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Chapmanslade ‘Voice of the Village’ Questionnaire Results Community Engagement Meeting, 16 Nov 2017, 7.30pm

23 Nov 2017 Terry Rose 1

All villagers were invited to attend one of two Community Engagement meetings at which the results from the Village Questionnaire were shared and discussed. Prior to the meetings the Questionnaire Results were posted on the village website at: http://www.chapmanslade.org.uk. The first meeting was held on Thursday 16 November 2017 at 7.30pm in the village hall. The second meeting was held on Sunday 19 November at 2.30pm, also in the village hall. These notes appertain to the first meeting, which was attended by 45 villagers. The meeting concluded at 9.30pm. After a short slide presentation by Adam Oakley, participants split into five groups. Each group discussed one of the first five Sections of the Questionnaire:

1. Roads, Pavements, and Traffic 2. Community 3. Facilities and Utilities 4. Natural Environment 5. Development of the Village

Some participants moved to different groups during the evening. After discussions had concluded, a spokesperson was chosen by each group to share the main discussion points with the rest of the participants.



Section 1. ROADS, PAVEMENTS, AND TRAFFIC Key Points The following key points governed the group’s discussions: § Legality: It is not productive to consider taking any action, which is not

legal. So need to have some understanding of what is possible. Need expert advice.

§ Success: What has been successfully achieved in other villages with similar problems

§ Consensus: The Questionnaire results show that there is disagreement about possible solutions. Getting consensus for any action – even a trial – will be a key issue that must be addressed

§ Funding: Any proposed actions would not come cheap. Need to identify probable costs and sources of funding Bearing in mind the above, the group identified the following actions:

1. Review the Traffic Survey carried by SMA Consulting Engineers carried out in March 2015 for Lochailort Investments Ltd. as part of the proposed Barters housing development. Compare with suggestions put forward in the Questionnaire Results to understand if these proposals would likely gain consensus within the village. Also review the Parish Council Traffic Working Party School Traffic Survey carried in March 2016. Review what happened to this group.

2. Assess what other rural Parish Councils have done to try and solve/mitigate similar traffic problems.

3. Given that the High Street is presently an ’A’ road, identify and understand what measures could legally be undertaken re ‘Management of the High Street” (e.g. Avg. speed cameras, reduced speed limit either end of the school day).

4. Identify ways to consult with villagers to gain consensus for any proposed measures – especially those who live along the High Street.

5. Canvass villager views for community contribution to funding/costs of improvements, e.g. by using the Parish Council Tax precept?

Participants: Phil Holihead (Parish Councillor), Tim Humphries, Neil Miller, Janet Buick, Diana Walker, Legh Walker, Chris Page, Denise Page



Section 2. COMMUNITY Key Points 1. The Church as a Community Asset Ian Buick (Church Warden) described how moves are already afoot to try and better utilise the church – possibly by building an extension and/or making the internal space more usable by the community - and not just for church related activities. Funding for such projects where specific community needs can be established are available. The results of the Questionnaire could be of significant help in this regard but further consultation on specific proposals will be required. Ian is taking a key role in this. 2. Activities for Older People This was the main focus of discussions in the group • Volunteer List/Database: The group thought that developing a list of ‘go

to’ people who are willing to give their time to help was key. Perhaps a personal approach to potential helpers would be better than asking via an email?

• Rotary: Could Rotary members get involved? • Momentum: Keep momentum up – regular activities not one-off’s • Day Time activities possibly better than evenings • Connect older folks with other village groups - especially with the young

(the school, Brownies) 3. Neighbourhood Watch

• Establish ‘mini communities’ based on post codes or close proximity of houses, e.g. Wood Lane, Forest Walk, Brimhill Rise, areas along the High Street, etc., where folks already know their neighbours – if only by sight.

• Share phone numbers / contact details. • This type of ‘community’ approach worked well when distributing the

Questionnaire. • If defibrillator needed – could contact ‘your community’ to collect the

defibrillator and bring to your house. • Get folks signed-up to Community Messaging. Participants: John Lewis (Parish Councillor), Charlene Ridler (Parish Councillor), Linda Rose, Terry Rose, Ian Buick, Helen Buick, Gwen Jarvis, plus 2 others



Section 3. FACILITIES & UTILITIES Key Discussion Points 1. Cycle & Footpaths:

• Cycle path especially to Warminster

• New Footpath – up the back of the village could reduce traffic issues

• Footpath Maintenance – Establish a volunteer group for general maintenance and for repair of muddy sections

2. Community Transport:

• Could be creative and utilise some of the Wiltshire Council funding for the present unsatisfactory bus service.

• Have a Community bus with a service that is aligned to villagers (and

school) needs 3. Dog Bins:

• Dog Poo bag hanging is unsightly and unhygienic. Problem seems to be worse along footpath CHAP 1 up Wood Lane and through the woods and entrance to playing field.

• More bins my help • ‘Education’ may also help – article in the Bridge, posters, PR

campaign, signs to pick-up poo. Participants: Keith Muston (Chair, Parish Council), Dennis Barnard, Adam Oakley, Ian Buick, Carol Lewis, plus 2 others



Section 4. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Key Points • Walking Group

Establish a multi-age, multi-ability walking group who take responsibility for maintaining the footpaths (where possible) and provide input to the Parish Council’s Footpaths Rep (John Foster) where paths need more than village self help.

• Guided Walk Maps Develop a series of guided walks around the village that help visitors and new villagers make the most of the footpaths we do have.

o Link-up with the History Group and flora/fauna experts to make them interesting

o Make them available online, on noticeboards and in the pub. • Village Orchard

Plant an orchard that may include: o Wiltshire apple varieties o Be spread along and across the village, perhaps with a group of

trees near the village hall o Is linked to the 100-year commemoration of the end of WW1 –

with plaques for each of the 19 villagers who died in that war. o Legh and Di Walker (Barters) have offered to assist, having

supporting this kind of activity previously. Participants: John Foster (Parish Councilor), Antonia Beck, Legh Walker, Diana Walker, Ian Curtis, Cliff Weeks, Sue Kerfoot, David Arthur, Nigel Brown, Gail Brown, Adam Oakley



Section 5. DEVELOPMENT OF THE VILLAGE Key Discussion Points 1. Housing development

• Sympathetic to small scale affordable / family housing – to rent or buy but facilities would need to be improved

• Development would bring families with children to the village – re-generation

• Could approach a Housing Association to identify possible areas for housing

• If land was available, perhaps establish a Chapmanslade Housing Trust

2. Facilities would need to be improved:

• Shop / café – perhaps develop pub (convert out building?) • School – give priority in catchment to ‘local’ children • What about sewage capacity? • Need to address traffic problems – car park to alleviate school

congestion, but where? Green Farm? • Community Orchard – supported from a development point of view

3. Transport would need to improved

• Links to Frome, Warminster, Westbury • Could we use Wiltshire Council funding for current bus services to

provide our own community transport service? Additional Points: 4. Green development, Solar Farm for community energy. All may need to be

linked to a housing development. 5. Housing: Individual, singleton development very expensive. What about

self build?

Participants: Charles Thackway (Parish Councilor), Jenny Gafney, David Gafney, Jamie Shore, Adam Brill, Ken Davies, plus Mr. and Mrs. ?

Documents

Chapmanslade ‘Voice of the Village’ Questionnaire Results ...chapmanslade.org.uk/.../Results-Meeting-Notes-16_11... · Questionnaire Results to understand if these proposals would