Countryside

76% of those people who answered this section agreed that we should all be responsible for maintaining the countryside with the greatest emphasis being placed on the need to remove litter and keep the countryside tidy. the repair of gates and maintenance or verges were also felt to be very important.

There was a very limited response to the more specific questions regarding footpaths and bridleways but there was more concern for the protection of the environment and particular many people want to see the hedges and small woods retained, along the Devon banks and dry stone walls. It is clear from this that people feel the integrity of the countryside should be preserved for future generations.

Roads

Whilst in general the state of the roads was felt to be satisfactory, there was overwhelming support for the improvement of safety at not only the recognised danger spots within the parish but also many others including Angel Hill corner, Spire Lake Hill and the Old Coombesland Cross - it is clear from this that road safety will be an important part of the Action Plan.

Environmental Services

On the whole parishioners seemed fairly satisfied with environmental services although roadside care in general, and particularly during the winter months, was cause for concern. Some parishioners were still having problems with their water supply and drainage although it appears that this is much improved over the last year.

Generally parishioners are well satisfied with the services of the variuos local health services whilst those who had had experience of the Tarka Doc were not so impressed.

There were problems highlighted in the public transport, which is infrequent, making it a problem for people to get to the various doctors/dentists etc. although only a small number of people would use a voluntary car service if one was provided. This could be an opportunity to use the Action Plan to formulate more details of those willing to help.

Bishop's Nympton Shop

The questionnaire contained a section to gauge the support for the village shop and, although in the main most people would like to support the local shop in principle, the greater choice and lower cost of goods out of the village does mean that many shop elsewhere.

Training & Education

Considering the demographic make up of the parish a reasonable number of people are looking for vocational training, particular in new technology and computing, and while the greater percentage of these can reach South Molton, it was perceived that the adult learning provision in Sounth Molton was poor or non-existent.

Employment

Of those who answered question 53 regarding current occupation status, 111 people were employed, 100 self-employed, 13 unemployed, and 122 wholly retired. The appraisal shows a fairly even split in the community between employed, self-employed and retired/unwaged.

With regard to the main place of work, 38% worked from home, 27% within 10 miles and 20% 11-30 miles. 55% of business is inagriculture, the remaining 45% being evenly divided between retail/repair services, tourism, construction, manufacturing, professional services and others.

Of the 13 unemployed 11 were seeking paid employment and there would appear to be a long term unemployment problem.

Religion

The appraisal highlighted the fact that people around the parish felt that the church and the chapel in the parish were very important, both as places of worship and also as historical buildings.