Introduction

Just over half of the residents of South Brent completed the comprehensive questionnaire "Village Voice" back in July, and a few weeks ago the statistical results were returned to us, the South Brent steering Group.

The Steering Group was set up following a public meeting in March organised by the Parish Council. Our brief was to carry out a feasibility study into the possibility of acquiring the site for community use once the new School is completed - scheduled for July 1997. We were advised by the Community Council of Devon to carry out a "Village Appraisal", where we could gauge response to this specific project and other issues of local concern using a tried and tested format. We decided to call ours the "Village Voice".

There was, inevitably, criticism of the format of the questionnaire from some, but the fact that over 1,100 people responded has made it a very worthwhile exercise.

A 25% response rate makes the figures "statistically valid". 1,100 households in South Brent received the questionnaire. 561 households replied, ie a 51% return. 1,120 voiced their opinion.

The results highlight an interesting number of concerns. Figures, in themselves are valuable and copies of the full statistics are available to anyone wishing to read them. We have tried to make this report an unbiased reflection on the way in which people responded to the questions asked. We have shown statistics where relevant, included opinion where it can highlight an issue, and made recommendations for possible courses of action.

This exercise took a great deal of time and would not have been possible without a committed few putting in long hours at weekends and evenings. Over 60 volunteers delivered and collected the final questionnaires. Thank you to them; to everyone who came to the first Public Meeting and to anyone else who has helped in any way.

Section A of this report deals with the more general issues. The statistics are useful for local groups, Parish, District and County Councils in developing policy and projects, and could strengthen applications for various grants. Section B summarises questions and answers relating to the proposed community centre.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Community Centre
Of those expressing an opinion, 95% (933 respondents) want a Community Centre in South Brent, and 89% (819 people) think the old school building is the best site for it.

Recommendation: There is a clear mandate from the community to pursue the idea of purchase of the building for community use. The detailed results of this survey should inform the preparation of detailed plans and future use. Funding applications should be pursued and a Community body established to oversee the project. All relevant agencies and local authorities should be approached and their support and resources secured for this community-led initiative.

Housing
There is a need for starter and family homes for purchase and rent.

Recommendation: The provision of housing for local people should be investigated, through Parish Council discussions with Housing Associations, South Hams District Council and Dartmoor National Park.

Recommendation: Dartmoor National Park and Devon County Council should be informed of the wishes of residents for no further housing estate type developments.

Employment
There is a need for work based training opportunities to be developed, particularly in new technology and computing.

Recommendation: These findings should be progressed with appropriate training agencies eg Devon and Cornwall TEC, South Dartmoor Community College, Plymouth University (Open Learning).

Health and Social Services
The Health Centre should be congratulated on it's level of service, deemed "good" by 79% of respondents (789 people).

146 people "often" experience difficulties getting to medical facilities.

Recommendation: The Parish Council should investigate community transport options to address this problem.

Recommendation: Medical service providers should be informed of responses given, particularly where responses were mixed or negative.

Traffic and Transport
32% of respondents (333 people) have difficulty in getting out of South Brent.

Recommendation: Discussions should be held with transport providers to explore other options including new routes, reduced fares and access for those with mobility problems (30 people).

78% (821 respondents) support the reopening of the railway station.

Recommendation: Results should be forwarded to the relevant authority and discussions undertaken as to the feasibility of this.

Recommendation: Discussions should be held with County Highways to explore possible traffic calming measures and provision of pedestrian crossings on the old A38 and within the village.

Recommendation: Dartmoor National Park should be encouraged to open the proposed footpath link with support from 607 people (plus 131 "if the station is reopened").

Recreational and Social Facllities
Recommendation: Serious attempts must be made to improve social and recreational provision for 8-24 year olds and to involve young people in determining what provision is needed.

Recommendation: Discussions should be held with Adult Education providers to ensure the provision of courses in South Brent.