and this table shows a breakdown of all those aged 11 and upwards by age and sex.

Employment

The striking figure that emerged was the very low incidence of unemployment amongst those who replied (3%). Over half of those questioned are in employment and a surprisingly large percentage of respondents are self employed.

The other statistic which is satisfying is the very high percentage who are actually employed within the parish or within a radius of 10 miles. Of the 595 who answered 22% do voluntary work of some kind.

For those seeking work there appears to be a need for training in the same skills as are being sought by employers i.e. managerial, new technology and craft related. This emphasises the need for local vocational training.

Employers who operate within the parish are envisaging an expansion of their workforce rather than the reverse which shows some optimism for the future, although many have expressed concern about the level of business rate.

Note: the following charts are based on the number of responses received.

Education & Training

Of those who replied, 33% would be interested in taking vocational training oportunities now or in the future. The table shows the training they would be looking for.

Hatherleigh and Okehampton were naturally considered the most accessible centres, with Torrington and the Exeter and Barnstaple some way behind. Lack of transport was a problem mentioned by 28 people. Of the 357 who expressed an opinion, the vast majority (342) thought that provision for adult learning in Hatherleigh was poor.

Recommendation: Vocational training facilities available should be investigated and advertised locally. More importantly there should be provision for adult vocational and educational facilities in Hatherleigh.

Health & Medical Services

The Health and Medical Services get a congratulatory pat on the back. The services provided by the doctor are rated good by 65% or reasonable by 28% and poor by only 7%. The district nurse is also well appreciated although used by only half of those who answered.

The other services are well liked but little used. It is worth noting that 22% of those who answered have some degree of difficulty getting to the doctor and 9% have problems collecting medicine on prescription. There is clearly an important problem here which needs addressing.

We asked the question, 'Will you or any member of your family have need for a residential home in Hatherleigh within the next five years?' and were suitably taken to task! However the comments did make it clear that many people would welcome a residential home in Hatherleigh and point out that the number of people from Hatherleigh in residential homes outside the town would seem to justify having one.

Housing

The chart shows what sort of housing people considered Hatherleigh needs. They indicate support for housing for young people, the elderly and low income families, and the vast majority supported housing for local people.

In fact in July we had only 20 people on West Devon Borough Council's housing list and comparatively few people expressed a need for alternative accommodation within the next three years.

Recommendation: Whilst it appears there is no pressing need at the present time for more housing, any future provision should be for low cost housing to accommodate the needs of local people.

Moorview

Two particular points came in for coment from residents of Moorview; the need for a public telephone and a children's play area.

Recommendation: A public telephone and a children's play area should be provided at Moorview.

Local Countryside & Environment

In the written comments strong views were expressed that Hatherleigh Moor should be left as it is. The figures strongly support the view that the Lower Moor should be a special nature reserve for wild flowers and wildlife (442 in favour, 85 against). Opinion was evenly balanced on whether there should be improved access access the Upper Moor. The Steering Group would support a decision to reinstate the pond at the bottom of the Lower Moor and would like to see better communication with the town. We feel that the Moor Management Committee should publish their Action Plan and report the results on a regular basis in the Parish Pump.

Recommendation: The Moor Management Committee should be encouraged to manage the Moor positively and beneficially to meet these objectives.

Areas for Improvement

This chart shows the areas of Hatherleigh which you thought could be improved visually.

In addition a number of written comments expressed strong views about the need to stop dog dirt (12 comments), to weed the flower beds, to clean up litter and to get rid of the smell from the abattoir (5 comments each). It is clear that there is still some way to go, in many people's minds, before we have a town of which we can be environmentally proud. On the credit side, there were 186 who would be prepared to become involved with environmental improvement schemes.

Recommendation: A practical plan of action should be implemented to meet the above criticisms

Transport

It has already been noted that 22% have difficulty in getting to the doctor, and 9% have difficulty in collecting prescriptions. In addition, of the 556 who replied, almost half (49%) had transport difficulties in getting out of Hatherleigh to other places. there was good supprt for the idea of a Hatherleigh based Community Minibus. This table shows what it might be used for.

Recommendation: The need for a Community Minibus to support a wide cross section of ages is clear. Its provision should be given a high priority

Retail Services

Nothing very surprising came out of the figures showing the use made of shops and services; they were generally well used. These figures have been passed on to the Business Association. The two main reasons for shopping outside Hatherleigh were given as 'you have more choice there' and 'goods are cheaper there'. Of the 80 different requests for new shops and services, DIY and ironmongers, dispensing chemists, ladies and childrens clothes and shoe shops were the most popular.

One optimist requested a free massage service!

Sports, Social & Entertainment

This is an area which attracted strong views and clearly one on which further action is needed. It lies at the heart of the purpose of the Appraisal.

As a start point, this chart shows the percentage of those who thought that the provision of facilities were poor for the following age groups.

The chart highlights the problem with the lack of facilities provided for the young. The comments that accompanied the figures emphasised the size of the problem but not many suggested solutions. Some of the proposals which we make later will help. However, the Steering Group believes that there is a need to define and clarify what it is that the young want, with a view to meeting that requirement as best and as soon as possible.

Recommendation: It is an important priority to talk with young people, find out what they want, and work with them to provide it as soon as possible.

We asked what facilities were needed in Hatherleigh. The top four were an Indoor Sports Centre, a Youth Club, a Community Centre and a Swimming Pool. Whilst the Steering Group supports the long term aim of a pool, there are other needs which were given greater priority.

A clear requirement was expressed for a Community Centre. The table shows the facilities that were needed in such a centre.

A majority (60%) of the 333 who replied did not think that the existing halls were adequate for the town's needs in the future. Of these 280 (84%) did not think that an extension to the Town Hall would be sufficient to meet future needs.

Priorities for siting a new Community Centre would be good car parking facilities, access for the disabled and nearness to the town centre. Something over half (54%) of the 524 who answered would be prepared to help with fund-raising events to this end.

Recommendation: There is a clear mandate for a Community Centre for Hatherleigh and its provision, to meet the above requirements, should be given top priority.

The Future

Finally, how would we like to see Hatherleigh Develop? This chart shows the answer.

184 respondents or 38% of those expressing an opinion, were not averse to paying a slightly higher parish council tax to meet these needs.

The Furture

The fact that there were comparatively few burning issues that emerged during the Appraisal process is a sign that the people of Hatherleigh are reasonably happy and contented. Indeed, one of the messages that comes through is that we want the town to stay as it is without substantial change.

There are three important priorities for change;
1. The construction of a new Community Centre to meet the broad-ranging requirements of a diverse community.
2. The provision of a Community Minibus to meet the transport needs of all ages, and
3. An urgent requirement to meet the needs of our young people.

If these three needs can be met, as a priority and without unreasonable delay, the Hatherleigh Appraisal will have been a worthwhile community exercise.