Introduction

The Parish Appraisal

1. This appraisal was initiated by the Parish Council in consultation with the Community Council of Devon (CCD). An Appraisal Group was formed who, in consultation with the CCD, created the questionnaire which was sent to every household in October 1996. The aim of the survey was to gather the views of the community on a wide range of subjects affecting Parish life, and to establish what the community can do to meet these needs and where it needs help to resolve issues. The results will also be used to inform local authorities and other organisations whose activities impact on our Parish.
2. Of the 262 Appraisal forms distributed, 177 (67.5%) were collected/returned. This response is good for an appraisal of this size and sufficient from which to make reasoned judgements of the community's wishes, hopes and aspirations (383 people voiced their opinion). The report summarises the results and makes recommendations for future action based upon those results. A copy of the comprehensive results is lodged with West Devon Borough Council (WDBC), The Tavistock Library, the Community Council of Devon and the Parish Council.
3. If the Appraisal is to be of any value, then the most important part of the work is yet to come. Recommendations highlight areas requiring further attention over the next few months and in future years. We can only turn these recommendations into reality if you and organisations in Lamerton take sufficient interest to do something about them. The Appraisal Group has arranged a meeting in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 30 June 1997. This is your opportunity to ask questions, agree the way ahead, and most importantly, get involved either as an individual or through your local organisation.
4. We would like to thank Helen Vines and Hannah Reynolds (CCD) for their guidance and help, Devon County Council (DCC) for printing and analysing the questionnaire and printing this report and acknowledge financial support from Dartmoor National Park and European 5b funds. Thanks are also due to all the respondents for taking the time to complete the questionnaire. Lastly, and most importantly, thanks to the Appraisal Group and their helpers who gave so much of their time.

Members of the Appraisal Group

Julia Monk (Chairperson) - William Dawe - Catherine Dando
Irene Hicks - John Hicks - Pauline Small

Character of the Parish

5. Lamerton Parish is situated within West Devon Borough adjacent to the parishes of Gulworthy, Tavistock, Sydenham Damerel, Brentor and Mary Tavy. It covers an area of approximately 2,382 hectares.
6. The 1991 Census showed there were approximately 722 people living in some 262 dwellings in the parish, with one half living in the main village (Lamerton). The remainder live in rural hamlets and farms dotted throughout the parish. There is a church, village hall and small school in the village. The main employment of the parish is agricultural, there are also a number of small specialist enterprises spread throughout the parish. The parish is also within the catchment areas for Tavistock and Plymouth.

1. Percentages used in graphs and tables have usually been rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.
2. The results of this Appraisal are based upon the households who returned their questionnaire and respondents who expressed an opinion.