The high level of interest in the initial appraisal meeting, the high level of response to the questionnaire, and the concerns identified in answers to questions and in comments all show a very healthy and robust interest in the management of village affairs by a large majority of residents. It seems appropriate, therefore, to highlight these issues at a early stage in this report.

Although 22% of respondents have no particular opinion, of those who expressed an opinion, 62% would now be interested in an investigation of Parish Council status for the village. This may be related to the fact that most people expressing an opinion consider that the elected representatives on existing councils are unaware of local concerns and feelings, ranging from 61 % expressing this belief about Ilfracombe Town Council, 66% about the District Council, and 82% about the County Council. A mere 4% of those expressing an opinion believe that elected County Councillors are fully aware of local concerns and feelings, though this rises to 19% for Town Councillors.

There is a split view on the planning system and planning controls, and 74 people consider information about planning controls to be unclear. Many did not express opinions, suggesting that this is an area where there is a need for more understanding of the issues, and where a greater degree of local democracy would be helpful.

There is an overwhelming view for a greater public access to local authority policies on these matters. Although 12.7% expressed no opinion, 77.9% of those who expressed a view want greater public access to policies.

There are very mixed views about the awareness of the committee of the Residents' Association to local concerns and feelings. Whilst a small majority feel that the committee is fully aware, aware or quite aware, 25% feel they are unaware and a further 22.9% expressed no opinion. Perhaps this is related to the way the Residents' Association is perceived to publicise its decisions and activities. 13.1 % expressed no opinion, but 44.1 % (or 50.8% of those who expressed an opinion) believe this is done poorly.

These are issues on which there are strong opinions with few 'don't knows'. 58.5% of those expressing a view are very concerned about the level of pollution of the stream and/or beach, and this figure rises to 91.5% when all with at least some concerns are included. Responsibility is seen to lie principally with landowners, farmers, property owners, water authorities and local authorities.

There is, however, a wide diversity of opinion about the ways to enhance the beach. For example, 17.8% think it is very important to remove the concrete causeway, 31.7% think it is worth doing, 41.6% do not think it is necessary, and 8.9% don't know. There is more support for rebuilding the causeway naturally (73.5% think that is very important or worth doing), and a slightly smaller percentage think the same about rebuilding the stream sides naturally. There is, however, a very strong opinion that concrete debris should be removed - 91.4% believe it is very important or worth doing.

Quite a number of additional views have been put forward, and a full and careful analysis of the questionnaire results and a consideration of the views expressed are needed; quite clearly the quality of the stream and beach is a major issue and needs to feature prominently in future plans for the village.

Very encouragingly, 46 people are willing to become involved as volunteers with beach improvement schemes.

103 people (84.4% Of those who expressed an opinion) would like to see overhead cables removed. This is a complex area where it is expensive and not easy to achieve desired objectives. However, it would be sensible to investigate where a limited scheme would bring maximum environmental benefits.

A clear majority of people feel the toilets need improving and updating (54.1 % of respondees) and keeping open in winter (64.2%).

There are mixed views about the desirability of a children's playground and a hardcourt for tennis, basketball, etc., with a small majority of those expressing an opinion against the idea. However, there is very considerable support for a village green for cricket, benches, etc. 59.1 % of the responses were positive, rising to 69.4% when those with no opinion are excluded.

There are no serious concerns about particular disturbances which affect large numbers of people. There is a relatively even split across the range of disturbances mentioned in the questionnaire and others identified by responses. Low flying aircraft were mentioned by 37 people and traffic noise by 20; all others were noted by fewer than 20 people.