foreword by ivan rowland chairman of monkleigh parish 2000

FOREWORD BY IVAN ROWLANDCHAIRMAN OF MONKLEIGH PARISH 2000First of all, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to complete the questionnaire. Without youropinions this report would not have been compiled, and we would be no wiser as to how our community seesits future.Most of you already know that M.P 2000 was formed in response to issues raised at a Public meeting back12th Feb 1997. Since then most of the committees energies have been involved with this process ofAppraisal (Apart from the odd bit of fund raising, and of course MONKLEIGH MATTERS newsletter).Sifting through pages of statistics is a daunting task, which has been done willingly, albeit slowly by thesteering group. Mike Knight of the Community Council of Devon is the person we must thank for makingsense of pie charts and condensing much information into a form even the numerically challenged canunderstand. Our thanks also to Monkleigh Parish Council for their support of M.P 2000 over the past year.Many of the issues raised by the questionnaire can only be dealt with by the relevant bodies, who will beinformed of your views in the near future. Other issues concerning - living working - playing andenvironment can, and should be dealt with by us, the community.European and Lottery funding is available to any community who can conceive a project which is financiallysustainable or has benefit to the majority of the community. Our next task is to meet together at a PUBLICMEETING (date to be announced soon) where we can plan our way into the future, using all the resourcesavailable.NOTEMany people 'volunteered' their services in several areas of the questionnaire, as the documentwas totally confidential, we have no way of knowing who you are. At the meeting, we will havetables set-up with information on each issue, if you find the one that interests you please leaveyour names. Alternatively, feel free to telephone me on (01805) 623624.

MONKLEIGH COMMUNITY APPRAISAL - 1997YOUR COMMENTS ONTRANSPORTHIGHWAYS ANDDANGER SPOTS‘Corner by VillageHall/cars Parking’‘Traffic speeding inLoxdown Road’‘Everywhere walking isendangered’The questionnaire was completed by 93 out of 162 householdsrepresenting 241 people of all ages of whom 214 were aged 11 or over.30%Location of Respondents59%11%Annery Kiln (10)Monkleigh & RuralMonkleigh (55)Saltrens (28)The analysis of respondents by Male and Female aged over 11‘Old railway bridge toAnnery Kiln and junction toroad – people overtakingleft turning cars’‘Along Hilton Road, fromHilton Road to main roadvia Pound Hill’10050081402120 221611-16 17-21 22-39 40-59 60-64 65-74 75+14MaleFemaleTotal‘Speed restrictions simplyneed to be observed notchanged’‘As a relative newcomer tothe Parish I feel that I mustsay that locals are probablyjust as guilty as everyoneelse of speeding throughSaltrens, speed limit signsare prominent but sadlyignored, traffic calming cando nothing to reducespeeding if drivers ignoresigns’‘The traffic is a problem inthis village and manyaccidents have occurred onsome of the danger spots onleaving and entering thevillage’NOTE:11-16 17-21 22-39 40-59 60-64 65-74 75+10% 7% 19% 38% 9% 10% 7%There was a total of 27 children (12 Male and 15 Female) aged below11 represented by the respondents. This is 11% of total of 241 people.TRANSPORTThe 93 respondent households indicated a total of 134 cars and 8motorbikes used in the Parish. Of these 29 vehicles are parked on theroad - 20%Street parking is considered a hazard by 74% of respondents and 66%of respondents consider that street parking is not adequate (98respondents want additional car parks) whilst no mention is made ofwhere they should be situated.Question: Does this problem arise due to school travel? Or possiblywhere households have visitors?65 respondents have difficulties getting out of Monkleigh often oroccasionally.

BY-PASSYOUR COMMENTS‘From Saltrens through toCatsborough too narrow forheavy vehicles’112 Respondents (64%) think Monkleigh needs a by-pass there is somesupport for a Saltrens by-pass, but opinion is much more mixed i.e.Need for a by-pass?‘Monkleigh fromHolsworthy turning right invillage’24%Yes (71)No (52)No Opinion (37)33%43%THE BUS SERVICEGOOD REASONABLE POOR NO OPINIONPeople % People % People % People %Bus Route 27 17% 32 20% 29 18% 74 46%Bus Timetable 17 11% 26 17% 45 29% 69 44%Bus Reliability 28 18% 39 25% 10 7% 78 50%Bus Costs 15 10% 35 22% 36 23% 71 45%YOUR COMMENTS -BUS SHELTERWHERE SHOULD ITBE?‘By Saltrens telephonebox’‘Opposite the Bell Innpub/garage’‘Bus pick up points’‘Somewhere safe andsensible’BUS SHELTERSIt is felt by over 50% of respondents that bus sheltersare necessary in both Monkleigh and Saltrens.On the question ofHELPING TO PROVIDE VOLUNTARY TRANSPORTYes - would provide voluntary transport 31 20%No - would not provide voluntary transport 125 80%‘Next to village hall carpark’‘Top of Ridd Lane’‘Monkleigh by the phonebox’In Saltrens by LeaAvenue as children getwet waiting for schoolbus’

EMPLOYMENTThe survey had a response of 203 in respect of the analysis requestedEmployed Self Employed Unemployed Government TOTALTraining70 35 7 1 113 – (56%)Full Time Retired (Wholly) Unwaged Sick /DisabledEducationOther26 (13%) 45 (22%) 12 (6%) 7 - (3%)The main place for paid work shows the followingPeople %At Home 28 24%Elsewhere in the Parish 13 11%Within 10 miles of the Parish 53 45%Over 10 miles to 30 miles 18 16%Over 30 miles 5 5%A total of 8 people are actively seeking paid work representing 7% of thetotal respondents.SELF EMPLOYMENTWhilst only 35 people responded as Self Employed people, a total of 42businesses was registered as followsAgriculture 15Professional Services 9Retail/Repair 8Construction 4Manufacturing 2Hotel/Catering/Tourism 2Services/Other 2This can be summarised as50% PRODUCTION - 50% SERVICESThe intention of becoming SELF-EMPLOYED is stated by 6 people.However, 18 people see considerable difficulties becoming self employedciting a combination of 7 ‘lack of’ reasons.Start up Finance 11 out of 18Business Skills 9 18Contacts 8 18Premises 7 18Technical Skills 5 18Confidence 3 18Other Issues 2 18

TRAININGA high figure of 89 people expressed interest in Vocational Trainingciting a combination of 7 different need indicatorsNew technology/computing 47 out of 89Skilled /Craft Related 40 89Rural /Agricultural Skills 10 89Professional/Managerial/Supervisory 19 89Clerical/Secretarial 11 89Technical 11 89Other 13 89However almost 60% of a total of 192 expressed the view that theprovision of adult learning was poor or non-existent whilst 34% had noopinion.HOUSINGOf the 201 people who responded on this issue, 119 (59%) expressedthe need for housing, prioritised as follows.‘More young peopleshousing (but rurallysympathetic)’Housing for local people 77 out of 119 65%Housing for Young People 55 119 46%For Low Income Families 37 119 31%Family Housing 22 119 18%Housing for Elderly 21 119 17%Other Housing 13 119 11%The remaining respondents were 25% in favour of NO MOREHOUSING and 16% NO OPINION on the issue.However it was clear respondents were split on the issue of whethernew housing would spoil the Parish.Yes It Would No It Would Not No Opinion44% 39% 17%13 households (14% of responses) indicated a need for alternativeaccommodation as follows.Now Next 3 Years Over 3 Years2 10 1The majority of these important cases are for rented accommodation.

CyclopsSOCIAL ACTIVITIES71 people responded to the question concerning ‘Activities you arealready involved in.’ Of these, 51 people are involved or have beeninvolved in social activities in the village i.e. The Beetle Drive, YouthClub, Euchre and Bell Ringing. 20 people are involved in 'other'activities.Quite a number would like to see new clubs formed in the village.These are rated in order of popularity as follows:Rambling Club 27 Bell Ringing 8Gardening Club 22 Forming a Band 8Dance 19 Beetle Drive 7Painting & Drawing 18 Luncheon Club 6Photography 18 Quilting 6Drama 11 Choral Society 5Music Society 9 Knitting Circle 3Whist Drive 8Perhaps the commentsreflect a need for spaceto play in for sportingactivities, as games suchas badminton are high ofthe popularity list as isvolleyball.* * * *‘Make it larger, properheating, better dampproofing'‘Rebuilt, centralheating, redecorating,bigger floor space,cheaper hourly rate’Surprisingly, 20 people are listed under 'other' activities, so it seemsthere are many other clubs, which could be formed in the village.28 people have stated their interest in helping to organise and run socialactivities. Hopefully we will discover the extent of interest inorganising, running and participating in these social activities when wehave a public meeting.VILLAGE HALL33 Parishioners use the village hall …………1 – 5 times a month83 Parishioners use the village hall………….less frequently10 Parishioners use the village hall………….more than 5 times a monthSadly, 76 people never use it at all.‘Rebuilt and run as aCommunity AssociationSports and Social Club’Definitely needs acentral meeting place, awarm communitybuilding’(For update on Village Hall – see Action Plan)ADEQUACY95 Respondents think the village hall is adequatewhereas 52 feel it is not adequate for allcommunity needs.NoticeboardThis Noticeboard is notreally real. It has beencreated by it's brilliantcreator Cyclops - as hasthe wh ole of this marvellous20 th C entu ryauthentic Village/ParishHall (except the trees,which were pilfered).It is difficult to assess from the survey if the 95 people who find itadequate are the ones who actually use it.

TOPLAYTOORGANISETOPLAYBadminton 50 2 Yoga 22 0Keep Fit 37 1 Martial Arts 20 0Pool 30 1 Basket Ball 20 0Volley Ball 24 0 Short Mat Bowls 19 1Table Tennis 22 2 Netball 17 1Snooker/Billiards 22 0 Short Tennis 12 0Darts 22 0 Indoor Hockey 7 1TOORGANISE‘Other’ indoor sports not listed have 13 people interested in playing and3 people to organise those activities. Once again it will be interesting todiscover how these sports and participants can be joined to form newsocial outlets within the community.Overall, 32 people are willing to help organise social activities withinthe Parish that's quite a few!OUTDOOR SPORTS AND ACTIVITIESAn overwhelming support by - 163 (81%) of the respondents haveexpressed a definite need for an OUTDOOR PLAYING FIELD.Question 2515%Need for a Playing Field?Yes (163)3%No (6)No Opinion(15)82%

YOUR COMMENTS ONOPEN SPACES FORTHE COMMUNITY‘Purchase a field for sportsand swings etc for tots anda cycle track’Whilst respondents to question 14 - SPECIAL OPEN SPACES wherechildren and local people could play, picnic, walk etc. gave substantialsupport for provision of such an amenity within the Parish.Special Open Spaces?‘Field behind school, nearvillage hall, any field nearvillage’‘Small place aroundchurch’No Opinion (27)No (23)Yes (156)13.111.275.7‘Suitable small area inSaltrens and Monkleigh(near school and off RiddRoad)’Question 310 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80‘Field behind new buildingsin Loxdown Road’‘Near church or pub, lessdistraction, near village andpublic eye’‘The Parish desperatelyneeds a field for the youngof this Parish, they have to‘hang out’ in the streets,where a field and maybe ahall for indoor sports wouldprovide a place for theyoung together. As forspace we also feel we needa place where the oldergeneration would like to sitin good weather and forthem to meet’‘There are no bridle ways inMonkleigh area, we needthem to get away from thefast roads’‘We feel a foot path fromSaltrens to Monklegh wouldbenefit all ages of thecommunity. Although it isonly a few minutes walk, itis dangerous. It woulddeter people attendingfunctions without the use oftransport’Deals with the need for a CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA, this too showsevidence of a much needed local amenity.Combining the responses to question 25, 14 and 31 indicates a veryhigh ratio of 6-1 in favour of the provision of Community Leisure Areaswithin the Parish. For such high priority to be given to this issue,without doubt shows urgent need to address the problem.70605040302010064FOOTPATHSChildren's Play Area?20.814.6Yes (124) No (40) No Opinion (28)A difficult issue to define, due to a large number of ‘Don't Knows’ (80)who are presumably those residents who do not use footpaths at all. 48people expressed no difficulty in following local footpaths, whereas 77found it difficult, mostly due to mud, water, overgrown bushes ornettles. Lack of signposts are also mentioned as a Difficulty.‘Farmers coming out saying ‘getoff my land’‘Blocked right of waybetween Plumpers BridgeBeam Weir. (on OS map)’

YOUR COMMENTSON ENVIRONMENT‘Emphasis on being civicminded regardingupholding the village bykeeping it tidy, otherwisewhat point in trying forBest Village Competition’‘Dogs foul daily, this isdisgusting’‘I would like to seerubbish cleared betweenMonkleigh and PlumpersBridge’‘Its lovely as it is(natural)’‘Notice banning dogswithout leads’‘Notice banning ballgames’‘Notice banning litter’YOUR COMMENTS‘General purposeshop’‘Newsagents’‘A village shopoffering full range ofgoods, localbaker/farm shop’‘Milk/dairy outlet i.e.dispenser, coinoperated’ENVIRONMENTBEST KEPT VILLAGE96 (47%) respondents would like to see Monkleigh enter the Best keptvillage competition.QUARRYING IN MONKLEIGH WOOD60% of those giving an opinion are against Quarrying in Monkleighwoods.GOOD NEIGHBOUR SCHEMEConsiderable interest shown in the idea of a ‘Good Neighbour Scheme’,with 140 people wishing to become involved. Ranging from 22 peopleonce a week - 18 people once a month to 100 people occasionally.Perhaps these community minded people would be of help to the 22people who answered Yes to question 20 - DIFFICULTY GETTINGTO SHOPS and the 16 respondents who experience difficulties ingetting out of MONKLEIGH?SUB POST OFFICEMonkleigh is fortunate in already having a sub post office. 118respondents (51%) consider the Post Office to be a priority for thecommunity. Some people would use it more often if increased openinghours were possible.RETAIL SERVICE93 people think the Parish needs a retail service selling non-perishablegroceries.COMMUNITY SHOPInterest in a COMMUNITY SHOP is very significant with 175respondents declaring an intention to use often or occasionally.Although a large majority would not be prepared to help run acommunity managed shop, 21 people within the Parish have said theyWOULD!

YOUR COMMENTSON LOCALSERVICES‘As an Arthritis suffererI have difficulty leavingthe house, my daughterand neighbours fetchprescriptions etc’‘Very difficult to get toNational Health Dentist,I have paid £300 infillings this last year,disgusting as we bothpay full NationalInsuranceContributions’OPINION OF LOCAL SERVICESRespondents expressing an opinion on Health and Social Services ratednearly all services Good to Reasonable. District Nurse, Maternity care,Chiropody, Home help, Mental Health and Loan of Medical equipmentall scoring well, followed closely by local Doctor, Ambulance andHealth Visitor. LOWEST opinion was of Tarka Doc.DIFFICULTY GETTING TOOpinions expressed by some people concerning Difficulties Getting Toshowed that over 30 respondents have problems getting to a Hospital,Doctor, Optician or Chemist. The largest number have difficulty inreaching a National Health Dentist. The latter highlighting the shortageof National Health Dentists in the area.‘Lack of publictransport’‘No National HealthDentist local who willtake on new patients’YOUR COMMENTS‘WELL DONE, Monkleigh benefits from your enthusiasm and energy’‘Matters deal with Social, Employment, Health, Transport, Education – not mentionedSpiritual’‘I feel that Annery Kiln is its own hamlet, and because of distance we do not use theservices of Monkleigh, excluding the school, although we are part of the parish we donot know the needs of Monkleigh Village – although we do appreciate the MonkleighNewsletter. Our children are just reaching school age however, so in the future I’msure we’ll have more contact with the village’‘P.S. Like the Tropical Kiln’

Action Report – SuggestionsBased on your opinions, the steering group have put together some ideas which we hope will provide food forthought before we meet at a PUBLIC MEETING at the Village Hall – (Date to be published). We hope thatyou will attend this meeting so that the community as a whole can choose the BEST WAY forward forMonkleigh Parish, as we enter the New Millennium.OUR LIVING SPACEHOUSINGConsider of the Parish should support the identified need to provide accommodation for local peopleespecially the young. If YES, consider appropriate methods.WORKING ENVIRONMENT (Paid and Voluntary)Consider if the community would support the generation of work opportunities within the Parish. Forexample: through Tourist-related services of accommodation, cream teas and horse riding. Consider theestablishment of a Community Managed Shop.Additionally , consider the establishment of a ‘Good Neighbour Scheme.’TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES93 people expressed an interest in vocational training opportunities. The providers should further investigatethis demand. To enable them to do this they should receive the analysis of this survey.OUR RECREATIONConsider the feasibility of developing a COMMUNITY FIELD & PLAY AREA.Consider the feasibility of providing a sports facility for the community.Consider the formation of clubs for Rambling, Gardening, Dance and Photography.OUR ENVIRONMENTConsider if we should enter the best-kept village of BEST-KEPT VILLAGE or BRITAIN IN BLOOMcompetitions.Consider action needed to combat litter and dog fouling.QUARRYING ACTIVITIESRequest the Parish Council to inform Torridge District Council of the Community’s concerns.FOOTPATHSConsider if the formation of a Rambling Club would be effective in ensuring adequate access to publicfootpaths.TRAFFIC CALMING, SPEED RESTRICTIONS & PARKINGConsider what action should be taken to address the outstanding issues.PUBLIC/VOLUNTARY TRANSPORTConsider any action that can be taken to assist residents to travel out of the community,.IN CONCLUSIONIt seems there are many ways by which we can improve the quality of life in our Parish without detriment toits rural charm. Careful planning and decision making by the community could enhance all aspects of livingand working within the Parish, for the future generations and us. PLEASE come and have your say regardingyour futures.