Labels and certifications
A token of distinction for the local authority!
For a local authority, beyond its own communications, displaying labels enables it to assert itself and stand out through its commitment in specific areas. Indeed, labels help both to improve and enhance a local authority’s appeal far beyond its own boundaries.
In details
WELCOME VILLAGE
In 2018, the Pays du Haut Limousin association submitted a proposal in response to the Massif Central call for projects, focusing on issues relating to welcoming new residents and enhancing the region’s appeal. The aim of this initiative is to implement an action plan designed to encourage new residents and businesses to settle in an area experiencing population decline. To this end, work has been undertaken in collaboration with the participating local authorities that have signed the welcome charter.
The aim is to identify all the initiatives implemented at local authority level, from the largest to the smallest, which contribute to improving the living environment and the quality of welcome for new arrivals. This initiative gave rise to the desire to create the ‘Village Accueil’ label, designed to promote local authorities committed to enhancing and promoting their area.
Val-d’Oire-et-Gartempe has been awarded Level 2 certification.
STARRY VILLAGE
The local authority of Thiat has held the ‘Starry Village’ designation since 2017.
In collaboration with ANPCEN — short in French for the National Association for the Protection of the Night Sky and the Night-time Environment — the main objective is to ensure that the solutions proposed are consistent and coordinated, with a view to improving the current situation and collectively reducing the overall amount of light emitted at night.
This label has been renewed in 2024, and the Val-d’Oire-et-Gartempe municipality will work towards obtaining this label for the entire area.
Safe Town
Val-d’Oire-et-Gartempe has been awarded a new accreditation in 2024!
Created in 2017 by the Association Prévention Routière, the ‘Ville Prudente’ accreditation recognises local authorities’ commitment to taking meaningful action to tackle road safety issues and provide a safer environment for their residents. The measures implemented in Bussière-Poitevine (speed bumps, appropriate signage, 30 km/h zones, a safe route for children travelling to the nursery and canteen, pavements adapted for people with reduced mobility, etc., training at school (pedestrian and cycling proficiency certificates), information and training for staff to raise awareness of road safety, special adaptations to the council’s vehicles, and representations made by the Mayor of Val-d’Oire-et-Gartempe to the President of the Republic and the President of the Department regarding accident statistics on the RN 147) are all examples demonstrating that road safety is an ongoing concern for elected representatives and that they are taking concrete action. The municipality has therefore decided to apply for the ‘Ville Prudente’ (Safe Town) accreditation.
Following an interview with the regional representative of Prévention Routière and a site visit to assess the initiatives, the association’s judging panel decided to award the municipality of Val-d’Oire-et-Gartempe the ‘Ville Prudente’ designation. It thus joins the community of 560 ‘Villes et Villages Prudents’, alongside the 132 other municipalities recognised in 2024. The announcement of the newly certified municipalities took place on 19 November 2024 during the 10th Congress of Mayors of France at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre.
Achieving this certification is a mark of quality of life for residents, where the shared use of streets and roads is a key priority for elected representatives. Certified local authorities receive practical guides to help them implement road safety initiatives within their municipalities.
‘Ville Prudente’ signs will be installed at the entrance to each town, which will be the subject of specific development studies of varying scope over time.