General Findings
Housing
Most respondents wish to see owner occupied development within the parish
It is apparent from the survey that people have moved away from the parish due to lack of suitable housing. Replies to the questionnaire showed an imbalance of responses from the 17-21 year age group. We cannot identify whether this was due to a lack of interest on their part or a lack of people in this group.
Social and Recreational
The idea of a playing field and open spaces was given a high level of support (93% and 85%).
Ashwater's unique village green was seen as an important asset by 78% of respondents.
A significant number of people find the footpaths difficult to follow, for various reasons, and this hinders their recreational use.
There are a wide range of sports and societies that would be supported by members of the community. However this has highlighted a problem of communication. A number of facilities/societies that are seen as disirable already exist in the parish.
Many people (89%) feel that the school should be used by the community.
Transport and traffic
Road safety is an issue which gives cause for concern to 87% of respondents. They want to see
improvements, but traffic calming measures received only 34% support. The problem spots
identified by individuals were:
Local services
The local doctors are highly regarded and well used. A small number of people are concerned at
the level of service provided by Home Help and Meals on Wheels.
The ambulance are fire services are seens as providing a good service, but 52% feel the police are providing a poor service.
The local refuse collection service is well regarded, and the majority feel water and electricity services are good to reasonable.
Employment
The survey has clearly identified the desire for Ashwater to develop as a balanced community
(56%). Unemployment is low, but 43% of respondents are not in paid employment. Agriculture is
the most common business. The types of employment being sought is mixed. Tourism and its
development received a split opinion and is seen as something to be developed very specifically.
The majority of people seeking training are requiring computer/IT skills. Most businesses have no training facilities, most have no training policy or training budget. People looking to start businesses identify the main restrictions as lack of finance and lack of premises.
Final Findings
129 people feel a newsletter for the parish is needed.
The most significant disturbance is due to low flying aircraft.
66% of people want a public toilet in the village.
30% of respondents have lived in the parish less than 5 years.
68 people are involved in voluntary work.
