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Index
A questionnaire was compiled and distributed to 540 households in Hatherleigh (including the outlying Parish). 266 completed or partially completed questionnaires were collected giving an excellent 49% response, covering 635 people with 570 personal contributions. The success of this response is due to the contribution of the Steering Group and volunteers in the compilation and delivery of the survey.
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HOUSING Of those surveyed there was an overwhelming desire to see affordable local housing for young people (47%), whilst (32%) were concerned for housing for the elderly, and (38%) would like housing for low-income families to be built. There was a smaller percentage looking for good quality 3 to 4 bedroom homes (13%). The recurring comment was of concern that young people are unable to buy local housing and are faced with paying high rents to stay in the area. Similarly, older people are forced to move away, due to lack of sheltered accommodation or residential care. The results of the West Devon Borough Council Housing Needs survey that accompanied the questionnaire are currently being analysed. A number of respondents thought any future development should incorporate traditional building styles and therefore blend into the town’s architectural heritage, 430 people agreed, 27 disagreed, 113 offered no opinion. Also, the majority of residents supported the inclusion of greener energy efficient features in future development, 344 in favour, 41 against, and 185 offered no opinion.
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SERVICES The standard of the existing Emergency Services was a mixture of results with the Fire Service thought to be doing a good job, 439 people (77%). However although the Police Emergency service were considered to be reasonable, 187 people (33%), Community Policing was perceived to be poor, 231 people (41%). Both refuse collection 349 people (61%) and Street lighting 272 people (48%) were considered to be offering a good service. The state of the public toilets came in for criticism from 219 people, although 113 people offered no opinion. The standard of the Bus Shelters came in for severe criticism, with an overwhelming majority supporting an improvement to the market car park shelter, which was thought to leave a bad impression on visitors entering the town. 200 people supported the idea for a bus shelter in Victoria Road. Of those commenting on extra services in the town, 268 people (48%) were in favour of Mains Gas, whilst 302 (53%) were not in favour. Increased security in two areas of the town with the installation of CCTV cameras was supported at the Market Entrance 311 people (55%) in favour, and 254 (45%) supporting cameras on the Industrial Estate. There was generally a good opinion of services actually used by residents, with the doctors 264 people (59%), district nurse 138 people (88%), health visitor 32 people (49%), ambulance 77 people (69%), maternity care 19 people (70%) and loan of medical equipment 28 people (78%) all returning a high rating. "Medical arrangements in Hatherleigh are excellent" "Do people know what services are available?" "Day care poor - now Wednesdays at the Bridge Inn in doubt"
The last point is confirmed by the concern over a steady increase in the level of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town. There is recognition amongst a majority of residents that a key solution to this problem lays initially in an increased police presence, but in the longer term a better youth facility in the town.
When considering access to the main health services the majority of people appear satisfied, with 318 residents (82%) never having a problem getting to the doctor. However, access to Hospital treatment is a different matter, with 62 people (25%) occasionally, and 16 people (6%) often having difficulty. Is this a problem of transport or of getting appointments? We don't want to recommend a transport solution if the access problem is of unavailibility of services, if you see what I mean?
The main reason given for this is lack of available transport, particularly to Exeter. Access to an NHS Dentist was more problematic; with 46 people (14%) occasionally, 71 people (22%) reporting often having difficulty obtaining treatment because of long waiting lists. Although the medical centre has a dispensing facility a third of people had difficulty in obtaining medicines.
"Transport runs at wrong times or minibus which means I can't get back to get kids from school"
"Lack of NHS dentist. Nearest A & E is Exeter, Plymouth, Barnstaple (all 1 hrs + drive)"
"Lack of facilities (withdrawn by Health Trust), lack of support"
"Lack of private or public transport to hospital"
"Require other medical facility such as osteopath at Hatherleigh Health Centre"
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LOCAL ECONOMY The majority of residents (365) were keen to show their support for the local shopkeepers. Recognition was given that although the choice may be limited for some products, the price and quality of items sold were generally good. 352 people found the convenience of buying "last minute" items particularly useful. Other suggestions for improved shopping included, a DIY store, a chemist, a shoe shop, and a bookshop. 205 people considered a corner shop at Moorview important. At least 426 people used the Post Office facilities on a regular basis.
"Modernise and promote the market - the heart of Hatherleigh"
"Better quality meat than any supermarket"
"Easy to obtain basic foodstuffs, papers etc."
"Fresh local produce"
Given the importance of Hatherleigh Market to the town and its hinterland, it came as no surprise to discover the emphasis given to supporting local produce in the area. 207 people endorsed a weekly "Farmers Market" and 249 people a Local Produce Retail Outlet. A Craft Market on a less regular basis was supported by 241 people.
It was recognised by the majority of residents that there was a requirement for small industrial/retail units being made available for start up businesses – 324 in favour, with 170 having no opinion.
In the event of the Town Hall becoming available for other uses there was no real consensus drawn. 222 people favoured its development for a youth group. Of those responding to the suggestion of a visitor centre, the inclusion of a rural skills centre received 134 votes, local food promotion 109 votes, and a museum 104 votes.
Of those in favour of increased overnight tourism the majority would support an increase in B & B accommodation (39%), whilst (29%) supported Camping Sites, and (25%) wish to see Touring Caravan Sites. Other tourism facilities included barn accommodation, museum or craft centre and equestrian activity holidays.
Although recognising the wish to see an improvement in tourism in the town there is a balance to be drawn about future tourism development, as there are many (456 people) who are not in favour of an increased tourist presence.
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