This is a full copy of the final report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Committee of High Bickington Project 2000 gratefully acknowledges the help and support of many individuals and organisations without which we could not have undertaken this appraisal. Particular thanks are extended to the following: The Community Council of Devon for the advice and guidance given by its staff

The Key Fund, Devon County Council, Torridge District Council and High Bickington Parish Council for Financial Assistance and help from Officers

Mike Knight for his assistance in the setting up and analysis of the Appraisal Questionnaire

Shaun Carter for his work on the statistical analysis.

Walnut Bureau for the analysis of the 'Free Text' comments made in individual responses to the appraisal questions.

All the committee members of High Bickington Project 2000 for their many hours of tireless voluntary effort to bring this phase of their work to a satisfactory conclusion

And finally... to the residents of High Bickington Parish for the outstandingly high number of completed appraisal questionnaires returned

Committee Members:

Jeff Adams, David Brown, Barry Checksfield, Tracee Cullen, Lesley Davis, Ian Gibson, Derek Herniman, Rachel Phillips, Barbara Stewart, Avril Stone, Eric Stone and Peter Tucker.

Index of Contents

• Section 1 Executive Summary
• Section 2 Report of Findings, Statistical Analysis and Action Points
• Section 3 Analysis of 'Free Text' Comments
• Section 4 Survey of Local Business High Bickington

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The appraisal was conducted to provide the residents of the Parish of High Bickington with the opportunity to give their opinion of what they view as possible, necessary or lacking in the village, with particular emphasis on Little Bickington farm.

The major concerns registered centre on the need for a new primary school with the possibility of additional facilities for leisure activities, adult education services, functions etc, the need for affordable housing, the volume of traffic through the village and the problems of parking. Concern is also shown that the future expansion of the village, due to extra housing, will require the infrastructure to be enlarged to take account of the increase in population, employment prospects and extra traffic.

295 questionnaires were issued and a gratifying 72% (211) were returned completed, covering 512 people. This indicates the depth of interest shown by respondents to the future of the parish, including the desire to be part of the village community.

1. FARMERS/PRODUCERS MARKET
   A very large proportion of respondents indicate a desire for a local Farmers/Producers Market. Some 372 people (93.5%) are in favour, showing a strong preference for meat, fruit and vegetables together with dairy produce and home baked items.
2. COUNTRYSIDE IMPROVEMENTS
   Strong interest is shown in this section, with 98 people in favour of the creation of a Wild Life area. 215 want the verges kept tidy, 123 wish to see more trees planted. 229 want regular removal of litter and 139 want paths and bridleways signposted. 243 people wish to see Nature Reserves and open spaces. 238 of the respondents offered to join in a "Clean-Up of the Village Day".
3. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES/ENERGY
   223 people see the need for a new Public Toilet, whilst 140 do not. A huge number (380) indicate that they are prepared to separate their rubbish. 204 people indicate an interest in renewable energy, 260 want to see all overhead cables put underground.
4. THE SCHOOL
   333 people indicated that they viewed the primary school as being " Very important", whilst 235 think that the existing school facilities are below standard. The majority view is that a new school is required, probably on Little Bickington Farm, with additional facilities allowing the building to be utilised outside school hours for adult education, (279 seek training), sports facilities and function rooms.
5. CHURCH HALL
   303 people indicate the need for a replacement hall in the village, 172 respondents saying that the existing hall does not meet the present requirements adequately and should be expanded to cater for additional people.
6. HOUSING
   32 people indicate the need for alternative accommodation within the next ten years and that this should be broken down into: starter homes (to buy or rent), family homes, self-build houses, sheltered homes or residential care. 35 people claim to be unable to find suitable accommodation due to price, availability, or the lack of local authority housing.
7. TRAFFIC
   315 people feel the need for a car park in the village, whilst 329 see speeding traffic through the village as a growing problem. 223 are satisfied with the general state of the roads. 202 people identified other problem areas with roads.
8. MEDICAL
   Of 416 responses, 80 people seek medical attention outside the village, whilst 336 use the existing surgery. 219 people have difficulty finding other medical facilities such as a chemist, dentist, optician etc. Many people see the need for additional medical facilities, including blood donation (115), chiropody (60), dentist (153), and physiotherapy (83) and optician (80).

Report of Findings

Introduction

Following discussions between the County, District and Parish Councils during the early part of 2000 a Public Meeting was called to consider whether the Parish of High Bickington wished to be part of a 'Pilot Project' whereby local people might participate in deciding the future use of the County Council owned Little Bickington Farm.

The County Council had already decided that when the current tenancy of the farm expired it would not be re-let but would be declared 'surplus to requirements'. Usually County Council Officers would be required to dispose of the farm, by whatever means might be available, to achieve the highest financial return. On this occasion, however, bearing in mind the County Councils new and wider responsibilities to promote the use of sustainable building techniques and sources of renewable energy, it was decided to seek the views of local people about the farm's future.

The outcome of these early consultations was that 'High Bickington Project 2000', a not-for-profit voluntary organisation, was formed to work in partnership with the statutory authorities, consult local residents and identify possible ways forward.

The High Bickington Parish Appraisal is the first stage in this process and its results will provide solid information on which to plan to meet the future needs of the Parish and its residents over the next five to ten years. It will also be used to identify the kind of 'sustainable' developments that might take place at Little Bickington Farm.

The Appraisal was conducted in August/September 2001 when 295 questionnaires were delivered to every home in the Parish. A separate 'Business Survey' was distributed to 85 residents who were believed to operate a business either in, or from' the Parish. Residents in 211 (72%) of Parish households completed the 'Parish Appraisal' Questionnaires and 39 (46%) of businesses completed the 'Business Survey' forms. This very high rate of return not only demonstrates the willingness of local residents to participate in planning for the future but is also much higher than many comparable surveys.

Set out below are the findings of the 'Parish Appraisal'. These results are based on a statistical analysis of the questionnaires. A large number of additional 'free text comments', made on individual questionnaires, have been separately analysed and form part of the overall findings. Also included through the report are action points that will need to be followed up over the coming months. The findings from the 'Business Survey' have been separately analysed and are included as a separate section of the report.

Part 1: Household Section

211 Households completed this section.

N.B. Tables marked "Multiple Response" are likely to have percentages that total more than 100

Q1. Total Persons in Households Completing Appraisal

Q1. Breakdown of Persons Per Household

No. in Household : Total Households : %

Q2. Number of Males and Females Per Household

Q3. No. of Cars and Motorcycles

Total Vehicles
Total Households

Q3. No. of Cars/Vans Used on Weekdays

Total Cars/Vans : Total Households

No. of Vehicles Used per Weekday : 183 : 211

Q3. Where Vehicles are Parked

Multiple Response Question - 335 Total Responses, 12 Missing Cases, 199 Valid Cases

Q3. Vehicles (Cars/Vans/Motorcycles) per Household

Q4. Member Household Needing Alternative Accommodation

Q4. No. of People in Need of Alternative Accommodation

Q4. Accommodation Needed

Q5. Unable To Move to Accommodation Needed

Action Point: High Bickington Project 2000 to discuss issues with Torridge District and Devon County Councils with a view to meeting needs from existing housing stock or the inclusion of suitable facilities in any development of Little Bickington Farm.

Q6. Energy Saving Features

Action Point: Possible future project to ensure that energy saving schemes such as loft and cavity wall insulation together with schemes such as 'Staying Put' operated by Anchor Housing are fully publicised and maximum take-up achieved.

Q7. Moved From Parish in Last 5 Years

Q8. Where will Pre-school Children go to School

Q9. Reasons Why Children Cannot Do After School Activities

Action Point: Refer results for consideration by the Governing Bodies of High Bickington Church of England Primary School and Chulmleigh Community College.

Part 2: Personal Section 425 people participated in the completion of this section N.B. Tables marked "Multiple Response" are likely to have percentages that total more than 100. Q10. Male/Female

Q11. Age Breakdown by Gender

Q12. Interested in Taking Vocational/Adult Training Opportunities

Q12 a). Type of Training Needs Identified

Q12 b). Training Centres Within Reach

Action Point: Discuss results with Adult Education Personnel at Chulmleigh Community College in order to identify suitable courses and local venues where these educational and training needs can be met.

Q13. Importance of the Primary School

Q14. Need For A Nursery Class for 3 Year Olds

Q15. Are Current Primary School Buildings Suitable

Action Point: The issues raised in questions 13, 14 and 15 above should be referred for consideration by the Governing Body of High Bickington Church of England Primary School, the Diocesan Director of Education and the Director of Education for Devon County Council.

Q16. Additional Housing Needed

Q17. Acceptable Housing Development

Action Point: Information to be referred to Torridge District, Devon County and High Bickington Parish Councils. High Bickington Project 2000 to consider when developing proposals for Little Bickington Farm.

Q18. Location of Current Doctors Surgery

Q19. Difficulty Obtaining Services

Q20. Additional Local Medical Services Would Like To See Provided

Q's. 21-23. Health & Social Services

Q21. Problems Collecting Medicine

Q22. Voluntarily Care For Someone

Q23. Registered Disabled

Action Point: The results from questions 18 - 23 above should be referred to and discussed with local General Practitioners and Primary Care Trusts. Information should also be included in the 'Small Area Review' currently being undertaken.

Q24. Countryside Improvements

Action Point: Refer to Parish, District and County Councils. High Bickington Project 2000 to consider items for inclusion in any development of Little Bickington Farm.

Q25. Dog Mess Problem in Village

Action Point: Refer to Parish Council for action.

Q26. Replace Overhead Wires With Underground Cables

Action Point: Discuss with Public Utility Providers and other interested parties.

Q27. Standard of Services

Action Point: Results to be referred to appropriate authorities.

Qs 28 & 29 Environmental Questions Q28. Need A Public Toilet

Q29. Prepared to Separate Rubbish

Q30. Compost Garden/Household Rubbish

Would Use Community Compost Scheme

Action Point: Refer to Torridge District and High Bickington Parish Councils. Consider provision of Community Composting Scheme at Little Bickington Farm.

Q31. Interest In Renewable Energy

Action Point: Further exploration of this issue is required since the use of renewable energy systems will need to be central to any development of land and buildings at Little Bickington Farm.

Q32. Shop in Village/Use Mobile Services

Q32. Reasons For Use Of Shop/Mobile In Village

Q33. Use of Post Office

Action Point: Information to be given to local traders concerned.

Q34. Would Support a Farmers/Local Producers Market

Q34. Market Produce that would be bought

Action Point: See also the results of Business Survey. High Bickington Project 2000 to consider the formation of a working group with local producers to take this matter forward.

Q35. Need for a local CAB Session

Action Point: Inform local Citizens Advice Bureau Committee of these views.

Q36. Current Employment

Q37. Main Place of Work/Study

Q38. Seeking Paid Work

Q38. Types of Work Being Sought

Q39. Reasons for Turning down A Job Opportunity

Q40. Would Like to become Self Employed

Q40. Self Employed Restrictions

Q41. Should More Jobs Be Created

Q41. Types of Additional Employment that would be acceptable

Action Point: Ensure that the above points on current and suggested future employment types is referred to appropriate authorities and taken into account when considering future developments. Also note the high proportion of 'wholly retired' residents in the Parish.

Q42. Reaction to Workshops Proposal

Action Point: Refer to Torridge District and Parish Councils. Note free text comments about the siting of such developments.

Q43. Should More Tourists be Encouraged

Q43. Possible Types of Tourist Development

Action Point: All interested parties to consider when planning future development opportunities both at Little Bickington Farm and throughout the Parish.

Q44. Need For Additional Recreational Space

Action Point: Take into account when considering possible development of new educational and public buildings.

Q44. Participate in Activities

Action Point: Take into account when considering the possible development of new and existing Public Facilities. Refer for consideration by appropriate local organisations and Public Authorities.

Q45. Opinion of Existing Facilities

Action Point: Refer information received to Owners/Trustees of the facilities concerned.

Q46. Need for a New Village Hall

Q46. Site For A New Village Hall

Action Point: All parties concerned to agree the appropriate way forward.

Qs47-9. Environment Questions

Q47. Nature Reserve/Open Space/Picnic Area

Q48. Rent An Allotment

Q49. "Clean Up Village Day"

Action Point: Information gained from questions 47 and 48 to be taken into account when planning future developments at

Little Bickington Farm. Parish Council to note the excellent response to question 49 and make arrangements accordingly.

Qs50, 51, 52, & 54. Transport & Highways Questions

Q50. Speeding Traffic Problem

Q51. Other Traffic Related Problems

Q52. Satisfied With General State of Roads

Q54. Need A Car Park

Q53. Opinion on Facilities for Pedestrians

Action Point: Refer this information to the responsible authorities together with 'Free Text' comments.

Q55. Importance of Local Bus Services

Q56. Would use a "Community Bus"

Action Point: Explore the possibility of providing such a service in the future.

Q57. Importance of Village Churches

Q57. See Enough of Local Clergy

Q57 b) See Local Clergy Enough

Action Point: Send information to Local Clergy and Church Councils.

Please Note: Information regarding responses to questions 58, 59 and 60 is to be found in the 'Free Text' Analysis.

Analysis of 'Free Text' Comments

November 2001

Summary

The free text comments support the findings of the statistical analysis of the appraisal. The main issues concerning residents of High Bickington are the need for a new and larger primary school and village hall, the volume of traffic passing through the village and the number of cars within the village, the need for housing for local people, concern that the village will be overdeveloped and the future for Little Bickington Farm.

The majority of respondents feel that the primary school is outdated and cannot provide for the needs and number of children attending. Many are particularly critical of the small hard-surfaced playground, the poor kitchen and toilet facilities and the unsuitable classrooms. They are also concerned that the playing field is too far from the school. Most people responding to the appraisal say that Little Bickington Farm site would be an ideal site for a new school.

Many people also identify a need for a new village hall in High Bickington. The current hall in the centre of High Bickington village is considered too small and old to cope with the number of people wishing to use it and the range of activities. Little Bickington Farm is viewed as the most suitable location to site the new village hall by most respondents, although some people consider the alternative site at Mill Road, Barton Meadow to be better.

Traffic and parking issues are mentioned by many people in the free text sections of the appraisal. Most seem concerned about the volume of traffic passing through High Bickington on the B3217, parking on pavements and roadsides, the lack of a car park, the lack of pavements, and size of heavy goods vehicles. Many people say any development at Little Bickington Farm must include car parking.

Housing issues are raised by many High Bickington residents. People feel strongly that any future housing development in the village must be affordable for local people. Recent luxury developments have obviously caused some bad feeling in the village as the high price of homes has excluded local families and brought a large number of new people to the village. Villagers are concerned that the good qualities of High Bickington will be lost if large scale housing developments are permitted.

The future for Little Bickington Farm is an emotive issue and there is some feeling that the farm should remain a farm. Others believe the site represents a major opportunity and can be used to benefit the village. Suggestions for the site include building a new school and community hall with car parking facilities, providing a playing field and play area, planting community woodland and making a public footpath to the old playing field. The most popular suggestions for use of the farm buildings include converting them to affordable housing for local people and developing some as craft workshops and light industrial units.

The overwhelming feeling from the appraisal is the enormous affection that residents have for High Bickington village and parish and the pleasure people get from living here.

Introduction

In August 2001, 295 parish appraisal questionnaires were distributed to households in High Bickington parish. The High Bickington Community Appraisal seeks to assess the needs of the village and parish in terms of housing, transport, education and environment. 211 households returned completed questionnaires representing a very high return rate of 72%.

The statistical analysis of the questionnaire was carried out by an independent statistician from Devon County Council. Percentages given in this report represent the proportion of people who answered that particular question and not the percentage of the total number of people who took part in the appraisal.

This report is an analysis of the free text comments invited in the appraisal. In many cases these were supplementary to the statistical analysis and needed to be put in context with the statistical findings. Some questions resulted in purely statistical responses and some invited solely free text comments. Respondents often returned to the principal areas of concern such as housing, the school and traffic, throughout the appraisal whenever there was an opportunity to insert free text.

Households

1. Household Size
   The number of people making up households in High Bickington parish varies between one and seven. Nearly 50% of households (104) in the parish consist of two people, 19% (40) are single and 23% (49) are three or four person households.
   
2. Age and Gender
   512 people in the parish took part in the appraisal, 259 males and 247 females. 19% of people (98 people) living in High Bickington are aged 16 or younger. 27% of people (138 people) living in the parish are aged 60 or over. There are more males than females under the age of 21 and above the age of 60.
   
3. Ownership of Vehicles
   The 211 households which completed the appraisal own 328 cars and 13 motorcycles. 183 vehicles are used to travel to work or education each weekday. According to the survey, about 40% of the cars are parked in a garage, 51% are parked off the road and 9% (29 vehicles) are parked on the road.
   
4. Alternative Accommodation
   20 households in High Bickington parish have one or more members needing alternative accommodation. Nine people need new accommodation now, 11 people say they will need it in the next 3 years and a further 12 will need alternative accommodation in 4-12 years time. The accommodation needed includes nine starter homes to buy, three starter homes to rent, four family homes to buy, four self-build projects, two sheltered housing units and one residential care place. Two other accommodation needs identified in the appraisal are change from business to residential use for an existing structure, and "affordable housing".
   
5. Ability to Move
   The appraisal asked why people are unable to move to the accommodation they need. A total of 35 people replied to this question. 16 give price as the reason, 12 say lack of suitable housing stock, three say lack of local authority housing, another three say lack of other rented accommodation, and one person comments that they are "currently not allowed by the local authority".
   
6. Energy Saving Features
   Loft insulation is the most popular energy saving feature in properties in High Bickington. Of the 211 households surveyed, 182 (86%) have loft insulation, while 29 properties do not. 175 households (83%) have double or secondary glazing, 36 properties have neither double nor secondary glazing. 174 (82%) houses have lagged hot water tanks, and 37 properties do not. 54 properties (26%) have cavity wall insulation, while 157 do not have it. Two households have some form of solar energy in their houses. Other energy saving features listed include a wood burning cooker, a combination boiler, thick cob and stone walls, low energy light bulbs, draught excluders on all external doors and windows, warm floor insulation, and two people said they have insulation blocks in the external walls. Four households say they have no energy saving features in their properties.
   
7. Movement from Parish
   16 people say that a member of their household has moved from the village in the last five years. The appraisal asked the reason for the move; six people say lack of employment, four people say lack of suitable housing and eight people give other reasons for moving from the parish. These include divorce, that the person was a publican, for employment opportunities, to work abroad, because of transport (either distance or lack of) to/from work, that the person was living in a tied cottage and retired, to go to university, and for education.
   
8. Sending Children to Primary School
   16 families with pre-school children intend to send their children to High Bickington Primary School. One person will send their children to Umberleigh Primary School. Six other replies include two families who want to send their children to St Michael's in Tawstock, one to Chulmleigh School, one Torrington, one is undecided between Beaford and High Bickington and one intends to send their children to High Bickington play school.
   
9. After School Activities.
   20 people say their children cannot take part in after school activities for some reason. Six families say lack of public transport prevents them. A further six households say the distance between home and school is the problem. Three give road safety hazards as a reason, and five say that no suitable activities are offered.
   
10. Vocational and Adult Training
    188 people (47%) replying to the questionnaire would like vocational/adult training opportunities now or in the future. New technology or computer training is the popular subject, with 121 people expressing interest. 54 people are interested in skilled or craft training, 30 in professional or managerial training, 24 in rural and agricultural skills, 18 in clerical or secretarial training, 11 in technical subjects, and four in supervisory.
    17 people say they are looking for training in other areas, including counselling and social care (three people), child related courses and childcare (two), languages (two), policing, bookkeeping, teaching certificate, cookery, welding, sport, and first aid. Two others mention hobbies in general or say they would consider any training. One person does not specify the type of training.
    Barnstaple is the most popular training centre, 154 people (82%) say that they could get there. 120 people (64%) can reach Torrington, 109 people (58%) can reach Chulmleigh, 70 can reach Bideford and 39 say they can travel to Exeter. 9 people say they cannot reach any of these centres.
    
11. High Bickington Primary School
    383 respondents (94.5%) say that the primary school is important or very important. Only three people consider it not very important. 19 say they have no opinion.
    
12. Nursery Class for 3 Year Olds
    232 people (58%) say High Bickington needs a nursery class for three year olds. 37 respondents (9%) say it does not, of which two commented "no, because we have nursery facilities in the village at present, " and "a good community run playgroup in most cases is particularly beneficial - we must guard against pushing children into a school atmosphere too early or for our own convenience."
    
13. School Buildings
    235 people (57%) say the current school buildings are unsuitable compared with 48 people (12%) who think they are adequate. Of the 97 unprompted quotes only two people consider that the current school is "fine at the moment". Overwhelmingly, the school needs "modern buildings and technology with integral playground and car parking" and "better sports facilities".
    The additional comments are very consistent about the poor facilities. 53 people comment that the school building is too old, too small and inadequate for present day educational needs. Other criticisms about the building include the lack of assembly hall, lack of gym, inferior or absent library, poor dining facilities and the inadequate toilets facilities.
    25 people say that the classrooms are cramped, noisy and unsuitable for today's curriculum (especially science and technology) or for practical activities.
    38 people comment that the play area by the school is inadequate: "the playground is too small for the number of children who use it"
    Other concerns about the playground include the lack of places for children to sit or have outside lessons, the dangerous surface and lack of grass area, and that the fence is too low for ball games.
    28 people say that the sports field is too far away from the school for safe and easy reach.
    The location of the school near the centre of the village is also criticised, in particular the dangerous entrance and number of cars outside at the beginning and end of the school day.
    

    Housing

14. Additional Housing
    The appraisal asked what kind of additional housing is needed in High Bickington parish. 237 people (56%) say housing is needed for local people, 193 respondents (45%) want housing for young people, 115 (27%) say housing for low income families is needed, 108 people (25%) say housing for elderly people is needed, 72 (17%) say housing for people with disabilities is needed, and 32 want more large family houses. 53 people (12.5%) say that no new housing is needed in High Bickington.
    Four respondents comment that it is very important that any new housing is affordable for local people. Two people are concerned that recent developments are priced above local pockets, resulting in many new people coming to the village, while original residents are forced to leave: "no local people will be left if we continue with unaffordable housing".
    Two people say that any new housing development must fit in with the traditional appearance of the village: "any housing must be in keeping with the village".
    Three people suggest that a range of housing styles, cost and types are needed to maintain balance in the community: "(we need) to provide a range of housing to suit the needs of a mixed range of people for a balanced social community", and one person says any development must provide for the young, the old and families together.
    One person says sheltered housing is needed in High Bickington and another comments that if housing is provided for elderly people then "there should be no gardens as these are difficult to maintain".
    Two people feel there has already been sufficient development in High Bickington in recent yearsHousing development is also an area of concern, one person says "do not build unless very necessary, we will lose the village".
    Additional comments about housing in High Bickington are made in the final section (Q 60.) of the appraisal (see p29) and in Question 17 below.
    
15. Housing Development
    The appraisal asks what type of housing development would be acceptable in High Bickington. 248 people (58%) consider that conversion of redundant buildings is an acceptable form of housing development in High Bickington, 190 people (45%) say small groups of less than 10 houses would be acceptable, 130 people (31%) suggest having single dwellings in controlled locations, 27 people (6%) think that carefully designed larger groups would be acceptable, and 56 people have no opinion.
    30 people suggest other types of housing development. Five people are concerned about the cost of new housing, and say that High Bickington needs "low cost starter homes for local people on local wages".
    One person wants more bungalows, while another says "we need one four bedroom house on our own land". Other suggestions include flats as accommodation for single people, two bedroom houses for couples, small groups of starter homes, and specialist housing for elderly people. One person suggests a small number of self build houses and another says any development should be "50% housing society, 50% privately owned for young people".
    Two people emphasise again in their answer to this question that the housing mix must be balanced, "linked to (the) village to avoid segregation or isolation", and cater for the young, elderly and families combined.
    Five people reply that any housing development must be sympathetically designed. Two people say that acceptable development must fit in with the village and "definitely no more private housing estates out of character with local building".
    Two respondents want traditional cottages "of cob, stone, thatch and slate opening onto existing village streets, matching the old part of the village" and "not modern boxes".
    One person feels strongly that "large estates in villages should be a thing of the past... small groups allow ... the village to grow and sustain a thriving community."
    Two people repeat that they do not consider any development to be necessary. One asks "if there is a prediction for increased housing needs, what is this based on? Presumably it could also be researched as to what these 45 extra home dwellers might require".

    Health and Social Services

16. Doctor
    336 people (81%) use the doctor's surgery in High Bickington, 38 people (9%) say their surgery is in Barnstaple, and a further 36 people are registered in Torrington. Two people have a doctor in Chulmleigh, one in Black Torrington and one is currently registered in Torrington but plans to move to High Bickington soon. One person is registered with a doctor in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire.
    
17. Medical Services in High Bickington
    127 people (30%) say they often or occasionally have difficulty obtaining chemist services in High Bickington, 103 people (24%) say they often or occasionally have difficulty obtaining doctor's services, 82 people (19%) often or occasionally have difficulty reaching an NHS dentist in High Bickington, 64 people ( 15%) say they often or occasionally have difficulty visiting an optician and 64 (15%) people say they often or occasionally have difficulty getting to a hospital.
    32 people gave lack of the facility in High Bickington as the reason they could not obtain a service. Several of these mentioned that apart from an excellent doctor's surgery, the other services are badly needed in High Bickington.
    Transport was given as a major problem in obtaining medical services. Seven people mention transport difficulties in general, eight people say lack of public transport is the major cause of problems, the distance to services is listed by five people, and four people have trouble making appointments.
    Other reasons for difficulties in obtaining medical services include waiting times, that the chemist is never open when needed, and problems obtaining physiotherapy, family planning and NHS dentistry in High Bickington parish.
    One person says they always go to Barnstaple for medical services and another rarely used conventional medical facilities, "our family (prefers) to get treatment from a more holistic source - acupuncture, homeopathy and reflexology - none of which can be found in the parish."
    
18. Additional Medical Services
    153 (36%) people say High Bickington parish needs a dentist, 115 (27%) say there should be blood donor sessions, 83 people (19.5%) want physiotherapy, 80 people (19%) would like an optician in High Bickington, 61 seek chiropody services and 31 occupational therapy.
    Other medical services which people would like in High Bickington include a vets, a chemist shop, a chiropractor and osteopath and a breast and lung clinic. Two people would like a well-woman clinic, two people want first aid classes and one "an holistic healing centre".
    One person wants longer opening hours for the surgery. One person is very satisfied with the local amenities and another says they "very much appreciate having such a well equipped and staffed local surgery especially for a village this size. Many people in towns are not so fortunate"
    
19. Health and Social Service
    The vast majority of respondents, 339 people (82.5%), say they do not have any problems collecting medicines. Only 27 people say that they have problems collecting medicines, 26 people (6.5%) in High Bickington say they voluntarily care for someone and 16 people (4%) in High Bickington are registered disabled.

    Local Countryside

20. Countryside Improvements
    The five most frequently identified activities to improve the countryside are regular removal of litter (299 people, 70%), mowing and tidying roadside verges (215 people, 51%), repairing gates, stiles and bridges (139 people, 33%), signposting paths and bridleways (139 people, 33%), and planting more trees (123 people, 29%). 98 people (23%) suggested creating more wildlife areas, 95 (22%) want more footpaths and bridleways opened, and 48 (11%) say let the verges grow.
    One respondent suggests that new signposts should be placed on footpaths to indicate where they lead to and how far. Another suggests that a new footpath through Little Bickington Farm to the playing field would be an improvement.
    There is some difference of opinion whether hedges should be trimmed regularly or not trimmed until "fledglings have flown and blackberries finished". One person says the roadside verges should be kept as they are, "partly mown two to three times per year", one person says the "verges should be kept clear for vehicles, while the hedges should be kept for wildlife, while another says "let (the) verge grow for wildlife, but lanes must be cut for safe driving"
    Two people recommend that a new community deciduous woodland would be an environmental improvement. One person thinks that "removal of bracken and ragwort" would make the local countryside better.
    The roads and traffic concern many people, suggestions include fewer roads, more bridleways, reducing traffic speed, parking cars in drives or garages rather than on roads, and that car drivers should be more aware that "people are walking in our narrow roads". The A377 concerns one person, who suggests that it should be widened and lorries should be prevented from taking the short cut through to Atherington.
    Two respondents think that heavy agricultural equipment is "eroding hedges and damaging verges" on narrow lanes, and say "agricultural equipment is getting larger and larger. Lanes cannot accommodate both machines and pedestrians and consequently people suffer"
    Other suggestions for environmental improvements include clearing drains to prevent flooding, reducing artificial lighting and unnecessary road signs, making easier access to the riverbank, providing more rubbish bins in the village and on the playing field, filling road potholes and emptying the recycling pavilion more frequently.
    
21. Dog Mess
    237 respondents (58%) believe that dog mess is a problem in High Bickington. Of these 156 (66%) say the problem could be solved by providing dog litter bins, 99 (42%) say that notices for owners attention should be used, and 144 (61%) say High Bickington should request more enforcement visits. Two people suggest that dog owners should have to buy a licence to "cover cost of clearing up and having dog bins". One person suggests better enforcement of dog fouling fines. One person suggests that notices should be put in the most used and abused spots, "Do not let your dog mess here!" and another says the village should "educate dog owners".
    
22. Overhead Wires and Underground Cables
    260 people (65%) say that if possible overhead wires should be replaced with underground cables, 35 (9%) think it unnecessary, and 107 have no opinion. Two people are concerned about the expense of burying wires, and one of them asks "who will pay for this?"

    Emergency and Other Services

23. Standard of Services
    Most people are fairly happy with the services provided in High Bickington. People say there is room for improvement in street cleaning (170 people or 40% say this is poor), winter weather service (125 or 30% say this is poor), and policing (100 or 24% say this service is poor).
    Two people think the street lighting is too bright, and one person says that although they have no evidence, they are worried that the response time for emergency services "is likely to be a problem".
    
24. Public Toilets
    223 people (54%) in High Bickington think a public toilet is needed, 140 (34%) think not and 54 have no opinion.
    Potential problems of cleaning and vandalism are raised in the appraisal. One person says although they think High Bickington does need a public toilet, "it would be unpleasant for neighbours and we would need funding to employ a cleaner". Two people are concerned about the problem of vandalism, saying a public toilet "would become a focal point for damage and anti-social behaviour". Another does not know who would use them, "the village is mainly residential, so who would need them?"
    
25. Recycling Rubbish
    380 people (93%) say they would separate their rubbish for recycling and only 28 (7%) say they would not.
    
26. Composting
    189 people (46%) compost their garden and kitchen waste, 221 (54%) do not. 161 people (74%) say they would often or occasionally use a communal composting scheme, 57 say they would never use it. Two people give reasons why not: one lives too far out of the village and the other family composts their own waste at home.
    
27. Renewable Energy
    Renewable energy interests 204 people (50%), compared to 107 (26%) who say they are not interested, while 98 have no opinion.
    Although people are in favour of renewable energy sources, four people specifically say "not wind turbines". One person qualifies their support for renewable energy as "only if financially viable and really green".

    Retail and Other Services

28. Shopping in High Bickington
    155 people (37%) say they shop or use mobile retail services in High Bickington on a daily basis, 166 people (40%) say that they use local shops weekly, 25 monthly and a further 52 say they use local shops less frequently. Only 17 say that they never use shops in High Bickington.
    The appraisal examined the reasons for using local shops. 336 people (83%) say convenience of location, 291 (72%) like to support local shops, 262 (64%) need last minute items, 241 (59%) say hours of opening, 175 (43%) say they save on transport costs, 171 (42%) enjoy the personal service, 148 (36%) use local shops to save time and 119 (29%) use local shops for the good stock range.
    Other reasons given for using local shops include "to keep the shop open", and the availability of mobile shops. One person particularly likes the fish and chip van. One person says "I just happen to be near" and another does not use local shops but says "if we lived in the village we would support the shop".
    
29. Post Office
    The appraisal looked at why people use the Post Office. 334 (79%) use postal services, 150 people (35%) purchase their TV licence and pay other bills, 92 (22%) use the Post Office to get their pension or other allowances. 38 use Giro bank services and 28 other banking services and 14 obtain information leaflets.
    17 people gave other reasons for using the Post Office. Three people said for greetings cards, two people said for payment of bills, one person buys sweets at the Post Office, one says they buy books and one obtains official forms. One person replies that they use it just because they live near. Three people say they live too far away to use High Bickington Post Office and one respondent says they only use it occasionally because of working hours.
    
30. Farmers or Local Produce Market
    From the appraisal 372 people (94%) say they support the establishment of a local farmers or producers market. Vegetables are the most popular item, with 326 people (82%) saying they would buy vegetables from a farmers market. 308 people (77%) would buy fruit, 294 (74%) say dairy produce, 276 (69%) say meat, 217 (55%) say home baked produce and 85 would buy craft items. Other potential purchases include organic produce, plants, flowers, seeds, and wooden hurdles. Two people say that it would depend on the price and quality of the produce.
    
31. Citizens Advice Bureau
    100 people (25%) say a citizens advice bureau is needed in the parish, 144 (36%) say it is not and 162 have no opinion.

    Employment

32. Employment
    The largest group of people (123) in High Bickington are wholly retired accounting for 30% of respondents. 97 people (24%) are employed full time, 68 (17%) are self employed, 47 (12%) are employed part time, 36 (9%) are in full time education and 24 people (6%) are unwaged. Five people say they are unemployed, two are on a government training scheme and seven are permanently sick or disabled. One person says they "work from home for a few hours a week".
    
33. Main Place of Work or Study.
    85 people (30%) work from home and 21 (7%) work or study elsewhere within the parish. 96 people (34%) travel outside the parish but within 10 miles to get to work or study, 48 travel between 11 and 30 miles each day and 17 people travel more than 30 miles. 18 people say their work or study is based at various destinations.
    
34. Seeking Paid Work
    The appraisal asked people who are not in paid employment whether they are seeking work. 10 people say they are and 176 (95%) say they are not.
    All those seeking paid work are looking for part time positions. Four of the people seeking paid work are looking for part time or full time positions. Four are looking for unskilled work, three for semi skilled manual work and two for professional or managerial positions.
    
35. Reasons for Turning Down a Job
    The appraisal asked for the reason if a job or training opportunity was turned down. 11 people say because of lack of transport, nine give family commitments, five lack of child care, and three cost of child care. A further three give other reasons for turning down a job but do not explain them.
    
36. Self Employment
    Eight people are considering becoming self employed in the next 12 months. The appraisal asked which issues most concern them about self employment. Four people are concerned about lack of start-up finance, four people say lack of contacts, three people say lack of premises, two people are worried that they lack required technical skills and one person lacks confidence.
    
37. Jobs in the Village
    267 people say that they would like to see more jobs becoming available in the village and parish.
    The appraisal asked what sort of additional employment would be acceptable. Jobs in agriculture, fishing and forestry have the most support, listed by 154 people. 124 people consider jobs in the horticulture and garden centre sector as acceptable, 90 say education, 80 say information technology, 73 say distribution, hotel, catering and repairs, and 61 say building services. Manufacturing is acceptable to 44 people, office facilities by 39 people, and transport and communications by 33.
    23 people mentioned other areas of acceptable employment including art and craft, engineering, 'new media', small-scale craft workshops (three people), the sports sector, child minding, horse riding, paper round or leaflet delivery, and police. One person suggested creating workshops for the self-employed. One person recommended developing a larger village shop combined with a post office. Several were concerned that additional employment development did not make the village into a "centre or town".
    
38. Light Industrial or Craft Workshops
    The appraisal asked what the reaction would be to a proposal for a few small-scale light industrial or craft workshops in the village. 240 (62%) people are in favour of them, 68 people are against and 79 have no opinion.
    Four people are concerned about the siting of any light industrial development. One person is against the development of a green field site, another says it should not be near the traffic calming area. One person is suspicious of the wording of the question, "few and craft - what does this mean?"
    
39. Tourism
    224 (57%) people say that more tourists should be encouraged to come to High Bickington, 93 say they should not and 79 have no opinion.
    A visitor attraction, such as a working farm or eco tourism, is the most popular amenity to encourage tourists, listed by 161 people (62%). 147 people (57%) suggest bed and breakfast accommodation, 99 think a guest house will encourage tourists, 85 suggest a campsite, 41 say an hotel and 18 people suggest a permanent caravan site.
    Other suggestions to encourage tourists to come to High Bickington parish include the development of local crafts and history in a small museum or visitor centre, walks using guide booklets, horse riding, fishing lakes, self catering holiday accommodation, country fairs, village fetes and agricultural shows. Several people suggest opening a tea shop to attract visitors, another recommends a picnic site to bring tourists. One person says that the local sites of interest, such as the church and the golf club, attract visitors.
    One person suggests developing a wildlife study centre. One ambitious resident suggests opening a theme park with an indoor swimming pool "like Centre-Parcs". Other comments are that improving the look of the village will encourage more visitors, and that before encouraging tourists High Bickington needs "a car park, loos and a cafe".
    Negative concerns are that increased visitor numbers might encourage building, and that "traffic would be a nightmare and the village would disappear". Two other people are also concerned that encouraging of tourists will bring more traffic and congestion. One person comments "we feel there are enough of these facilities in the area".

    Sport and Leisure

40. Recreational Space
    The appraisal asked if the village needs additional indoor and outdoor space for recreation. 317 people (79%) say additional space is needed for indoor and outdoor activities, 26 say it is not. 58 have no opinion. The top six activities are swimming, keep fit, badminton, painting, drawing and sculpture, tennis and short mat bowls. Activities in order of popularity are shown below. Table: Activities by popularity
    Swimming : 116
    Keep fit/Tai Chi/Yoga : 102
    Badminton : 74
    Painting/drawing/sculpture : 68
    Tennis : 66
    Short mat bowls : 52
    Football : 47
    Snooker : 42
    Luncheon club : 42
    Cricket : 41
    Photography : 39
    Clay pigeon shooting : 32
    Archery : 31
    Needlecraft : 28
    Netball : 24
    Judo/Martial arts : 22
    Bingo : 20
    BMX facility : 16
    Skateboard : 14
    Cubs/Scouts : 12
    Volleyball : 11
    Hockey : 11
    Bridge : 11
    Rollerblade : 9
    Chess 6

    35 people give other suggestions for activities, including skittles (two people), basketball, mountain biking (two people), bicycling in general, table tennis (two people), horse riding and the care of horses (four people), motor sport, dancing, music club, bowling club, rural crafts (eg felt making and spinning), ecological studies and wildlife.
    One person suggests building an all weather recreational pitch and another a hall for all sports activities, parties and meetings.
    One person is concerned that any additional activities should not negatively affect the ones High Bickington already has.
    Two people feel that the present facilities are not used to capacity and ask "why build more?" Another says that there are insufficient "people in the village to support additional indoor or outdoor (recreational facilities) on a large scale".
    

41. Village Facilities and Need for a New Village Hall
    The reaction to current village facilities is mixed.

    Church Hall
    151 people (36%) think that the church hall is good or reasonable, 172 (41%) think that it is poor.
    The comments are fairly consistent about what is wrong with the hall. 35 people say that it is not large enough: "the village (church) hall is too small to meet the village requirements" and "the church hall cannot accommodate or cater for adequately large numbers of people."
    The lack of facilities in the church hall concern 12 people, particularly the poor kitchen and toilets.
    Parking problems around the hall are mentioned by eight people and nine people say that it is old, out of date and in need of repair, and is "not suitable for modern events".
    The hall location in the middle of the village is seen as a problem by five people; "the hall needs to be in a location that can have meetings/sport/activities and noisy parties for adults and children".
    Other concerns are that it is damp, it needs an alcohol licence (two people), it lacks storage (two people) and there are too many restrictions from the Parochial Church Council committee. One person suggests that the village (church) hall should be licensed to hold weddings.
    When asked if the village and parish needs a new village hall, 303 people (74%) are positive that it does and only 33 (8%) think it does not. 72 people have no opinion.
    The favourite location for a new village hall is to have a combined education and community facility at Little Bickington Farm, recommended by 194 people (70%). 69 people think that Mill Road would be a better site and 13 people suggest other locations.
    One person says that the Parish Council and Pearce's have already agreed that Mill Road should be the location. One person asks why the appraisal question implies that a 'combined education/community facility' can only be located at Little Bickington Farm rather than on Mill Road. One person says "not on the estate", another recommends locating the hall at Mill Road under certain conditions: "we support a new village hall for the site in Mill Road provided there is ample car parking and that means not in the road. If this cannot be guaranteed a new hall must go on a bigger area at Little Bickington Farm".
    Other suggestions include building a new hall off Wardens Close in Fountains Field, in the field next to the Golden Lion, or on the sports field (two people), while one person replies generally "somewhere in the village".

    Children's Playground
    158 people (38%) think that the children's playground is good or reasonable and 155 think it is poor.
    There appears to be some confusion in the responses to the appraisal between the school playground and the play area by the sport's field.
    The main complaint about the play area is its distance from the village, 17 people refer to this as a problem: "we need a children's play area in the village, not out of it" and "the playground should be on the site provided, central to the village". This presumably refers to the Barton Meadow site. One person feels it unfair that the play area is for '11 and under' and bars older children.
    14 people think the playground is too small and eight people say its facilities are inadequate or non-existent. The dangerous surface and lack of grass area is mentioned by six people. One person says the railings are unsuitable for ball games. One person complains that the playground causes "unnecessary noise for residents". Finally one respondent points out that the playground has a notice limiting access to schoolchildren, when it should say it is available to all village children.

    The Meeting Point
    The reaction to the Meeting Point is very favourable; 155 people (37%) think it is good, 76 (18%) think it is reasonable and only 18 consider it poor. The only comment concerning the Meeting Point is that "it is too small".

    Public Houses
    265 people (65%) in the village think the two public houses are good or reasonable, 35 think they are poor. One respondent says: "two (public houses are) more than enough". Three people think the pubs are dirty and run down and "lacking in ambience". One person compares High Bickington pubs unfavourably to the pub at Chittlehampton. Two people note that the pubs lack gardens or parking: "pubs need gardens to encourage families".

    Golf Course
    People have a good opinion of the golf course; 161 (38%) think it is good, 77 (18%) think it is reasonable and only seven people say it is poor.
    There are few other comments about the golf course. One person feels that the golf course is "not for locals" and another complains that it is "too dear".

    Sports Field
    241 people (57%) say the sports field is good or reasonable, and 67 think that it poor.
    11 people say the sports field is too far away from the village, especially for children, and that access is poor. Five people complain about the sloping site. Two people are concerned about dog mess on the sports field. One person suggests that the sports field needs better viewing facilities. Two people say it is difficult to use the same field for cricket and football: "cricket may be OK for footballers, for cricketers (football is).. terrible"

    Environment

42. Environment Issues
    243 people (62%) want nature reserves, open spaces and picnic areas in the village, 57 do not and 91 have no opinion.
    47 people would like to rent an allotment in the village. One person says they would not be interested because they have a large garden.
    238 people (62%) would take part in a 'clean up our village' day. One 80 year old resident comments that he already works hard to clean up the village: "I ..sweep.. the verge outside of the garden wall. Much damage and mess is caused by traffic and (the) narrow road".

    Transport and Highways

43. Speeding Traffic
    329 people (80%) think speeding traffic is a problem in the parish, 51 do not and 29 have no opinion.
    Traffic causes the greatest problem in North Road in general, mentioned by 121 people. Along North Road particular areas of concern include both entrances to the village (12 people), the traffic calming at the junction with Barton Meadow (seven) , the junction at Wardens Close (three), the junction at Pound Lane, the junction with Back Lane, outside the village shop (five), the junction with the High Street (three), the junction with Nethergrove Lane (three), and Cross Park (three).
    Traffic around the school, Mill Lane and the High Street particularly concerns 12 people. Eight people are worried about speeding traffic in the Barton Meadow area. The road to the golf club which has no pavement is mentioned by 11 people.
    Other traffic concerns are Pound Lane (three), the A377 (two), Kingford Hill (three), the road through Ebberley (two), and the road to Vauterhill.
    General concerns are the "back lanes" and "narrow country roads" which are mentioned by 11 people and five people say that traffic speed is a problem "throughout the village".
    
44. Other Traffic Problems
    202 people think there are other traffic related problems. 38 people mention parking, including people parking on pavements, people restricting roads by parking and the lack of off-road parking. Specific areas where parking is a problem include Barton Meadow (three people), North Road (five), and the High St and Poplar Terrace junction.
    12 people dislike the traffic calming in the village, with frequent mentions of speed restricters in Barton Meadow and the chicane at the Atherington side of the village. However one person suggests adding speed bumps along the main road to slow the traffic.
    10 people think that heavy lorries are too large for the narrow lanes. Two people suggest a complete ban on large lorries coming through the village and two people are concerned about the size of agricultural machinery using the lanes.
    The narrowness of the roads concerns 11 people. Visibility round corners, past parked cars, and in narrow lanes is also a problem for some. One person suggests better hedge trimming and the use of mirrors on blind junctions. The lack of pavements, especially along the main road, is mentioned by five people.
    Other concerns include clearer road signs, fewer road signs (two), potholes (two ), the danger from stones on verges outside houses, litter and pollution from vehicles, death to wildlife, "hunt followers in 4x4s" and "the young leaving in cars after closing time". Finally one person calls for a new main road into the village "over Little Bickington Farm, so the fire engine can get in".
    
45. State of the Roads
    223 people say they are satisfied with the general state of the roads in the village and parish and 143 say they are not. Two people gave further comments. One says the roads are "bumpy" and another person says there are too many pot holes, and particularly "the road to Langridgeford needs hedge trimming desperately".
    
46. Pedestrians
    14 people in the parish think facilities for pedestrians are good, 183 think they are reasonable and 177 think they are poor.
    General criticisms include parked cars in general (six people) and parking on the pavements (four), the lack of pavements (15), lack of pavements for wheelchair use, poor road surfaces, speed of traffic, lack of passing places (two) and hedges not regularly trimmed (two).
    50 people feel that North Road is a particular problem for pedestrians. Issues on North Road include the shop area (six people) and children crossing from the bus stop to the shop, parked cars (two) and parking on pavements, the indistinct and uneven footpath marked by the wall adjoining Corfe Close, the area from the village shop to Nethergrove Lane (two), Cross Park (three), the exit from High Street, the lack of pavement on the road to the playing field (six) and beyond to Libbaton (two), and large lorries.
    Other places considered poor include the High St (two), Mill Road (three), the school and church area (three), Barton Meadow, Highfield Close and the A377 at Kingford.
    The size of vehicles is a problem for pedestrians, with comments that heavy goods vehicles are too large for the lanes (four people) and farm machinery is too large. One person says "huge haulage vehicles are eroding the hedges and verges and making it difficult to walk along the roadside".
    One respondent thinks "the whole village should be double yellow lined" except for areas outside the shop and surgery.
    
47. Car Park
    315 people (77%) think the village needs a car park, 57 people think it does not and 37 have no opinion.
    Three people are sceptical whether a car park would be used and therefore whether it would solve any parking problems. One person says "I doubt if (it would be) used owing to vandalism, a few won't wish to walk ...any distance". One person says they think a car park is a good idea but asks "do we want double yellow lines?"
    
48. Bus Service
    The reliance on private cars is emphasised by the 217 people (31%) who do not consider that the local bus service is important to them. 126 people reply that it is important and 61 hold no opinion. 10 people use the bus service more than 20 times a month, six from 11-20 times, 18 people use it 5-10 times a month and 14 less than 5 times a month. 272 people never use the service.
    Although many people would rather use private cars, the bus service is still important to the young and to the old. One respondent says: "currently (we) never (use it) but as children grow older they would use it". Another says "less than 5 (times a month now), but more often as we age". One person finds that the limited timetable and destinations discourage use: "buses need to be more frequent and (go to) more destinations, then we would consider using them".
49. Community Bus
    20 people say they would often use a community bus and 162 say they would occasionally use it. 204 say they would never use it, but as one person points out "it is very important for non-drivers".

    The Church

50. Village Churches
    The appraisal looked at the role of the village churches in High Bickington. 166 people consider that village churches are important for Sunday worship, 257 do not. 223 people think that village churches are important for baptisms, weddings and funerals, 200 do not. 248 people think that village churches are important as historic buildings, 175 do not. 203 people think that every village should have a church, 220 people do not.
    Some people value village churches for other reasons, such as the peace of the churchyard and as a quiet place to find peace of mind, as a sign of Christian culture, a communal meeting place, for other village activities involving the joint churches and for house guests wishing to worship. One responded simply "they enhance a village".
    127 people say they see the local clergy often enough, 99 do not and 137 have no opinion. One person comments "there should be one resident in every village", another has only seen the local clergy "once in 21 years" and one person is obviously not concerned "never see - don't need to".
    

    Likes and Dislikes
    The appraisal asked residents what they most liked and most disliked about living in High Bickington.

51. Like Most about Living in High Bickington
    Friendliness is the overwhelming quality of High Bickington, 73 people specifically referred to how friendly the village is. Typical comments include that High Bickington people are "supportive in times of difficulty", "pleasant to talk to", "caring" and "welcoming".
    36 people say they like the community spirit in High Bickington; as one resident says "everyone helps one another and always has time to spare".
    54 people mention the peace and quiet of the village and area. The beautiful countryside is enjoyed by 30 people and another 28 say they like the rural farming environment of the area.
    The village itself is viewed as a particular bonus by 32 people, who think that High Bickington is safe, has a relatively low crime rate, has most of the "necessary tradespeople", is a good place to bring up children, has a good school, has a doctor's surgery, has a shop, Post Office, churches and pubs, and has a "good variation of ages, babies to elderly". Other positive features are that High Bickington is good socially, has well organised sports teams and a golf course.
    Many people also enjoy its accessibility and convenience, nine people comment on the close proximity to Barnstaple and other towns.
    Fear that the idyllic environment will disappear is expressed by two people in particular, as one says "don't change it to something that is not a village as many others have done. If you spoil it then no one will want to stay or visit and you will have a lot of facilities for strangers and no community spirit. Memories are perfect from living in High Bickington and not yet spoilt".
52. Dislike Most about Living in High Bickington
    37 people mention traffic issues as the factor they least like about living in High Bickington, these include the volume of traffic passing through, heavy lorries, parking in and around the village and poor state of the roads. Two people say "10 years from now we will be pressing for a by-pass". Seven people comment on the poor public transport in High Bickington, particularly in the evening, it is infrequent and goes to limited destinations.
    19 people comment on the lack of facilities and amenities in the village, these include the lack of a "decent village hall", lack of a sports hall and swimming pool, "nothing to do in the evenings but go to the pub", "no decent eating place", lack of additional medical services such as dentist or physiotherapist, and lack of a safe play area for children.
    12 people find the inaccessibility difficult, specific problems listed include remote shops and entertainment; the distance from hospitals and vets, the distance to a railway station, isolation of elderly people, distance to travel to work, or for children's activities, the expense of living in the country ("you have to add petrol costs to everything"), the distance to Exeter, the distance from the coast, and "having to drive everywhere".
    There is some feeling against 'newcomers', seven people say they dislike new people coming to the village. The main reason appears to be that house prices are pushed beyond the reach of local people by competition from people moving to the area. One person says that they dislike "too many people from outside moving here and not using local faciities...(and) not getting involved in community projects".
    Three 'newcomers' say they feel they do not fit in. One person says they dislike "being treated as an outsider after 30 years in the parish".
    Six people dislike the recently built houses, which are too expensive for locals, use inappropriate housing styles and use up too much space "for large expensive concrete jungles".
    Five people complain about dog mess in the village and on the sports field.
    Other dislikes include the weather, agriculturally spoiled roads, gossip, children playing with toy guns, untidiness, development of greenfield sites, road signs, lack of countryside to walk in, the hunt, sharing the sports field with footballers, no mains gas, power cuts and surges, "noisy young people", too high rates and "poor parish council".

    The Future Needs of the Village and Little Bickington Farm
    The appraisal asked for further suggestions or comments on the future needs of the village and parish and on possible uses for the land and buildings at Little Bickington Farm. 98 people gave comments, some providing very detailed and ambitious plans.
    Several people are very worried about development in the village, with appeals not to "let the village grow too big" and fears that new development will increase traffic problems: "the village is a pleasant place to live because of the size it is. Great care should be taken to ensure that any future development is on a scale that doesn't destroy the feel of the village".
    Some people feel that the demand for better amenities is incompatible with living in the country: "surely a lack of facilities is part of living in a village or else you would live in a town'. Several people feel very strongly that Little Bickington Farm should remain as a farm, another six say it should be used for "agricultural purposes" in some form, such as a small working farm, a working farm producing goods for local people and employing local people, a training college for young farmers, or smallholdings for young farmers. One person suggests that if it cannot remain an independent farm then the land should be attached to Lower Farm.
    Most suggestions for changing the use of the site include a spread of functions such as building a new school, community hall, workshops, low cost housing, sports and play and leisure area, and woodland.

    School
    The need for a new school is a major priority for many people. 37 people suggest that the Little Bickington Farm site would be ideal for a new primary school. Two people also recommend that nursery facilities and a creche are attached to the school.

    Village and Community Hall
    37 people think a new village hall is needed, 35 suggest that Little Bickington Farm would provide an excellent site. 18 of these people say that the hall should be multi-purpose providing a community centre and facilities for the school and the whole village: "a community building including school, hall, meeting rooms, doctors surgery (and) sports facility must surely be the most cost effective and beneficial way forward".
    People also feel strongly that a new hall must take into account all members of the community: "the new village hall needs to be in a location that allows all social events, (parties and discos as well as jumble sales and coffee mornings) ...and needs to be suitable for all the community to use (children and older members of the village)".
    Suggestions for use of the new hall include hall with stage, meeting and function room, information technology centre, resource centre, sports hall, doctors surgery and medical room, library, and room for Citizens Advice Bureau and police surgery.
    One person recommends that the village hall should be sited to the east of Little Bickington to provide access from the B3217. Another suggests that road access and parking is considered before a new hall is built.

    Car Park and Toilets
    Assuming that Little Bickington Farm is developed, 14 people say car parking facilities must be provided. One person suggests that the car park could be used to hold a farmers market, another says public toilets need to be provided next to the car park.

    Sport and Leisure Facilities
    36 people call for improved leisure facilities in High Bickington with the Little Bickington Farm site seen as the obvious location.
    Eleven people want a new playing field, with suggestions including a new cricket pitch (to separate it from the football field) with a new pavilion, a netball ground, a tennis court and all weather surface.
    Eight people call for a sports hall to be built at Little Bickington Farm, with two suggesting that it is attached to the school. One person recommends that a general recreational building is constructed for all sports needs and for leisure classes.
    Five people would like to see a swimming pool provided on the site, preferably indoor. Ten people say the site is perfect for a children's play area and adventure playground. Other suggestions include a gym for local people and an activity camp for children.

    Housing
    A number of respondents are extremely concerned about any housing development on the Little Bickington site or anywhere in High Bickington. Ten people say "no new houses", three people say "no more development", three people say "no more second homes", two people say "only very small scale development", two people say "no large houses" and one demands no new "Pearce's development".
    27 people accept the need for new housing in the village. The vast majority are extremely keen that any housing development is for local people: "we need local people to have the chance to stay here".
    Seven people call for low cost starter homes. Other housing needs include affordable four-bed houses, two and three-bed homes, houses for second time buyers, rental housing, and retirement homes and sheltered housing for the elderly (three).
    Four people say they would be very interested in self build homes, ideally with plots of one acre or more. Alternative build houses using traditional materials and eco houses are of interest to four people. One respondent suggests that a development of modular houses to grow with the family should be allowed.
    Only two people see the need for any large scale housing development, one suggests small groups of houses round the village and another suggests that 45 houses should be sited to the east of Little Bickington Farm.
    16 people say the buildings at Little Bickington Farm should be converted into houses for local people. Seven of these say they should be low cost starter homes. Three of these say they should be sold on leasehold with priority for local people. One person suggests shared equity housing and one suggests that ownership is retained by a housing trust.

    Community Woodland and Recreational Area
    Eight people would like to see a community wood planted on the Little Bickington Farm site, and particularly "english traditional trees for future generations". Another person suggests planting a fruit orchard.
    Four people suggest that a new footpath should be made through Little Bickington Farm to the current playing field. One person says the footpath should be dog free. Two people would like to see picnic areas, and two would like to see a quiet area for study and contemplation. Another two would like Little Bickington Farm developed into a park and walking area, with facilities for cycling and horse riding with no traffic.
    Three people suggest developing a village green area, one person would like a pond and two want a well stocked fishing lake.
    Six people recommend that the land at Little Bickington Farm becomes a wildlife and nature reserve and a conservation area. Another two people suggest developing the farm as a school farm and rural studies unit with one suggesting putting dormitories in the redundant buildings for visiting Devon schools. One says a "woodland burial site would be useful". Another suggests using the site as a field study centre to cover wildlife, ecology, natural resources, art and photography.

    Light Industry, Workshops and Craft Centre
    Two people are against any light industrial development at Little Bickington Farm.
    In contrast several people call for some craft and industrial development (alongside some housing). Eight people suggest placing light industrial units and workshops in the redundant buildings at Little Bickington Farm and four people think it would be ideal for craft workshops and a craft centre. One person suggests using part of the buildings for office accommodation.

    Environmental Projects
    In addition to the interest in eco housing, 13 people make other recommendations for environmental projects on the Little Bickington Farm site: " a bold approach to renewable and sustainable energy should be followed".
    Options suggested include a renewable and sustainable energy project (three), wind energy (two), solar or biomass system (four) (with one suggestion of the bottom of Little Bickington land at Vauterhill as the appropriate site), solar energy project (two), microturbine development (two), community composting scheme (three), recycling (three), a hydroponics garden, and the "woodland could supply renewable fuel sources".
    Independent of any development at Little Bickington Farm one person suggests that eco-friendly vehicles should be encouraged by providing gas filling and electricity charging facilities in the village. Another person calls for greater use of private drainage.

    Other Uses for Little Bickington Farm
    There are a large variety of other suggestions for using the Little Bickington Farm buildings and land. Several people suggest developing a tourist attraction such as a camp site or "city break holiday development" focusing on old rural crafts. Three people suggest using the site for a farmers market and another two suggest a farm shop.
    Other ideas include a fish farm, theme park, cafe, tea rooms, a conference centre with overnight accommodation, and full time medical centre (2).
    One person recommends that the Little Bickington site is reclassified as a brown field site and developed accordingly and "other farms within the village boundaries should also be classified as brown field sites and incorporated into village development plans for the future".
    One respondent suggests setting up an ambitious management structure to oversee the development of Little Bickington Farm including a housing management team and employment team.

    Old School and Village Hall Site
    Five people say that the current school building should be converted back into accommodation, either as almshouses for the elderly (2), general housing for the elderly (2), or flats for the elderly. One person think the building should be converted into starter homes. Two people think the playground should become a car park with toilets, one of whom thinks the church hall should be demolished and included into the car park. One person suggests that it should be "a pretty area of the village" and another says it could be "replanted as a village green".

    General Comments
    Six respondents mention transport problems in High Bickington. One person says the current problems need to be sorted out before any more development generates more traffic. Three others are also concerned about future development increasing traffic through the village. One respondent says there must be "bus access to service any new school". Others call for better public transport, demand that speeding traffic is sorted out, and request a by-pass (two people). One person suggests positioning traffic cameras at either end of the village: "(these would) cure speeding overnight and would only have to be fitted with film once in a while to be effective".
    Two respondents think the police should be more visible in High Bickington village, either a resident constable or more police patrols.
    A number of people comment on development at Barton Meadow. One person says the village hall should be sited at Barton Meadow, one person suggests that public toilets are built at Barton Meadow and one person recommends that any future housing in the village is sited at Barton Meadow. Two people say that the Barton Meadow community land should be retained as a children's play area: "it seems that there is an enthusiastic committee who are keen to ensure that play provision is available for small children in a safe environment".
    Other suggestions on future village needs include an improved library; a farmers' co-operative to supply local food, and car parking, toilets and a small picnic site opposite the village shop. Finally one resident suggests that a 50p levy on each household each week would raise money for the village.

BUSINESS SURVEY

Introduction

As part of the High Bickington Parish Appraisal, undertaken in August 2001, a separate survey questionnaire was sent to 85 residents in the Parish who were believed to run a business in, or from, the Parish of High Bickington. The survey gathered specific information and views about:

• the types of business being operated;
• issues likely to affect the business in the next 12 months;
• skill requirements;
• relocation and job creation;
• types of advice needed;
• whether local businesses would participate in a local farmers/producers market;
• the types of produce they might be able to sell in this way;
• any perceived need for land buildings or other facilities over the next two years

Participants were also invited to comment on "what they most liked and least liked about running a business in or from High Bickington" and to share views they might have about the future of the Community.

Thirty-nine forms (46%) were returned and give details concerning 38 local businesses. Employment is provided within these businesses for a total of 60 people in groups of one, two or three people.

The following pages provide a statistical analysis of the data gained from the survey together with a record of 'Free Text' comments made by participants.

Q1 Business Categories

Q2 Major Issues anticipated in the next 12 months

Other comments

: Loss of business due to Foot and Mouth and continuous bad weather

Q3 Main Skill Requirements for the Business

Q4 Intentions regarding job creation if considering starting a business or relocating to the Parish

If yes how many jobs anticipated in first year

Q5 Advice on following aspects useful

New market opportunities for rural land use e.g. organics and/or sustainable energy projects : 6

Q6 Willing to participate in a Local Farmers/Producers Market

If Yes - What type of Produce?

Anticipated needs in the next two years

Free Text Comments

What do you least like about running a business in High Bickington?

• "Insufficient time"
• "I don't like people in the village who have never lived in a small country village before and don't understand the way we do things"
• "Too many working while claiming the dole"
• "Hard to retail in such a small rural community"
• "Rates may well go over the top"
• "Travelling distance to major clients. Lack of local (Devon) work"
• "Agriculture - not High Bickington Generally - lack of small abattoir and for our 30-month scheme. We should not have to send our cattle into another county for OTMS."
• "When steel and aluminium lorries deliver it blocks North Road and Lane to Surgery. They can't get to my workshop entrance with articulated lorries. Have to manually shift delivery on a hand trolley - and it's usually raining!"
• "Very little passing trade" "Roads!"
• "Visitors perception that it is a long way from anywhere and difficult to find"
• "A little far from major suppliers"

What do you most like about running a business in High Bickington?

• "Friendly co-operation with Parish Council - very helpful"
• "Not too much interference"
• "Mid-way location - Barnstaple/Torrington/South Molton"
• "Rural Location - quiet" "Environment" "Post Office with Bank facilities"
• "Own environment" "Quiet"
• "I can keep irregular hours i.e. not just 9 - 5"
• "I live on the same premises" "This is a rural area geared to rural needs in a beautiful agricultural part of the country"
• "Accessible to all areas of Devon"
• "Working in a friendly community"
• "Unspoiled rural environment"
• "Access to traditional skills and training"
• "Working from Home"
• "Quiet and average road services"
• "Less travel expenses"
• "I know the majority of people I work for"
• "Cuts down transport costs"
• "I enjoy being my own boss and also the countryside and its peacefulness"
• "Doing a good job for local people"
• "Insufficient time"
• "I actually run the business from home, however workshop is outside the village where manufacturing occurs. It would be more convenient (to have local workshop) and cut down on transport costs to and fro"

Views about the future of the community

• "High Bickington's main strengths are its strong village community and unspoilt rural environment. Further suburbanisation will decrease its attraction to visitors and residents. H.B. needs to focus on the qualities it has to encourage visitors by providing attractions such as country activities including riding and walking in community woodland. Other attractions might be craft workshops and products, sustainable energy projects, recycling projects and agriculture related activities such as farmers markets and the opportunity to buy local produce."
• "I would be interested in a workshop for my business but this would be dependent on size and business rates/costs etc. or whether a possibility of building a house with workshop adjoining."

Analysis carried out by David Brown,

High Bickington Project 2000. November 2001