NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2004
Since our last newsletter in March 2004, there have been significant
developments in working towards the Parish Plan. Although we have kept you
informed through the Parish Newsletter, which is regularly circulated, lack of
space prevents us from doing so on this occasion, because there is so much to
tell you!
It seems a long time since we held our History Day Exhibition on 20th
March. Not only did the event provide a great day for those who attended, but
it was also an important steppingstone to progress the Parish Plan. As you will
recall, we asked the residents who came along to fill out a short questionnaire
about life in the Parish, and to inform us about the local issues which concerned
them. Having extracted all the information, which you gave us that day, we then
set about using it to draft the Household Survey, which was then circulated to
the households and businesses of the Parish, in July.
We know that questionnaires are not always met with enthusiasm, but it
was the best method available to us to gauge opinions across the Parish. We did
our best to keep the survey simple, whilst allowing alternative views to be
voiced. We were extremely pleased therefore to receive the response that we
did. 56% of households in Tiverton completed the survey, with a 51% return for
Tilstone Fearnall. This represents 120 surveys in total that we have received,
encompassing some 273 residents of all age groups. Thank you once again.
Within the survey we asked you to tell us your views about
DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORT AND ROADS
HOUSING
SAFETY AND SECURITY
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
THE ENVIRONMENT
Now the summer break has long since gone, we have been analysing and
tabulating the results, including the many written comments and views that some
of you provided.
WHAT DOES THE SURVEY TELL US?
It would be impossible here, to give you the full results, because there
is so much information. However we can give a small snapshot;
-
Residents are
cautious about encouraging business and tourist opportunities, but not wholly
unsupportive
-
There is
overwhelming enthusiasm for the re-opening of Beeston Station
-
There are
mixed views about further housing development, however there is little objection
to small scale extensions to existing properties
-
Many residents
would like to see a more visible Police presence
-
Vehicle speed
is of great concern on our roads, but how we tackle it is another question
-
There is
strong support for more community activities, such as social events, and
learning/educational groups
-
Most of us
wish to see our countryside protected, and there is support to get involved in
activities such as the protection of wildlife habitats.
In order to give you the full results of the survey, we have planned a
‘coffee and cakes’ morning, which will take place on SATURDAY 6th NOVEMBER
2004, at Tiverton Village Hall. Entrance and refreshments will be free.
Doors will open at 10.30.a.m. At 11.00a.m, there will be a FREE DRAW,
and a short presentation to bring you up to date with the Plan, and tell you
what we will be doing next. We will have the results on display, and the
steering group members will be on hand to answer your questions. Do come along,
because we hope the event will be as much a social get together, as well as
being extremely informative. If you have any small children who you think might
get in the way, then don’t worry – we will put out some paper and crayons to
keep them occupied. We will also award a prize to the best picture in each age
group, of something which interests them, where they live.
CONSULTATION
AND WRITING THE PLAN
November and December are planned as a consultation period for the Parish Plan – looking at the issues that have been identified, and reaching some decisions as to what practical short term actions we can carry out to achieve these objectives, or to assess if there is anything feasible we can do. To do this we need your help again!
We are setting up 3 individual ‘Focus Groups’, covering;
- planning and development
- traffic, public transport and pedestrians
- Parish facilities, the community and the environment
Briefly, we need volunteers to take part in the groups, which will only involve you in 2 meetings during the consultation period.
The groups will be led by a steering committee member, and may include a discussion with external authorities, such as the Planning Department, to obtain advice about the best way of achieving our goals. The conclusions reached by the groups will then be used to help write the Parish Plan, and Action Plan, in January 2005.
Without the Focus Groups, we can’t write the Parish Plan Report! So, we do need volunteers to come forward at the coffee morning. Please don’t be shy, even if you have never been involved in anything of this nature, because this is your chance to contribute your views about the future of the village where you live.
If you want to ask any
questions, about the Focus Groups or the Parish Plan generally, then please
contact any of the steering committee.
STEERING COMMITTEE CONTACT DETAILS:
Liz Scott. Chair. Tel 733 907
Derek Marshall. Secretary. Tel 732 217
Roger Cheshire. Tel 732 059
Ian Lambert. Treasurer. Tel 730 203
Steve Armitage. Website co-ordinator. Tel 732
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