The beginning of a new millennium would seem an appropriate time to take stock of a village and a community with a thousand year history and to decide what the residents of Stoke Canon want for the village both now and for the future.

In the first instance it is very clear that you, that we, the residents of Stoke Canon are concerned about our village. 83% of Questionnaires were completed and returned - this is an exceptional figure, and thanks are due to everyone for taking the time and trouble to complete the Questionnaire.

This Report has been compiled under similar headings as the Questionnaire. We must point out that some questions invited a multiple response and in these cases the total percentages will frequently add up to more than 100%!

A number of the questions invited suggestions or comments and the back page of the Questionnaire was also made available for comments. We are delighted to say many of you took the opportunity to make your views known and although it would have been impossible to include every single comment, we have included as many direct quotes in the Report as possible. I should add that all the comments and suggestions have been recorded.

Part of the brief of the Steering Group has been to make recommendations for action to be taken as a result of the issues raised. Some action is within our power as individuals or groups within the village; other issues such as the environment, policing, roads and drains will need to be referred to the appropriate authorities. Copies of this Report will be made available to all authorities and interested parties and they will be invited and welcomed at a Public Meeting, where everyone will have the opportunity to discuss the Report and decide what action needs to be taken to implement the recommendations made by the Steering Group.

The last Appraisal in Stoke Canon was carried out in 1985. It is interesting but somewhat distressing, that so many issues raised then have not been resolved, or have been raised again. Predictably perhaps, these include traffic issues, pelican/zebra crossing, more pavements, the bridge, better facilities for teenagers and the appearance of the village, particularly the approach from Exeter.

After the Public Meeting the work and responsibility of the Steering Group will be finished and the Group disbanded. It will then be up to other members of the community to get together and form action groups to follow through on the recommendations which are a reflection of what you want for our village, the Parish of Stoke Canon.

Cliff Lague

Chair of the Stoke Canon Community Appraisal Group

Betty Mills - Elizabeth Wilks - Linda Harding - Guy Pierce - David Santillo - Dennis Davey.

Also the volunteer distributors for the distribution and collection of Questionnaires and the Report. To Sue Murphy of the Community Council of Devon who has guided us through this process, to Stoke Canon Parish Council, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council for funding the Appraisal, and to the Group Secretary’s employers for allowing her to prepare the notes and minutes of our meetings during office hours.

504 persons were recorded as living in the 218 households who completed the Questionnaire. This represented an exceptional 83% of the total Questionnaires distributed.

Of the 504 persons, the split between male and female is almost 50/50 with there being 262 females to 242 males.

In terms of the age of the population, approximately 40% are under 40 of which 85 youngsters are 16 or under. Food for thought for the possible provision of facilities for young people in the parish.

There are currently 74 under 16 year olds in education, with 31 attending Primary School and 23 Secondary School, the youngest members attending Mother & Toddler, Nursery School or Play Groups.

23 over-16 year olds are attending 6^th Form College, Training College or University.

The community reported a total of 256 cars, 33 vans, 27 motorbikes and 1 lorry, spread between the 218 households (and 504 individuals) which responded.

Stoke Canon is a place you like to live in - with 99.5% noting Stoke Canon as your main residence! The majority of housing - 65% was built between 1951 - 1970 with just under 17% pre 1900

We have quite diverse housing stock, with 39% bungalows, 25% semi-detached houses and 17% detached, with the remainder being terraced houses, flats and cottages. The vast majority of homes are owner occupied 83%, with 15% being rented.

What is so interesting is the time people have lived in Stoke Canon, with 6% having lived in the village over 50 years. Can you imagine it? Happy residents! Nearly a quarter of all residents have lived in Stoke Canon between 26 - 50 years, with 20% having lived in the village between 16 - 25 years, 24% between 6 - 15 years and 25% 5 years or less.