Almost everyone (348) would use recycle banks often or occasionally if available. The possibility of an occasional skip in the village received almost as much support, while a community composting scheme was overwhelmingly favoured by three quarters of those responding – 263.

More than two thirds of replies indicated concern about the overuse of chemicals on the land. Agriculture was seen as the main culprit (220), closely followed by roadside verges (152) and public areas (137). 75 people thought that overuse of chemicals in gardens could also be seen as a cause for concern.

113 residents said they were interested in buying organic produce, and 91 would be interested in learning more about organic methods of food production.

Most people suggested that for a clean and tidy village, people should tidy their own patch – 261 (69%). 108 people thought a Spring Clean Day, either 6 monthly or annually would be a good idea.

Probably the biggest response to any part of the questionnaire, was the section on improving the appearance of the village. 137 (36%) wanted more trees to be planted, 184 (49%) more flowers and shrubs. 182 (48%) would like to see hedges cut back in a tidy manner, and 117 (31%) put in a plea for more public seating, with several suggestions on where they are needed.

It was suggested that raised flowerbeds at the River Close / Sanson Close junction, and also flowerbeds at the entrances to the village would be desirable.

209 (51% of replies) considered there is a need for a water supply at the two cemeteries.

Views were split on the sufficiency of litter bins in the village. 175 respondents thought there was a reasonable number but 160 thought more were needed.

"I take my litter home."

Written comments mentioned the poor state of the bus shelter, the need for doggie bins, a suggestion for a landscaped community area, overhanging shrubs and trees were said to be a hazard for those with poor sight and dangerous to all on the main road where the pavement is narrow, and there was a plea for no heavy plant or more haulage transport at the Industrial Estate.

The largest number of responses 244 (65%) asked for derelict sites to be cleared, the Old Mill Industrial Estate was considered by many to be in need of a clean up, with renovation of some of the old buildings. A couple of suggestions were for the signal box to be put to some use.

By far the largest number of added comments indicated clearly that the site causing most concern was the burnt out remains of the Garage with the unsightly collection of old cars surrounding it, and in Chestnut Crescent. There were also 52 written-in complaints about the Garage, the most frequently used words being "disgrace", "disgusting" and "eyesore".

Children and teenagers’ anti-social behaviour, noise and litter were mentioned by some, while others objected to persistent barking of dogs.

Parking of caravans, lorries and vans in residential districts drew some unfavourable comments.

We asked how many times you use the local shop, which to us is also the post office. Only 13 people out of 403 responses stated they never used the local shop and only 15 out of 417 people stated they never used the local post office. In fact 207 people (52%) said they used the shop daily.

In a further breakdown on the use of the local post office, 374 (92%) used the post office for postal services, 143 (35%) for pensions/allowances, 323 (79%) for vehicle tax/TV licence and other bills, 103 (25%) used the Giro bank service and 125 (31%) used the post office to obtain information leaflets. What a busy post office!

94% thought provision and location of post boxes in the village was good or reasonable and 94% thought the number of collections was good or reasonable. However, 107 people wanted openings in post boxes increased to enable acceptance of larger envelopes.

All in all a powerful argument for retaining the service of rural shops and post offices.

With respect to other local services, 53% still like to get their milk delivered daily while 20% make use of the Library Van at some time.

Not many people (only 8%) seem to be aware of, or make use of the Supermarket Free Bus service

There was an incredible response to the question relating to the possible use of Mobile Services. Whilst there was some support for a Fast Food provider, no less than 114 people stated they would use a Fish & Chip provider weekly, 95 would be interested in a mobile greengrocer service and 77 indicated they would use a weekly fresh fish delivery.