84 females and 81 males were reported in the survey. Nearly one quarter of the population is under 21, with the largest category being the 11 to 16 years old group with 11 %. There was a significant number in the 22 to 59 group - 55 %. In the retirement group there were 21 % of the population, with 4% above 75. There is a reassuring number of "younger" people in the community, but we wonder if there will be, nonetheless, a drift out of the community as there is little prospect of employment, and limited "first time buyer" housing. Although the proportion of retired-age people is relatively small, if those in the 22 to 59 group remain in the area there is likely to be an increasing dependence on public transport and public facilities - a concern echoed in some responses.

Can they afford to remain in the area?

34 % of those who responded were self-employed, and worked from home. There is a high proportion of "own business" workers - 40 %, with the remainder working for someone else. By far the greatest category of self-employment was Agriculture - 56 %. Despite the "holiday location" of the West Country, only 4 % of respondents were involved in providing Hotel and/or tourist services.

The question also arises of what do we have to offer young people in employment terms? There is little employment opportunity in our community - should there be more? Although there were only 33 responses to the question about starting up one's own business, 87% of respondents quoted "Lack of start-up finance" as a major inhibitor.

Start-up finance needed

The majority of respondents (22) were interested in Computing and New Technology training. The next most sought-after training was in the "Skilled / craft related" category (19 people). Professional / Managerial and Rural / Agricultural skills were also required, at 15 and 14 people respectively. Looking at the age profile of the community, we presume that these responses indicated the needs of the adult population; presumably, however, if there were an improvement in the facilities and they were easily accessible then it would also encourage younger people to settle in, or remain in the area.

Adult and after-school training wanted

79 people thought Parish Councillors were aware of local needs, 49 thought the Borough Councillor was aware of local needs, but only 19 thought our County Councillor was aware of local needs.

"Parish Council operates like some secret society."

Since the survey, we have received news that a "Link Committee" has been formed to strengthen the relationship and understanding between the layers of local Government - Parish, Borough and County Councils. Meetings will be held and Heads of Departments will attend to address specific issues.

Not, perhaps, a surprising result, but one of which, we would hope, Borough and County Councillors will take note.

Councillors note!

"Insufficient local communication" was an issue raised at the public meeting. Unfortunately, the survey reveals that 61 never read "The Messenger", 55 never read the Meadwell Notice board, 58 never read St. Mary's notice board, and 90 never read St. Nonna's. The Messenger is, however, the most common means of public communication - with 39% (51 people) reading it monthly or more frequently.

A new notice board was to be provided soon for the village hall, Meadwell. Regrettably, the demand for this "free" offering from the Borough Council has exceeded supply, and the Parish Council is now intending to buy one.

No new notice-board - yet

Road safety featured heavily in the issues raised at the public meeting. Road Safety improvements were wanted at Felldownhead by 68 %, and Borough Cross by 31%.

69 % wanted better maintenance of verges and roadsides. 71% thought road signs were "adequate" and 64% thought no more passing places were needed.

"Signs at approaches to each community."