WELLESBOURNE & WALTON VILLAGE VOICES

 

Wellesbourne & Walton Village Voices

WELLESBOURNE AND WALTON: A BRIEF HISTORY

The history of Wellesbourne goes back many years. In 862 and 872 Burgred, king of Mercia, held parliaments at Wellesbourne, and the village is recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 as part of the royal manor of Kineton.

Wellesbourne was at one time two villages, Wellesbourne Hastings and Wellesbourne Mountford. Mountford derives from Peter de Montefort, whose family owned this part of the village in 1346. Early in the 14th century Maud of Walton married Thomas Hastang and the name of Hastings was introduced.

Walton, or to use its old name, Walton D'Aiville, also has a long history, there being a settlement south of Walton Hall in a field called Old Town in Roman times. The first evidence of a dwelling on the site of the Hall is possibly Norman. The manor was held then by Nicholas D'Aiville, but during the reign of Henry VIII it passed to the Mordaunt family. Walton is still very much an estate village with scarcely any building since the 19th century.

A favourite open space in Wellesbourne is Dog Close, the field by the river. This has been open for a very long time, though it has had its name, which comes from its connection with the Talbot inn, only since the 1930's. The name applied earlier to a nearby field. On the corner of School Road is the oldest domestic building in Wellesbourne, dating back to the early 15th century.

Wellesbourne has a cricket field which was mentioned in Tom Brown's Schooldays. In Chestnut Square in 1872 Joseph Arch was invited to speak to a gathering of agricultural labourers. This led to the formation of the first Agricultural Workers' Union.

Wellesbourne is set in a wide flood plain, previously a lake, and is some 150 feet above sea level, with hills forming a horseshoe shape around it. The river Dene flows from Walton, past the water mill which relies on it for power, then through the centre of Wellesbourne separating Hastings from Mountford, and joins the Avon at Charlecote. Whilst the river presents many attractive views it has also led to flooding. Two severe floods have occurred in recent times, in 1968 and again in 1998. There have been other floods to the north of the village where excessive rain water in the brook cannot always drain away freely, a problem possibly exacerbated by high density building on the flood plain.

The airfield was used as a training base for wartime operations, the aircrew coming mainly from Canada. Many of them lost their lives in the defence of this country.

The large development known as the Dovehouse estate was previously used as the domestic site for the Royal Air Force personnel based at the airfield. Many of the roads have names with aircraft connections, for example, Whitworth Close, Lancaster Close, Sunderland Close.

 

THE VILLAGE APPRAISAL: OUR PROGRESS

 

  1. At an Open Meeting in the autumn of 2000, the idea of a Village Appraisal was discussed and it was agreed to form a Steering Committee to promote the Appraisal.
  2. The Steering Committee met in January 2001 and prepared a plan of action to involve the whole community, from the youngest at Primary School to the eldest resident.
  3. An Open Day to ascertain the feelings of the residents was held in April 2001. 200 people attended. A children’s art show, at which we exhibited their designs for a Village Appraisal Logo, was a feature of the Open Day. The main areas of concern were identified and these formed the basis of the Village Appraisal Questionnaire.
  4. The Steering Committee spent some time preparing and revising the questionnaire, which was distributed to every person over the age of 16 in the two villages, during the autumn of 2001. This involved some 4,600 people and 2,500 households. 70% of these households responded to the questionnaire. This gave the Committee nearly 400,000 answers and 10,000 comments to analyse.
  5. The analysis was completed by early spring, 2002, and was given to the Parish Council.
  6. The results of the Survey were shown to members of the public at a second Open Day held on 6th April 2002. Young people and Youth Groups held displays of what they did, and did not, like about village life. Again the views of residents of the two villages were sought and these, with the Survey Results, became the basis for an Action Plan, which is now submitted for District Council adoption.
  7. Once adopted, the Appraisal will provide a basis both for a Parish Plan and for action in the village for at least the next ten years. It will be used as a material consideration and a local information source by the County and District Councils. Wellesbourne has already been categorised as a "Main Rural Centre" in the emerging District Local Plan Review.
  8. Copies of all the statistics, a full list of additional comments and a list of useful contacts will be lodged in Wellesbourne library.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Committee wishes to express its appreciation of the assistance from the following in the preparation of this Village Appraisal.

The enumerators who delivered and collected the Survey forms around the villages.
Those who entered Survey data on to computers.
The residents of Wellesbourne & Walton for their help and comments at the workshops, and for completing the Survey forms and adding their comments.
Rosalind & Peter Bolton for information on the history of Wellesbourne.
Stratford on Avon District Council and Wellesbourne Parish Council for their support and financial assistance.
Wellesbourne Conservative Club for the free use of a room for many of our committee meetings.

As Co-ordinator, I would like to express my personal thanks to all the members of the Committee for their very hard work in producing this Appraisal.

Future Plans
In the Spring of 2003, after the Appraisal has been adopted, we shall hold a further Open Day to advise you all on the progress to date.

Finally a postscript which sums up the feelings of the residents.
High levels of building development in Wellesbourne have meant an increased demand on medical and emergency services. This Village Appraisal shows that a majority of the residents feel that Wellesbourne has been overdeveloped and that only infill building with small groups of houses, rather than extensive building on its outskirts, would be acceptable. Wellesbourne's road system would not be capable of handling a large increase in traffic caused by further large scale development, nor is it likely that the infrastructure could cope with the increase in population such building would generate.

F.E. Poole, August 2002

 

WELLESBOURNE & WALTON VILLAGE VOICES – RESULTS & ACTION PLAN

 

1. PERSONAL SECTION

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Of 2957 respondents to the Survey who gave their ages, 1237 people (42%) were 55 years and older.
 If these people continue to live in the villages, there could be a considerable demand for special housing and medical facilities for elderly people during the next ten years. These needs were also strongly supported by the 1993 Appraisal.
  1. County Council and Housing Associations to consider the provision of additional sheltered accommodation, elderly people’s homes, home helps and other care services.
  
  1. 795 people (27%) of those surveyed were retired.
 This would again seem to have a bearing on the conclusions above. Some of the retired people are known to live in sheltered housing already. Quite a large number do not. Please see Action above.  
  1. 2072 (70%) of the 2945 who responded have lived in the villages for more than 5 years.
 This would seem to indicate the level of permanency of residence amongst the population. The village is already very large, having some 6000 residents.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications for residential building of a general nature.
  2. District/County Council for consideration in the Local Plan Review.
  
Time lived in Wellesbourne Time lived in Wellesbourne
  1. 68 people were permanently sick or disabled.
 A possible need for additional care and support staff now and in the future.
  1. County Council Social Services Department for consideration in future facilities planning.
  

2. EMPLOYMENT

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Of 2945 responses only 33 people (1%) classed themselves as unemployed. 229 people (8%) were self-employed.
 Continual building of new factories and industrial units would not be a great benefit to employment as there are very few unemployed in the villages. Rather, more large industrial units would add to traffic congestion and parking problems in Wellesbourne.
  1. District/County Council for consideration in Local Plan Review
  
  1. 1377 respondents (48%) thought there should be more local employment featuring small business units and retail units.
 This reinforces the conclusion about large industrial units. Smaller units, small business parks on brown field sites and the possible use of redundant farm buildings were the most popular preferences. These choices would, again, keep the boundaries of the villages tighter and prevent their becoming an urban sprawl.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications.
  2. District/County Council – Local Plan Review considerations.
  
  1. Of 330 people working in Wellesbourne, 181 travel to work by car or van.
 This number of people using cars every day must impact on the number of cars using the village roads for their journeys and, possibly, long term parking in the village.
  1. Local Bus Companies to provide early morning/ evening services on a circular route basis – to Local Transport Consultative Committee.
  2. Local businesses to promote a car share plan – support from Action Plan Committee.
  3. Action by Community Beat Officer (CBO) to monitor/ prosecute long term car parkers in the village centre.
  4. Countryside Agency (Vital Villages) to be approached for assistance with aid from Parish Transport Grant.
  
Distance travelled to work Distance travelled to work

3. HOUSING

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Only 184 people (6%) of those surveyed thought that their present accommodation was unsuitable for their needs and only 91 people are currently looking for alternate accommodation separate from other members of their household.
 The continuous development of new housing in the villages would seem to be of little benefit to residents. Only 47 people think that there is too little housing development. 1285 people (44%) think that there has been too much new housing. This is an increase on the 1993 Survey figures and reinforces the need for a clamp down on speculative building.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications.
  2. District/County Council for consideration in Local Plan Review.
  
  1. If further building of houses is to take place, then the views of 1403 people (58%) who responded should be considered. They wanted low cost homes for couples or young families.
 There is a strong feeling in the villages that the cost of new housing is far beyond the reach of young couples. More consideration should be given to the needs of these young couples – they are the future of the villages.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications.
  2. District/County Council for consideration in Local Plan Review.
  3. Housing Associations / Self-Build Groups to be advised.
  
Perceived housing need Perceived housing need
  1. The wish for family members to continue to live in the area was emphasised by the number – 738 people (26%) – who wanted housing for rent or sale restricted to households with local connections.
 It has already been shown that there is a desire for long stay living in the villages. Thus part of the Survey would confirm the wish for the villages to remain an "Extended Family", to preserve their traditions.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications.
  2. District/County Council for consideration in Local Plan Review.
  3. Housing associations / Self-Build Groups to be advised.
  
  1. In view of the large percentage of people at or nearing retirement age, it is not surprising that 1119 people (39%) wanted Sheltered / Retirement / Residential Care Homes or Nursing Home care provision over the next ten years.
 The need for care homes for the elderly in Wellesbourne and Walton is currently met by three specialist units. These do not seem likely to be able to cope with the probable increase in demand and planning for these needs must be undertaken sooner rather than later.
  1. Parish Council – support for needs of elderly.
  2. District/County Council – Local Plan Review.
  3. County Council Social Services Department – planning for needs.
  4. Private care home providers to be advised.
  
  1. Whilst 500 respondents (18%) did not favour any locations for house building, 1460 (54%) of those questioned favoured in-filling with single buildings or small groups of buildings or both. 937 (35%) would accept expansion on the edge of the built-up area.
 Consideration must be given to the views of the majority in favour of in-filling rather than extending the built-up area. It is clear that little expansion into the green areas is wanted and that open spaces are considered by residents to be essential.
  1. Parish Council – initial response to planning applications.
  2. District/County Council for Local Plan Review.
  

4. RETAIL FACILITIES

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Of 2949 people who answered the question about how often they shopped in the villages, 745 shopped daily and 1774 once a week or more. Thus 85% of respondents shopped in the villages each week. On the negative side, 215 people said that they rarely or never used the village shops. High costs and little choice were the main reasons given for this.
 It seems that local shopkeepers have a loyal group of customers anxious to support them. The shopkeepers should be encouraged to build on this support, perhaps increasing the range of goods sold, by special offers, etc.
  1. Action Group to contact local shopkeepers with results of survey.
  2. Shopkeepers to consider a local "Chamber of Trade" to build even more shopper loyalty and to promote the idea of local shopping and to raise the standards of shops, where necessary.
  3. Contact Countryside Agency (Vital Villages) for a Community Service Grant to assist local shops.
  
Shopping in Wellesbourne Shopping in Wellesbourne
  1. Of 2951 people who answered the question about use of the airfield market 606 (21%) said that they used it monthly or more frequently. There were 48 comments, two-thirds from Dovehouse, complaining about the market, mostly because of the traffic problems associated with it.
 These comments reflect the feeling by some people that the market intrudes upon village life, particularly with regard to the large number of cars involved in bringing visitors to the market.
  1. District / County Council to direct market traffic via A429 and to use the planned entrance in Stratford Road to reduce congestion on junction of by-pass and Loxley Road.
  2. Police to control and monitor traffic flow and to pay additional attention to, and to have a visible presence on, island at A429/Loxley Road.
 
  1. Views were sought on additional retail facilities in the villages. The greatest concern was for updating of the existing shopping precinct, expressed by 1589 people (57%), while 432 respondents (15%) wanted an extra shopping precinct.
 The existing shopping precinct was felt to have a "jaded" appearance and does not give the village an attractive vista. Updating, or some refurbishment, would make the area more appealing and encourage more local shoppers to use the shops in the precinct.
  1. Approach the Walton Estate with results of the survey and seek financial assessment / approval / co-operation in updating the precinct.
  2. Approach the Countryside Agency (Vital Villages) for grant aid under Community Services Grant.
  
  1. When asked about other retail facilities desirable in the villages, there were 195 requests for further places to eat and drink and 110 requests for shops selling various sorts of clothing and shoes.
 There seems to be a general demand for additional eat in / eat out facilities. Many respondents sought take away food outlets.
  1. District/Parish Council – planning applications.
  2. Circulate details to local shops to consider an increase in ranges stocked and to encourage more local trade.
  
  1. Postal Services were generally regarded as good or fair. There was some criticism of parcel deliveries with people having to go to Warwick to collect parcels or post that it had not been possible to deliver to households.
 In general terms residents are quite satisfied. However there used to be facilities for parcel/letter holding at the village Post Office and if these were to be re-introduced, then many quite awkward journeys to Warwick could be avoided. Postal Service (Royal Mail) credibility would be raised.
  1. Write to Royal Mail at Warwick to seek re-introduction of parcel / letter holding service in Wellesbourne.
  2. Pass details of action plan and survey to the postmaster at the village Post Office.
  
  1. 2509 out of 2787 respondents (90%) use the local post office in Bridge Street for postal services, 2122 (76%) pay their vehicle tax, T.V. and other bills there and 656 (24%) use it for pensions or allowances.
 The Post Office provides a vital facility for the village and surrounding area. Its continued opening is an essential part of Wellesbourne and Walton village life.
  1. Copies of report to Wellesbourne Post Office and Royal Mail, Warwick, for information, stressing the need for continuance of this service.
  
  1. One question was about the possible need for additional post boxes. 406 replies were in favour of extra boxes. The greatest demand was for an additional box near the precinct (23%) or at the Co-Op store (14%).
 The provision of additional boxes at both locations would benefit the village and might well show an increased use in postal services – something Royal Mail wishes to improve.
  1. Details to be sent to Royal Mail with a further request for additional post boxes.
 The Co-op management has been made aware of these views.

5. HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. The most frequently used of these was the doctors’ surgery, used by 2474 out of 2821 respondents (88%). Of these 80% thought the service was good. 80% of people using the dental surgery also thought it gave general satisfaction. Some difficulty in getting appointments at both was experienced.
 It is encouraging to see that the general level of satisfaction is so high with both services. In every case the great majority of people thought that the services provided were good.
  1. Details of the results to be forwarded to the dentists' surgery.
 Details of the results have been forwarded to the doctors' surgery. The response has been very encouraging and positive.

6. TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Of 2926 people who responded to the survey, 2319 (80%) did not use local buses at all. Comments regarding the bus service from 1570 people suggested that the biggest problems were frequency and reliability of the buses and the cost of travel.
 Many people use their own transport to get to and from work even within Wellesbourne. The factors listed in this section, if addressed, might well result in more use of public transport and help to reduce congestion on the village roads.
  1. Details to local Bus Companies.
  2. Rural Transport Partnership to be approached to generate action to help meet local transport needs.
  
  1. 442 people requested specific extra transport facilities. More frequent services, especially to Stratford and Leamington, and direct routes to these towns were most popular.
 It would seem that local transport provision does not meet the needs of most residents, particularly so far as routes are concerned.
  1. Details to Local Bus Companies.
 Discussions about these requirements are taking place with the Rural Transport Partnership.
  1. 42 people were seeking a bus route which went around Wellesbourne, say from Dovehouse Estate / Co-Op / Newbold Road on a circular route.
 This again would have the benefit of reducing road congestion in the village, would provide facilities for people without their own transport, help mothers get their children to school, further reducing the number of cars on the road, and might generate a feeling of a united village, rather than two separate parts.
  1. Seek a Parish Transport Grant from Vital Villages.
 Discussions about these requirements are taking place with the Rural Transport Partnership.
  1. The need for additional bus shelters was a regular comment from respondents. 84 people wanted a shelter on Warwick Road one-way system and 61 on the Dovehouse Estate.
 Anything that will encourage people to use the bus service, including shelters, must be beneficial and should be considered.
  1. Seek Community Service Grant.
  2. Seek Parish Transport Grant.
  3. Advise Rural Transport Partnership.
 Parish Council, which has provided shelters in the past, is aware of need.
  1. Of 2675 people expressing views on car parking facilities in Wellesbourne, 1613 (60%) think these are poor and 964 (36%) think they are only fair. Of 2467 responses to the question on the need for additional parking facilities, 1950 people (79%) felt that there was a need for more. 357 people asked for designated parking for disabled people.
 Traffic is often brought to a halt by vehicles double-parked; cars circle the village seeking somewhere to park. Suggested sites for additional short stay parking were Bridge Street (36% of respondents) or by the precinct/ surgery/ Village Hall/ library, with 29% favouring this option. Over half of those requesting disabled parking suggested Bridge Street or the precinct.
  1. Request to the District/County Council for improved parking facilities, limited parking times and street patrols.
  2. Consideration of "Shopper Only" parking in either or both of the preferred locations.
  3. Consideration of designated disabled parking in either or both of the preferred locations.
  
Opinion of parking facilities Opinion of parking facilities
  1. Traffic calming measures in Wellesbourne attracted 1137 responses. 1121 people wanted a lower speed limit and 967 wanted speed cameras.
 Traffic calming, lower speed limits and speed cameras were each supported by about 1,000 people, i.e. about 1/3rd of the respondents in each category. There were complaints about speeding traffic in the village. Consideration of these measures should improve road safety.
  1. County Council Highways Department to consider these proposals.
  2. RoSPA to be approached for advice on the viability of the schemes and for results on their introduction in other villages.
  3. Warwickshire Police to be approached for their input.
  
  1. 745 people (46%) felt that marked cycle ways on roads or footways would be beneficial. However, 869 people did not want these.
 This idea is admirable but some roads, e.g. Bridge Street or Church Street, may not be wide enough to allow for cycle ways on each side of the road plus one lane each side for motor vehicles. The number of people not in favour would seem to support this view.
  1. County Council Highways Department for advice on road widths and suitability for cycle ways.
  
  1. Of 2313 respondents, 1771 (77%) objected to pavements being blocked by parked vehicles. 1046 people (60%) found pavements frequently or sometimes blocked by cyclists. Overgrown vegetation was another problem for 1480 people (72%).
 Pavements are meant for pedestrians, people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters or pushing prams. There should be free passage along pavements. Safety becomes an issue if people have to step into the roadway.
  1. Warwickshire Police to monitor obstructions.
  2. County Council Highways Department to control overgrown vegetation.
  
  1. 402 people felt that there was a need for more dropped kerbs.
 These would be of great benefit to people using wheelchairs or mobility scooters or pushing prams.
  1. Parish Council to consider request for installation of more dropped kerbs.
  2. County Council Highways Department for funding and work to be done.
  
  1. Of 2844 people expressing a view about a pedestrian crossing in Kineton Road, 1827 (64%) favoured its siting from the precinct to the Bank.
 This is also the Parish Council’s preferred option. Consideration on road safety grounds should be given to this proposal.
  1. County Council for funding and providing this safety feature.
 Parish Council fully aware.

7. EMERGENCY & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Of all the Emergency Services listed, policing of the villages was the one causing most concern. 60% of users of the Police Emergency Service did not feel it to be satisfactory and 54% felt that the Community Beat Officer Service was not good.
 Wellesbourne & Walton have a population of some 6,000 people. We have our own Police Station but, as can be seen, most residents feel a lack of confidence in the policing of the villages, which should have their own permanent Police presence, based at the Station, seen about the villages, readily available to tackle problems. Policing from elsewhere is not acceptable, nor is one CBO covering large areas of Warwickshire.
  1. Continue pressure for improved policing.
 Warwickshire Police and the Stratford Area Commander are being asked to give urgent consideration to permanent policing of the two villages, with a CBO based at Wellesbourne Police Station.
  1. 1414 respondents (68%) favoured CCTV in the village. This is a lower figure than for other services.
 There is a feeling that CCTV in the centre of Wellesbourne would help control bad/noisy behaviour and be a deterrent to would be criminals.
  1. Warwickshire Police/ County/ District Council to investigate the costs and siting of CCTV.
  2. Bid for funding from Community Service Grant.
  
  1. Of the utilities electricity caused most concern. 885 respondents (31%) felt that the service was fair or poor, with 142 saying that there were too many power cuts.
 Even short power cuts cause considerable inconvenience.
  1. Electricity suppliers to be asked whether performance targets are being met.
  
  1. Grass cutting was thought to be fair or poor by 1841 residents (66%). There were complaints that the grass was cut infrequently or, in certain parts, poorly.
 The poor state of grass verges can have a detrimental effect on an area. It affects people's morale and can, in itself, encourage people to be less considerate about litter, dog mess and vandalism.
  1. Parish, District & County Councils jointly and separately to reassess provision of these services.
  
  1. Road cleaning, road maintenance and surface water drainage were all thought to be fair or poor by more than two thirds of respondents. Blocked drains, potholes and unswept pavements were the most commonly reported complaints.
 Surface water has to drain away satisfactorily; large areas of water on roads are dangerous to pedestrians and road users and may lead to local flooding. Potholes can cause damage to passing vehicles or injury to pedestrians.
  1. Stratford District Council and contractors to check road sweeping contracts and have more local on-site assessment visits to ensure that work contracted for is carried out.
  2. Warwickshire County Council Highways Department to assess areas of concern and allocate funding for remedial measures on potholes and flooding.
  
  1. Residents were asked if they felt that there was a need for a public toilet in Wellesbourne. 1297 respondents (60%) agreed that there was a need. Most were in favour of toilet facilities in either the Village Hall/ Precinct area or Bridge Street/ Dog Close, possibly near the Post Office.
 A Village the size of Wellesbourne should have public toilet facilities. Whilst it is agreed that there are concerns about vandalism and suggestions that toilets should be locked up at night, these factors should not preclude provision of suitable facilities. Continental/vandal-proof facilities were suggested.
  1. Parish/District/County Council to consider provision of suitable facilities.
  2. Community Service Grant funding towards cost of such provision should be sought.
  
  1. Residents were asked whether the landscape features of Wellesbourne needed to be protected or enhanced. The majority of respondents (88% or more), supported this in respect of one or more features. Other than removal of litter, rubbish, grass and weeds, it was difficult to classify suggested enhancements.
 Generally, the landscape in the villages is attractive. The River Dene and its banks, Dog Close, hedgerows and trees all provide a rural atmosphere. Many features are part of village heritage and deserve to be protected or enhanced. This, again, was a view supported by the 1993 Survey.
  1. Parish Council to assess action which can be taken to protect / enhance the landscape features listed.
  2. Local Heritage Initiative funding possible – to be investigated.
  3. Establish recognised walking routes around some of the listed areas. This may qualify for grants under the "Walking the Way to Health" initiative.
  
  1. Dogs, and the mess they cause, were of concern to many residents. Amongst dog owners, 79% say that they always carry a bag and clear up after their dog. However a significant number of respondents feel that this is not the case.
 This is an emotive issue, but it cannot be denied that many people in the villages feel strongly that dog mess is a health hazard on playing fields and an unpleasant sight on footpaths – as well as contravening bylaws.
  1. Parish Council to be asked to give even more publicity to the problem.
  2. Have a Dog Owners Awareness Week.
  3. Regular visits from the District Council Dog Warden.
 Some additional bins have been provided since the survey was conducted.

8. SOCIAL, SPORTS & LEISURE

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. Not many respondents take part in any sporting activity. Those doing so sometimes or frequently totalled 779 out of 2344 (33%), but these activities were mainly outside Wellesbourne. Half the respondents expressed opinions about local sports facilities and most of these comments were unfavourable. 86% felt that those for children under 16 were poor whilst for older groups, the figure was 92%.
 There was interest in sporting activities should funding become available. The most popular sport was swimming: 1065 out of 1516 respondents (70%) expressed an interest in this. Next most popular were tennis and badminton. Some 84 people were interested in helping to organise one or more sports, though some chose to remain anonymous. It would seem that an indoor sports hall is going to be more popular within the village than a multi use games area (MUGA). (Subject to finance).
  1. Parish Council is looking at additional sporting facilities.
  2. Sports Council funding to be investigated.
  3. Lottery Funding to be sought.
 The District Council has now agreed to put a sports hall development project for Wellesbourne on its reserve list, to be brought forward as funds permit. This may help the project to succeed.
People taking part in sports People taking part in sports
  1. There were comments about play areas in the village but generally these were not favourable. Only 459 respondents (31%) thought that Mountford Sportsfield was good – and that got the highest rating! Dovehouse Sportsfield only attracted a 20% good vote and the Dovehouse kickabout area and Frost Road only 15% each. There were 23 complaints about litter at Frost Road.
 Young people should have satisfactory play facilities. These would help build healthier bodies and, perhaps, discourage bad behaviour and vandalism.
  1. Parish Council to review all play areas and seek appropriate grants.
  2. Funding to be sought from Lottery or similar agencies.
 Additional play equipment was provided on Mountford play area in summer 2002.
  1. 625 people of all ages would take part in additional organised activities if these were provided. 73 people would be willing to help organise activities for one or more age groups.
 Although present organised activities fill a need there is scope for more. These activities merit support.
  1. Those using facilities and those prepared to organise them should be encouraged to get together.
  2. The Clubs and Societies section on the Wellesbourne website could provide a link between organisations and volunteers.
  3. Better publicity for existing provision.
 Already our public meeting has led to increased help and facilities for the Brownies.
  1. Adult Education Classes drew support from 554 people. 76 wanted computer courses, 38 languages and 37 art. Of the 30 people who said that they would be willing to help organise these activities some chose to remain anonymous. Popular times were: Children – School Holidays (1078 interested), Adults – evenings (821), Elderly – afternoons (580).
 The provision of additional education facilities would benefit residents young and old, and give them extra skills and interests.
  1. Details to Warwickshire County Council for consideration.
  2. Information to Stratford College to consider provision of additional courses and assessing volunteer tutors.
  

9. INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. 2434 people (86%) say that they obtain information about Wellesbourne and Walton from the Parish Council’s Index of Shops and Amenities. There were a few suggestions to include bus timetables in this, although the information might well not be valid for the period of the Index. The most important other source of information is the parish newsletter, Wellesbourne and Walton News, with 2362 people (90%) saying they obtain information from it regularly or occasionally.
 The continued publication of the Index is seen as a valuable contribution to village life. It is hoped that it can continue for many years. The parish newsletter is also important.
  1. Parochial Church Council to be told of usefulness of monthly newsletter.
 Views about the Index of Shops and Amenities have been passed to the Parish Council.
Obtaining information Obtaining information
  1. Library: 1212 people (41%) of total respondents used the Library. Nearly half the people used it on Saturday mornings, 583 used it at other times. 121 people requested additional opening times, the most common being Mondays and Thursday or Saturday afternoons.
 The Library is a valuable asset in the village. Additional opening times, although involving additional costs, would no doubt be appreciated.
  1. More details to go to County Library Service for consideration.
 Information has already been given to the local librarian.
  1. Notice Boards attracted a low level of interest. Only 181 out of 1643 respondents had any views on increasing the numbers of boards. The most popular site for a new board, if provided, was the Co-op Store.
 As will be seen below, people feel that planning applications and Council meetings are not well publicised. An extra board at the Co-op and local advertising may help to redress the balance.
  1. Parish Council to be approached re extra Board.
  2. The Heart of England Co-operative Society to be asked to consider a notice board on their site.
  
  1. Internet: In the age group up to 54 years, 1129 people have easy access to the Internet. Only 53% of people between the ages of 55 and 64 have easy access. 901 people would appreciate Internet access in the Library but there is little interest in a cyber café.
 The availability of Internet access is obviously considered a modern necessity. It is pleasing to note that the Library now has a number of Internet access points.
  1. More publicity to be given to the Wellesbourne web site, www.wellesbourne.co.uk, as a source of information.
 This survey is on the website.
  1. 1120 people think that Planning Applications or Meetings are not well advertised. Only 356 people ever attend Parish Council Meetings and 256 ever attend Annual Parish Meetings.
 It is important that members of the public adequately consider Planning Applications and their impact on the Community, in case objections are to be raised. It is difficult to see how this could be done better within the short time allowed. Applications are discussed at Parish Council Meetings, open to the Public, have previously been displayed in the Library and are listed in the Stratford Herald.
  1. Parish Council to be asked to consider the points raised in this section.
  

10. HOUSEHOLD

SURVEY RESULTS IMPLICATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS OUTCOMES
  1. There are 2759 cars, almost 1.5 cars per household in the villages. Only 204 households have no car. 90% of vehicle owners have garages or off-street parking facilities, but, of course, these may not always be used.
 It has already been pointed out how congested the villages can be. Cars and vans are high users of village roads.
  1. Parish/District Council to ensure that new housing planning applications include adequate off-street parking.
  2. Use of the off-street parking facilities provided should be encouraged.
  
Personal transport – numbers of vehicles per household Personal transport – numbers of vehicles per household