MARHAMCHURCH PARISH PLAN

Transcription

1 MARHAMCHURCH ARISH LAN Developing a Vision for our Future HOUSEHOLD EDITION

2 Foreword by the Chairman of the arish Council I am delighted, on behalf of the arish Council, to be able to introduce this lan for the future wants and needs of Marhamchurch. The real credit, and I must say a big thank you, goes to the dedication and perseverance of the volunteers who have worked hard to produce the questionnaire and have obtained a 90% response, finding out what all the residents wanted for the parish. They have now put those ideas together in a document that we can use as a blueprint in working towards those goals. As with the production of the lan, the implementation of many of its proposals and recommendations will be down to the enthusiasm of volunteers to follow up the ideas, create the strategy, possibly raise the finance, and then implement them. The arish Council will, of course, where possible provide support and actively lobby the appropriate authorities and help to forward the proposals. The main point of this lan has been to produce this written blueprint for the future needs of the parish which will be available and lodged with the relevant planning authorities as and when various projects materialise. Already we have seen the arrival of the new re-school building, the ongoing re-development of the Bray Village Hall and the Speedwatch programme. We need to keep a strong Community commitment as we face a somewhat uncertain political future with the introduction of the One Cornwall Unitary Authority, and hope that many of the arish lan projects will be recognised by this new authority. I hope that the arish lan Committee will remain intact for the future to keep the Council updated with your future needs. Mike Grills 2

3 Our arish Marhamchurch Civil arish is located in the north of Cornwall, extending the entire east-west width of the county from the beaches of Widemouth Bay, through a rolling plateau of the Culm Measures, to the Devon parish of Bridgerule in the east. It covers a geographic area of 1137 hectares (4.25 square miles or 2715 acres) and includes a large part of the rivers Neet and Strat. It presently is administered by North Cornwall District Council and is represented in parliament by the constituency of North Cornwall. The village is a ridge-top settlement situated about 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) south-west of Bude, just east of the A39 Atlantic Highway, on the line of the old Bude Canal. It now is a predominantly rural parish of farming and tourist accommodation. The population was just over 750 at the 2001 census and has continued to increase. Almost 80 percent live within the village itself. The core of the village has a distinct historic identity and a sense of openness. It was designated a Conservation Area in 1997 by NCDC and its dominant feature is the listed Grade 1 church of St Marwenne. It is believed the name of the parish may originate from the Celtic Saint Marwenne, a 5th Century missionary, who is reputed to have established a hermitage nearby. church dedicated to her name is visible from many miles around. The In addition to the core village, the present-day parish includes the outlying communities at Titson and part of Widemouth Bay, several major farms, and holiday accommodation businesses. As well as the church, present day facilities include the primary school, a playing field, the Bray village hall, the Methodist church and its hall, a tearoom, two ost Office/stores and two public houses. 3

4 Why have a plan? Many other arish Councils have developed a arish lan and find: the plans have been a significant help in achieving what the parish wants and stopping what they do not want funding is often dependent on showing that a project has local need and Support councils (and other authorities) take more note of requirements that have proven public backing we now have a real sense of purpose the plan process has improved community spirit improvements happen faster and more people are volunteering to help Expectations of a arish lan helps local people to influence the future of their parish builds a stronger sense of community maybe they will listen to what we need! informs and guides the arish Council provides guidance for planning and strategic partners 4

5 What has already been achieved Since the return of the Questionnaires some actions have already been started: a new Village Hall Management Committee formed to lease and run The Bray ilates classes and regular Youth Drop-in evenings held in The Bray parish walks have been successfully organised CSO now appointed and well known in the parish Neighbourhood Watch initiatives are being discussed anti-social behaviour in parish now identified as a police priority Stratton Hospital improvements being it s made my life so much easier planned CT Strategic lan published Stratton Medical Centre offers online appointment and prescription service and more flexible hours a system for information distribution has been established using volunteers throughout the parish a safe underpass to cross the A39 at Helebridge has been included in the Bude Canal Regeneration rogramme Community Speed Watch introduced in cooperation with Community olicing initiatives the new pre-school built on the Revel field assisted by Big Lottery Funding parish notice board a free access board is being provided in the bus shelter in the Square 5

6 arish Amenities Issues and Concerns? finding and maintaining committed Volunteers? availability of pastimes or facilities fantastic spaces - need a bit of TLC - a good community project? financial viability and economic sustainability of any undertaking? condition of the halls? involvement of the arish Council with leisure and sports activities Retail and Consumer Services? need to maintain post office services within the parish it s a lifeline, especially for people who lack transport? tangible value of the village stores? pubs are a vital aspect of village life as centres of social contact Emergency Services and Health Care? withdrawal of health services? anxiety about future health care provision? District General Hospitals are too far away having a police presence makes you feel safer, good for local kids to know? local parking and appointments? police presence deemed inadequate? antisocial behaviour? speeding 6

7 arish Amenities roposals and Recommendations? residents views to influence improvements to halls and facilities? a focal point for volunteering to be established as many activities as possible in both buildings? investigate the desirability and viability of new recreational space in the parish? financial support for lan initiatives Retail and Consumer Services? support the retention of rural post office and stores need tea room in village? community and pubs should work together? plan information will be made available to existing and potential businesses in the parish Emergency Services and Health Care? healthcare provision must improve? deliver care closer to home? CT proposals to be scrutinised for local impact? raise awareness and support for the Air Ambulance? improved community policing wonderful, local care much better than from a main hospital? work with neighbouring parishes on community policing 7

8 Issues and Concerns Housing, Tourism and Employment F where to build second home ownership will kill an isolated rural area F affordable housing F use and location of potential new industrial units F risk of existing parish houses becoming holiday or second homes Information, ublicity and romotion F the need for better communication parish newsletter - it should be an invaluable publication F newsletter covering local information F local maps and history of local places of interest Transport, Roads and Traffic F speeding I have to jump for my life when crossing the road F bus timing F safe routes across the A39 F safe access routes to the village 8

9 roposals and Recommendations Housing, Tourism and Employment F input to the regional planning process rural pursuits could fit in almost anywhere F support appropriately located employment opportunities F support the lobby to increase Council Tax on second homes in the parish Information, ublicity and romotion F information used as a catalyst to develop the community F committed volunteer force the Bray could be open and used as an information centre F additional notice boards F additional signage on roads and footpaths F encourage the supply and distribution of maps and guides Transport, Roads and Traffic F re-timing of buses to meet residents needs F promotion of walking, cycling and riding F register of road problems F maintain Community Speedwatch F investigate speed reduction not humps as they are painful for people with arthritis 9

10 Issues and Concerns The Environment and Rights of Way F protect and restore man-made and natural features try lifting a large, wet, muddy dog over stiles or gates F smells from the water treatment works F dog fouling F A 39 underpass Other ublic Services F measures to increase recycling red boxes are rare and add character to villages F public telephone boxes F vandalism F black rubbish bags put out too early F dog waste and litter arish, District and County Councils F planning process not working properly F need for the arish Council to ublicise its activities and decisions county seem to forget that we matter in this part of Cornwall 10

11 roposals and Recommendations The Environment and Rights of Way F built and natural features to be protected develop other areas similar to the Hele Trail F protection notice at Salthouse Beach F volunteers to address the concerns about litter and beach cleaning F dog fouling should be addressed by the whole community Other ublic Services F increase opportunities for recycling separate collection for plant material F better education on rubbish disposal and recycling F more dog waste bins F better information about library services arish, District and County Councils F improved system for sharing information within the parish F all new developments to be relevant to the needs of the community look after Marhamchurch parish first F dissatisfaction with the planning process to be brought to the attention of the lanning Authority 11

12 Issues and Concerns rimary Age Questionnaire Special Questionnaires were completed by 105 children aged 11 and under. The majority of the children were aged 8-11; one fifth were aged under 8. fast cars when I am trying to walk people brake stuff and write on walls the park is not very good L many come to school by car - for reasons not only of distance, but of safety and convenience L the Revel Field and laypark are important. Some feel the grass is not cut often enough and the goal posts are bad L they like the village and playing there, but it could be made more enjoyable if there were more fun events and clubs and activities, especially things to do when it rains Youth Questionnaire The Youth Questionnaire was completed by 42 young people aged The results were then coded by a group of young people at the Youth Drop-in centre in the Bray. L limited facilities for year olds, boring, with nothing organised for them and adults critical of their activities there is nothing for my age group being 15 years old not able to get into Bude L no mechanism to voice their views, offer suggestions and contribute to the community L not enough adult volunteers to help young people develop activities for themselves L lack of transport and safe access routes to Bude 12

13 roposals and Recommendations rimary Age Questionnaire J the Youth Drop In centre is important, and needs to recruit helpers, ideally from parents, to be able to expand its appeal you can offer ideas and segestions and take part there s not much to do booleying J many more family-oriented events for the younger children such as regular walks, bingo, beetle drives and discos J more attention to the Revel Field to make it an even better and safer place for all the children to play. Help from adults and young people to stop anti-social activities J the fact that some children have picked up on the issue of road safety gives added impetus to work to control speeding Youth Questionnaire J establish a Youth Forum and ensure existing organisations in the parish include the Youth Forum to address the issues covered in lan J the development of the Drop-in centre for the secondary age Group to be addressed as part of the Youth Forum discussions I like the park, it s a good place to hang out intolerance to skateboarding or play in general J the improved Revel Field grass-cutting regime should continue 13

14 Education Questionnaire One Education Questionnaire was given to each household. Residents were encouraged to complete it, even if no children lived in the home. 237 Education Questionnaires were returned. Issues and Concerns L need to retain pre-school group L some Marhamchurch children cannot secure a place at their local primary school L parents of young children are concerned about the dangers caused by speeding traffic which influences where children are allowed to play and choices about travel to and from school L the distance to the nearest secondary school and the lack of safe walking or cycling routes with implications for the children s involvement in after-school activities L children and their parents need safe walking routes to all the local schools roposals and Recommendations J the rimary School should seek parental support and involvement in establishing a walking bus scheme from suitable points around the parish J safe routes are needed from the village to and across the A39 J a change in legislation is needed so that parish children receive free travel to the nearest secondary school J the importance of the Revel Field and the play facilities should be communicated to all relevant groups The Full lan This booklet has been developed from a fuller version of the plan which is available to interested parties on request to Dave Richardson or other Councillors. Copies of the full plan and supporting information will be kept in the Bray and with the arish Clerk. 14

15 The Recommendations The recommendations reflect the views of the residents. They are not prescriptive because they need to be flexible enough to seize opportunities as they come up. Each proposal will establish its own priorities and timescale. The lan identifies the opportunities and possible courses of action. By publishing the lan, the arish Council believes ongoing community spirit will drive the implementation of individual objectives. The drivers will, in many cases, be enthusiastic volunteers. Don t expect the arish Council to do it all for you! The volunteer phone number is A realistic set of objectives will encourage the participation of local agencies and authorities to co-operate within the parish to realise our aspirations. The arish Council will push the authorities to do their bit and will initiate and support projects where appropriate. The Way Forward The plan will need to be reviewed and updated and impetus given as and when the projects are addressed. A arish lan Monitoring Committee will continue to fulfil this role. What the parishioners have said will not be lost! arish Council at September, 2008 Chairman: Mike Grills Vice-Chair: Ray Hockin Roger Blewett Francis Bray Tim Edwards Alison Heywood Chris Hutt Margaret Hughes Dave Richardson John Wonnacott arish Clerk: Bobbie Heathcote 15

16 The arish Of Marhamchurch ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Special thanks and acknowledgements for financial support are due to our sponsors: North Cornwall District Council (NCDC), Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Cornwall Rural Community Council (CRCC). Thank you to the arish lan Management Committee, and all the parishioners of Marhamchurch who freely contributed their opinions, artwork, photographs, and their time. All data and views included in this arish lan are expressed to the best ability of the Marhamchurch arish lan Committee Marhamchurch arish Council rinted for the Marhamchurch arish lan Management Sub-Committee of the Council By 16