ROAD SAFETY

A number of danger spots were identified by between 50-60%:

• The through road, Cross Meadow-Heath Cross.
• The area outside the School, particularly at the start and end of school hours.
• The centre of the Village (School-Village Green).

There are 2 separate issues here:

• On the through road it is one of speeding, the 30mph limit is often ignored. Plans in hand should remove the problem of vehicles parked outside Highfield Garage.
• In the centre of the Village the problem is mainly one of parking at busy periods. Few houses in this area have off the road parking. A car park could help to ease this problem although there is only 19% support for one.

The Parish Council is asked to consider these matters.

39 people have difficulties in getting transport out of the Village. The need for a bus is stated by a minimum of:

• 25 people for weekly use.
• 32 people for occasional use.
• 38 people for evening/leisure use.

Other requirements are too diverse to support a case for extra services at present.

(Since this Appraisal was initiated 3 bus services have been introduced)

It is encouraging to note that 72% of those polled consider that they have a responsibility for caring for the environment and 31% would volunteer to participate in schemes to make improvements. There is 33% support, in addition to written comments, concerning the need to improve existing footpaths and bridle-ways and to provide additional ones.

A number of people made adverse comments about mud on the road within the village which is not only dangerous to traffic but also an annoyance to pedestrians.

Comments were also made that, living as we do in the heart of the countryside, our access to the countryside is severely limited. It is recommended that the Parish Council contact the County Council’s Footpath Officer to see if any improvements can be made.

POLICE

Opinion is evenly split, 50% think that the policing of the Village is reasonable to good; 50% think that it is poor or have no opinion.