their ideas forward on improving Didim and Akbuk.

Residents in Akbuk held a meeting on September 1 to highlight potential issues arising from the strategic plan and these were to be forward at Thursday meeting.

Voices will provide further updates on the meeting and any key decisions made in the coming weeks and months.