• The majority of people (275) would not support an increase in the number of houses in Tedburn Parish.
• However, there is some support for a small scheme. Those supporting an increase felt there should be a broad housing mix to meet local needs.

Employment and Tourism

• Over 60% of respondents would like to see more work available in tedburn, with jobs in agriculture/Fishing/Forestry, care services, education, and repairs/restoration most favoured (presumably reflecting the skills of those responding).
• 65% of those expressing an opinion would support the introduction of light industrial workshops. Other suggestions were for more training places for school leavers, and for artisan/craft workshops or other rural crafts. There was also some interest in creating more jobs in hunting with more local meets.
• Over 60% would support an action plan to develop employment opportunities. Just under 30% of respondents would like more work now, but over half of these only wanted to work part-time; a small number of people (5%) have had to turn down job offers - over half of these because of transportation difficulties, the remainder because of family commitments.

Recommended Action. Check availability of land in Tedburn; discuss potential light industrial sites with Teignbridge planners and the Parish Council.

• A majority of people felt that tourism could be further developed, with more caravan and camping sites, as well as B&B being made available. They felt that the area was particularly suitable for walking, rambling, riding, nature study, painting and farm visits/trails, and a large majority (75%) felt that more information should be provided for visitors.

Education

• Pre-school education was generally seen to be adequate, although the majority of respondents had no opinion on this. Over 90% thought the school was important to the village.
• There was considerable interest in adult education classes, both vocational (business, computer skills, technology etc.) and recreational (dance, arts and crafts, bell ringing, photography etc.).
• Of those in favour of making greater use of the school facilties out of school hours (316 respondents), over 75% would be prepared to pay - this could be linked , perhaps, to the demand for adult education provision.

Recommended Action. Discuss feasibility of adult education "sponsership" with the LEA, local colleges and the Workers Education Association (WEA). Review possibilty of distance learning provision using school facilties.

Local Countryside and Environment

These questions generated considerable response.

• Footpaths are an issue. 65% of people are unsure of the location of all the footpaths and bridleways - some suggested that a map and/or leaflet be produced to inform people. 50% of respondents use the footpaths etc. at least once a month, but complain of poor signposting, overgrown bushes/nettles, mud and water.


• Nearly 40% of respondents felt the footpaths should be better maintained and 84 people said tey would be prepared to help in this. There were complaints that stiles were too high, making it difficult for older people to use them, and that many were dog proofed at the bottom.
• Many commented on the dangerous lack of pavements/footpaths both in the lanes and on the road between Pathfinder and Tedburn Villages

Recommended Action. Organise Community Days to restore footpaths. Speak to Ramblers Association. Provision of Leaflets.

Editorial Comment. Limited funds are provided by Devon County Council to the Parish Council for the upkeep of footpaths and Parish Councillors use their own equipment where possible to maximise the full potential of this money. Local contractors have recently completed repairs to various bridges and have stoned some of the paths. The Parish Council has set up a fund for the provision of a map marking all footpaths within the Parish.

• There were complaints about the appearance of the villages - litter, cat and dog mess (with requests for more pooper scoopers) and house maintenance - several people commented on the poor condition of the houses at the eastern entrance to Tedburn Village, and the disused garage at the western.
• Over 40% thought that more flowerbeds or hanging baskets would improve the appearance of their village.

Recommended Action. Review action taken by "Britain in Bloom" villages. Organise competition for the best gardens in the village. Discuss provision of pooper scoopers and additional bins with Council.

The Dog Warden will take action against those selfish dog owners who won't clear up their dog's mess, provided that the offended is identified by name. The Dog Warden's telephone number is: (01392) 265155.

Editorial Comment. At the investigation of the school governors, and with the support of parents, it was agreed to make the school grounds available to the people of Tedburn Parish outside school hours. The trial period proved successful and a policy of "do's and don't's" is now in place ( a copy is available for inspection from the school or any governor).

• Noise was also cited as a nuisance with 65% complaining of low flying aircraft and 26% about traffic noise.
• About 50% of respondents had no opinion about the location of the children's play area. Of those that responded to this questiona small majority thought it should be moved to somewhere more accessible - the top of Cleave Close and near the Village Hall were the most frequent suggestions. Nearly 60% of people felt that there should be more spaces available for picnics and for children to play.

Editorial Comment. The Parish Council, in consultation with a few parents and officers from Teignbridge District Council, investigated the possibilities of designating a part of the green in Four Oaks Road as a play area for toddlers. After a healthy debate, a vote was taken with the majority not supporting the proposed area.

Recommended Action. Suggest those in favour of an additional play area form a committee to investigate suitable sites and consult the Community Council of Devon for their expert advice. A spokesperson from that committee should be appointed to keep the Parish Council informed of progress.