The Results
The South Molton appraisal was delivered to over 1700 households, by the many helpers, 797
households returned their form. Of those people who filled out the form 54% were female and 46%
male. The response from all ages and sex is shown in the table below.
| Males | % | Females | % | |
| 11-16 | 50 | 7% | 54 | 6% |
| 17-21 | 39 | 5% | 32 | 4% |
| 22-39 | 168 | 24% | 209 | 25% |
| 40-59 | 213 | 30% | 226 | 27% |
| 60-64 | 55 | 8% | 63 | 7% |
| 65-74 | 114 | 16% | 134 | 16% |
| 75+ | 73 | 10% | 126 | 15% |
| Total | 712 | 100% | 844 | 100% |
Housing
There are 120 people who need no housing, however 600 said they wanted it for local people, 487 for the young. 372 said there was a need for housing for low income families. In the household section, of those who needed alternative accommodation, about 70% wanted family homes to rent or buy.
Training
There are 469 people who would be interested in vocational training. Of those who answered 44.6% would like new technology and computing, followed by professional and managerial and skilled/craft related. 99% would prefer South Molton to be the venue, but 70% would accept going to Barnstaple. Evening courses with affordable childcare showed up as popular. However 49% felt adult learning provision was already reasonable.
Local Economy & Tourism
A centre of town Cattle Market had the support of 61% with 28% preferring out of town. 25% would like to see an agricultural training centre.
A high 95% would like to see more employment encouraged in South Molton, with 67% feeling there should be opportunities for the young; 54% wanting to involve small employers, and 45% both major employers and small industry units. A good number remarked "small industrial units must be affordable and not in town like Horsepond Meadow".
There is definite support for new shops; regenerations of existing clothes shop being mentioned by most. Longer opening hours in the evening seemed least important but would like no half day closing. A toy shop was given support.
Everyone agreed tourism should be developed in some way but there was no support for a permanent caravan site. Promoting B & B was most popular.
Health & Social Services
The Doctors are the most used service followed by District Nurses and the Chiropodist.
On the whole most users thought that the Health and Social Services provided in the town are good. Mental health provision and Meals on Wheels would be worth improvement but no other specific concerns were voiced.
The main problem with all the services is transport, at least 50 people have difficulty in getting to the dentist, doctor, chiropodist and local shops. Whilst even more had occasional problems.
