[DF&F Main Menu] [Community Profiles Menu] [Community Appraisals Menu] Sydenham Damerel Parish Appraisal 1998 Index Communications Since only 43 people out of a total of 172 have access to the Internet, and notice boards (even if they were read) would have to be multiplied to achieve any reasonable coverage of all our hamlets, it would appear that the Parish News is the only viable means of communicating information on parish matters. 84 people at present see the magazine, 27 would be interested if the content were broadened - suggestions for content are listed - but 37 would not at present appear to be interested at all. Recommendation Since many existing subscribers who have voiced a desire for broader content now appear pleased with the changes which have already been made, those responsible for the magazine should make efforts to increase circulation. interested in reports from council meetings and local councillors in magazine magazine is paid for by the church and church content should be maintained didn't know the Parish News existed. An interesting, relevant community newssheet would be excellent I would not like to see any change in the church's content, but it would be nice to have a bit more of what is going on locally more of general interest, less church. e.g. planning applications/services available with times (bus/refuse collection, road maintenance etc.). For sale/wanted ads. church related content should be reduced and general items increased, but ideally both equally and enlarge magazine! more local interest articles but not at expense of church news OK as it is an extra page for items of general interest more secular items on Parish .....national edicts that affect Parish very pleased and satisfied with present parish magazine local news, forthcoming planning issues, local history what has been proposed - cutting down on church and broadening of general interest/local already being made this is an excellent example of a traditional parish magazine and should be retained as such. Congratulations to the producers general interest items contents broadened? footpaths and planning broadening of contents separation of Church News and content into a New Magazine to be run by church. Parish News to be run by non-church group/individuals more local news and information about areas of interest surrounding the Parish more articles aimed at the younger generation more local news and events more parish news it is extremely well produced and I have no complaints. It could be a useful organ to relate Planning and often parish matters more fully more general interest and early deliveries bus timetables included, more information about local services i.e. District or County information; recycling, voluntary groups, support services, MPs emergency/contact numbers notices and reports on local events and meetings, including school events. Articles of local interest. More contribution of local interest welcome increased parish news Index Top Security The question of security in the parish appears to be incidental at this time. Despite the crime incidence being very low however, this subject was answered very fully. 165 people answered the question on police coverage in the parish, 79 thought it was acceptable, 26 disagreed and 60 gave no opinion. From the answers showing that over 90% took precautions over checking credentials of visitors, suspicious characters etc, it is clear that security consciousness is at a high level, 54% (90 people) going further to possible development of Neighbourhood Watch schemes; since such schemes would need to be set up on hamlet by hamlet bases rather than on a parish-wide one, it is not possible from the answers to state how many from each hamlet were in favour, but from the names of those who indicated that they would be prepared to assist in establishing a scheme, Sydenham Damerel and Horsebridge were most interested with 4 and 3 households volunteering respectively, Culver Hill/Lane End/Portington and Townlake 2 each and Tuell-Wonwood 1. Recommendation The Parish Council should contact those volunteering to help and discuss how the idea should be progressed including necessary contact with the police. Index Top General Comments ‘A map of the parish attached to the questionnaire would have been useful.’ ‘We could find no reference to the service provided by the County Fire Brigade. From experience we are satisfied with that but would like to emphasise the need for the Fire Service to provide smaller appliances in some areas. The fire tender supplied recently was unable to properly negotiate the narrow lane approaching our property.’ Index Top Millennium From a very full response to the question whether the parish should celebrate the Millennium and mark it with a memorial, 71 said Yes versus 93 saying No. 50 said they would be prepared to pay towards a celebration, whereas 109 declined. 66 volunteered to assist in any work required in connection with a memorial. Suggestions for marking the event were: Tree planting Benches Village pond (Sydenham Damerel) Writing a history of the parish Village recreation area Party Parish boundary markers Village composting centre A garden Swing Bus shelter Fund for an annual party Housing Trust for low income farm workers Recommendation That the Parish Council convene a meeting of those who have volunteered to help to discuss and decide what to do. [Previous Page][Index] [DF&F Main Menu] [Community Profiles Menu] [Community Appraisals Menu] [Top of Page] [Devon C.C. Homepage] Page Created: April 2002 This Information was provided by Corporate Information Services Send any comments, enquiries, etc. to DRIS@devon.gov.uk