PARISH PLAN 2008-2012
Your Village - Your Voice
The Parish of Hardington Mandeville
Hardington Mandeville is a rural village 4 miles south-west of Yeovil. At the 2001 census the number of households was 220 with a population of 600. Of the 2007 population, 60% are over 45 years of age whilst 5% are under 15. Over 90% of houses are owner-occupied and approximately half the households have 2 cars. Over 50% of residents have lived in the village for more than 15 years and a quarter for less than 5 years.
The Village is in the centre of farming country and there are a number of working farms in the Parish. Many residents are employed, directly or indirectly, in the local hi-tech aerospace industry, whilst others are engaged in a diverse range of occupations.
Some of the Strengths highlighted during the consultation process included ‘the beauty of the Parish and surrounding area’ and ‘the excellence of the community spirit’.
There are a number of very active organisations within the Parish, e.g. The Hardington Players, Women’s Institute, the Pre-school Group and the Church. Hardington has 2 pubs, both with skittles teams, a village shop/post office and the Village has a free monthly newsletter, The Messenger, that is distributed to all households. During the year many activities take place, for example, a pantomime, a craft and flower show, a village breakfast and a turkey supper. Each year, there is either a Horse and Dog show or a Carnival.
Producing a Parish Plan
In the autumn of 2006, the Parish Council agreed to the formation of a Steering Group charged with the task of producing a Parish Plan. This Group successfully applied to Somerset Community Council for funding, and work on the Plan commenced in January 2007. In February 2007, an official Launch was organised, to which all residents were invited, together with a number of representatives from the District and County Councils, the Police and other local organisations.
Arising from this event and subsequent consultations with local organisations and businesses, a questionnaire was devised. In October 2007, this was distributed to all households in the Parish. Within a short time, 70% of the questionnaires had been returned, and the process of collating the data and information began. This work was completed before Christmas, and a Summary Report of the findings was distributed to all households at the beginning of January 2008. During the consultation process, the Steering Group made use of the SWOT ANALYSIS principle - that entails asking villagers to identify the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Village, the Opportunities that might be available and the Threats facing the Village. The Steering Group then set about highlighting the main issues and ideas arising from the responses to the questionnaire that, in turn, led to the production of this Parish Plan.
As a result of the interest shown in the development of the Parish Plan, some different activities have already begun, e.g. a Gardening Club. Additionally, the Secretary of the Steering Group has forwarded, to the appropriate person, names of volunteers willing to assist with various village activities, such as the development of the Village Hall, the Horse and Dog Show and the Carnival.
HOUSING
One of the Weaknesses highlighted in the questionnaire was the lack of affordable housing for local (young) people. Over 50% of respondents stated that they would welcome limited development, and 136 people believe that this should be affordable housing. It was also felt that any new housing should reflect the character of the Village and be of high quality.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ENSURE THAT A NUMBER OF SMALL LOW COST DWELLINGS ARE BUILT IN THE VILLAGE BY 2012.
ACTION: Notwithstanding the work so far undertaken, the Parish Council will continue to investigate all options and to consult with all parties to secure the development of low cost housing - primarily for local people. The Parish Council will report back to the Village, via The Messenger, at regular intervals.
THE VILLAGE HALL
A significant number of respondents stated that they regarded the Village Hall as one of the Strengths of the Village. Conversely, a number of people saw the limitations of the existing facilities as a Weakness. Indeed, some respondents reported that they had organised events at other venues because of the inadequacies of the existing premises. However, 80% of villagers use the Village Hall. It is clear from the consultation process that the vast majority (90%) of residents believe that significant improvements should be made to the Hall, and 66 people volunteered to help with fundraising and management of a Village Hall development project.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO SECURE AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENT TO THE FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE CURRENT VILLAGEHALL BY 2012.
ACTION: The Parish Council will ask the Village Hall Committee to consider the options for improving the current facilities and to produce, by December 2008, a recommendation for development. Additionally, the Village Hall Committee is asked to utilise the people who volunteered their help with fund raising and management of any development project.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
STRATEGIC AIM: TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SUSTAIN THE SAFE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE RESIDENTS CURRENTLY LIVE AND TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF CARE.
- ROAD SAFETY: During the development of the Parish Plan there was much comment about motorists speeding through the Village. However, it is clear from the consultation process, that residents were somewhat divided about the introduction of a village speed limit (50% for and 44% against). In general terms, residents were against the proliferation of road signs and/or street lighting. Furthermore, on the subject of parking around the Church and Village Hall, such was the vote against the introduction of double yellow lines and other parking restrictions, the Parish Council proposes to take no further action on this issue.
ACTION: The Parish Council will consult with Somerset County Council and the Police to clarify the legal requirements for the possible introduction of a speed limit throughout the Village. This consultation will take place within the caveat stated above (i.e. road signs and street lighting, etc.), but the Parish Council will report back to residents on the outcome of these deliberations by November 2008. Notwithstanding the outcome of the above action, the Parish Council will take immediate steps to stress to residents the need to drive and park with care.
- NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Over 50% of respondents were either vaguely aware or not aware of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
ACTION: To enhance the effectiveness of the scheme, the Parish Council will ask the organisers of the Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the Village to re-issue details/handouts about the scheme and its benefits to all residents in the Village before September 2008.
- POLICING THE VILLAGE: During the consultation process, residents were asked to comment about the adequacy, or otherwise, of the police presence in the Village. 58% of respondents believed the presence to be adequate. However, a number of respondents felt that the police presence could be better utilised.
ACTION: The Parish Council will write to the police officer in charge of the area to request a meeting, to discuss the possible improved use of police time on their monthly visit to the Village and to report back to residents by November 2008.
- FIRST RESPONSE TEAM: During the consultation process concern was expressed about the lack in Hardington of a First Response Team, i.e. a group of villagers trained to manage a medical emergency until professional help arrives.
ACTION: The Parish Council will investigate the feasibility of establishing a First Response Team in the Village and report the outcome of their deliberations by December 2008.
RECREATION and LEISURE
- RECREATION FIELD: Throughout the consultation process comments were made about the lack of recreation/sports facilities in Hardington. This lack of amenity was highlighted as a Weakness of the Village. In response to the question asking if support would be forthcoming for such a facility, 83% of respondents stated that, if suitable land became available, they would support its use as a recreation field. Some respondents either offered to make land available or knew of land that could be available for use by the Village.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ESTABLISH A RECREATION FIELD FOR USE BY THE VILLAGE BY 2010.
ACTION: The Parish Council will follow up the offers with a view to obtaining sufficient suitable land to be utilised as a recreation facility for all villagers, young and old, and will prepare a plan for its on-going maintenance. The Parish Council will report back to the Village by the end of 2008.
- RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES: In the questionnaire distributed to all households, villagers were given a list of 18 activities and were asked to indicate if they would be interested in forming or joining a group to pursue an activity. The responses ranged from 86 people interested in Exercise/Fitness classes to 11 people interested in a Poetry Club. Other activities of particular interest included a Gardening Club (74 people), and Badminton (61 people). Residents were also asked to add other activities in which they might have an interest. A total of 23 further activities were added with Table Tennis being well supported.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO UTILISE THE RESOURCES AND INTERESTS OF VILLAGERS BY INCREASING THE LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF VILLAGE ACTIVITY GROUPS BY THE YEAR 2010.
ACTION: In the June Messenger, the Parish Council will refer to the activities listed in the Parish Plan Summary Report, suggesting that those interested in specific activities could form a group, as done by those wanting a Gardening Club.
- COMPUTER CLASSES: The Village has the good fortune to have an award winning website. However, only 3% of residents claim to use this facility on a regular basis. Some reasons for this low usage can be attributed to (a) lack of computer ownership and (b) a lack of awareness that the website existed. Additionally, 57 people expressed an interest in attending computer classes.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO IMPROVE THE COMPUTER LITERACY SKILLS OF THE RESIDENTS OF HARDINGTON BY 2010.
ACTION: The Parish Council will investigate the options for the introduction of computer literacy classes in the Village and report back by September 2008.
- ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE: During the consultation process much comment was made about the lack of recreation activities for the young people of the village. 32 respondents intimated that they would like a youth club to be re-established in the village. The Parish Council believes that concerns about activities for young people should be addressed, particularly as 27 respondents volunteered to help organise such activities.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF REGULAR RECREATION/SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THAT WILL BE IN PLACE BY AUTUMN 2009.
ACTION: A Youth Forum, comprising a cross-section of young people and volunteer villagers, will be established by the Parish Council by the end of 2008 with the aim of organising activities for young people in the Village.
GENERAL
The following arose from questions asked during the consultation process:
- VILLAGE WEBSITE: 394 residents responded to the question about use of the Village Website, but only 3% of these claimed to use it regularly, whilst 71% stated that they never used it. Comments added on the questionnaire demonstrated that a significant percentage of villagers were unaware of the existence of the website. Other comments, however, suggested that the website was a valuable resource for the Village. It is clear from other comments that there is a lack of awareness of the website and the information that it contains.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO CAPITALISE ON THE WEBSITE AS A VALUABLE RESOURCE AND TO ENCOURAGE WIDER USE BY HARDINGTON RESIDENTS.
ACTION: (1) The Parish Council will ask the Webmaster to write regular articles for The Messenger describing website content and ways of using this resource. This process will be introduced by July 2008.
(2) The Parish Council will consult with the Messenger Team and the Webmaster about the possibility of producing an electronic version of key sections of The Messenger. This will be in addition to the monthly paper copy.
- BULK OIL PURCHASE: In discussions during the consultation process, a number of residents stated the advantages of being part of a bulk oil purchase scheme. In response to the question asking if households would be interested in such a scheme, there were 85 affirmative responses.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ENABLE ALL RESIDENTS, SHOULD THEY SO WISH, TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ECONOMIES OF SCALE MADE POSSIBLE BY THE WIDENING OF THE BULK PURCHASE OF OIL IN THE VILLAGE BY THE END OF 2009.
ACTION: The Parish Council will contact the existing bulk oil purchase coordinator(s) by the end of October 2008 with the aim of endeavouring to expand the existing scheme(s).
- THE NIPPY BUS: In response to the question concerning the use of the Nippy Bus, 90% of respondents stated that they were aware of the Nippy Bus Service. However, 85% of respondents stated that they never used the service. It would appear, from comments added to the questionnaire, that some confusion existed as to how the
service could be accessed.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDER USE OF THE NIPPY BUS AS A MEANS OF CONTRIBUTING TO A REDUCTION IN BOTH THE USE OF CARBON BASED FUELS AND THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE ROADS IN AND AROUND HARDINGTON BY 2011.
ACTION: The Parish Council will widely publicise information about the use of the Nippy Bus service. This information will be updated regularly.
The following arose from comments added to the questionnaire by residents:
- FUTURE OF THE VILLAGE POST OFFICE: Considerable concern was raised by many respondents about the future of Hardington sub-post office, in the context of the current climate of post office closures being announced by the Government. In the SWOT analysis, a common Threat highlighted by 21 households was the “closure of our post office.” Conversely, a Strength of the Parish was the benefit that the post office (and shop) brings to the local community.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO INCREASE THE USE, BY LOCAL PEOPLE, OF THE HARDINGTON SUB-POST OFFICE BY THE END OF 2008.
ACTION: The Parish Council will, by all the means at its disposal, encourage all residents to use the Hardington sub-post office for all their postal requirements, such action to take place immediately.
- RECYCLING: Throughout the consultation process, concern was expressed about care of the environment and the lack of local facilities for recycling plastic, cardboard and garden waste. Comments were made about the procession of vehicles calling at Houndstone and Crewkerne Recycling Centres negating the benefits of recycling.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO ESTABLISH A RECYCLING FACILITY IN THE VILLAGE FOR PLASTIC AND CARD BY OCTOBER 2009 AND FOR GARDEN WASTE BY 2010.
ACTION: The Parish Council will pursue, with the local authorities, ways that can overcome this apparent contradiction and will report back on progress by December 2008.
- APPEARANCE OF THE VILLAGE: Overwhelmingly, residents of Hardington believe themselves to be fortunate in living in such idyllic surroundings. However, many concerns were raised during the consultation process about the apparent lack of care shown by some. These included the proliferation of litter left in and around the village, care of the verges and hedgerows, maintenance of the roads and drainage systems. Other concerns were raised about mud, etc, on the roads caused by agricultural and other vehicles. However, there was a strong recognition that Hardington is a working rural village and part of a farming community.
STRATEGIC AIM: TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE RESIDENTS OF HARDINGTON LIVE.
ACTION: The Parish Council will take immediate steps to remind all residents of their collective and individual responsibility to do their utmost to preserve the idyllic nature of Hardington.
- WELCOME PACK: During the consultation process it became clear that not all residents were aware of all the activities, services and benefits that were available to village households.
STRATEGIC AIM: ALL NEW RESIDENTS TO HARDINGTON TO RECEIVE A ‘WELCOME PACK’ THAT WILL INCLUDE DETAILS OF THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, PROVISIONS AND ORGANISATIONS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THIS PROVISION TO COMMENCE IN MARCH 2009.
ACTION: The Parish Council will investigate the possible content, design, production and costs of a Welcome Pack by January 2009.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Hardington Mandeville Parish Council wishes to thank the Parish Plan Steering Group for their work in producing this Plan.
In turn, the Steering Group is grateful for the support and help received from the following: Somerset Community Council, the Print Unit of South Somerset District Council, the Hardington Messenger Team, and, in particular, the residents of Hardington Mandeville.