Housing

Most of the statistics and comments on housing reflected the answers given for Q43 - How would you like Winkleigh to develop? Out if 984 responses, 501 waned Winkleigh to develop as a working community and 218 would like it to stay as it is. In order for this to happen, the majority of people felt that housing and employment should develop together to meet the needs of the village.

What Kind of Housing do You Think the Area Needs: (Q10)
A large number stated that housing should be provided for young people and local people - 357 (53%) in each case, out of 668 total responses. Housing for low income families came a close second with 254 responses. This backed up responses to earlier questions about the type of accommodation people needed and the reasons people had moved out of the village: mainly that there where insufficient starter homes to buy or rent. Most people seeking houses were prepared to pay between £20,000 and £50,000 to buy or between £20 and £60 to rent per week.

Importance of Design and Materials in New Houses
483 people out of 692 responses consider thatdesign and materials in new houses are important.

Although the questionnaire did not specifically ask for views on where new houses should be built, there were many comments which showed that the majority of people did not mind development as long as it was for local need - for local people and young poeple at an affordable price so they do not move away, Tied in with this were comments that light industry on Winkleigh Airfield should be ecnouraged, some with houses attached (for security reasons?) to help prevent the need for people to leave.

We noted that some people wished to see more housing for the elderly and especially sheltered housing. Some said it was important to keep prices low by limiting the numebrs of holiday homes yet others expressed the view that tourism should be developed in Winkleigh - we wondered if that would mean they would need holiday accommodation.

From the results of the survey there is a strong feeling that Winkleigh should be a working village which means providing employment and affordable housing to help peoplestay in the village. However, development should be gradual, in keeping with the village and in line with employment opportunities. There are sites in other villages and towns advertising houses from £21,000 which in fact is an offer of part purchase, part rent. They are terraces of four or so houses in brick and this sort of development could well attract young poeple and families on low incomes away from Winkleigh. At present there is enough development land in Winkleigh itself for about 200 houses, the main site designated on the south side up to the bypass.

Recreation

As a village and parish, Winkleigh has a playing field, village hall and community centre; over 20 organisations enjoy the facilities on offer. The playing field has space allocated to play bowls, soccer, tennis and an equipped children's play area. At the Village Hall and Community Centre indoor sports such as badminton and short mat bowls are played, also dances, social functions and a venue for meetings are well catered for.

Question 36 of the appraisal "opinions of local play, recreation and social facilities" (see table below for response of numbers).

Position for those in the 15-24 age group was thought to be poor by an overwhelming 69% of respondents (actually 91% of those expressing an opinion on this question), with only 1% thinking it good. This is clearly an issues which needs addressing.

The results clearly speak for themselves. Individual statements on the appraisal are not easy to analyse and produce statistics. However comments suggested that the children's play area on the playing field is in the wrong place, as danger in crossing the B3220 precludes maximum use. A more central site has been requested.

Is a New Sports Hall/Recreation Centre Needed? (Q37)
Out of 663 replies, 476 said yes, but this must be taken in the context with Q44, when only 245 were prepared to pay an increased Parish Council tax, for benefits in the Parish, out of 671. Various sites were suggested for a new multi-facility sports hall, easy access, particularly from the primary school, also a need for a swimming pool was raised.

Voluntary Work (38)
123 do some form of voluntary work, 517 do not.

Parish Magazine (Q39)
of the 675 replies, 373 said Yes, they would like a Parish Magazine, the mojority of those who would like a magazine, two or more came from the same household. It was thought that the churches, local organisations and the Parish Council could produce a truly Parish Magazine with a circulation of 200.

In conclusion, Winkleigh has a lot to offer, the success or failure of recreational activities or local clubs depend on the people that run them and those who support and join in, rather than the replacement of fabric of the clubs. It would seem that the Parish has let down the youth by not adequately catering for their social needs. Over the years younger age groups have had support and financial backing from the parish and whilst some like the Brownies have prospered, other groups have failed. A drop-in Coffee and COke club was suggested giving teenagers somewhere to go in the evenings. It could also be used by the Senior Citizens during the day.

Very careful thought must be given to a recreation centre/sports hall, acquiring one could be easier than maintaining it in the furture. The management of it so that all organisations could have equal use, would have to be paramount, it would also have to have the backing of all the community. Winkleigh has a lot to offer and by working together we can achieve all that is needed for ALL age groups.