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www.stutton.org.uk Stutton
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Updates:
AS
PRESENTED TO THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING – THURSDAY 24 APRIL 2008 As
you will have read in the last edition of Roundabout, the Village Plan
project is proceeding well. We now have 311 of the main Questionnaires
back, which is 82.5% of the 390 we issued to every dwelling in Stutton.
This remarkable return reflects well on the community spirit within Stutton,
a recurring theme in the many comments people have added to their answers.
We also have 44 Youth questionnaires returned out of 66 issued (2/3rds)
and 21 out of 28 Business forms, ¾ of those issued. The
huge task of inputting the data from all of the 311 questionnaires is going
well, with nearly 200 entered so far, about two thirds. Once the recording
of the data is complete it will take us some time to assimilate and analyse
the huge amount of information we have collected but we are aiming at a
final report in the late summer. Having
read every one of the 200 or so input questionnaires, I must say how nice
it is to read that so many residents clearly love living in Stutton, with
its peace & quiet, its community spirit and the frequent reference to the
friendly people. Whilst many are willing to embrace change, many want Stutton
to stay as it is and we will have great difficulty in balancing these differing
views. The
findings that will flow from this project will not mean that changes will
automatically be made. The final report will list the topics that will
deserve further consideration as Action Points, and it will be for the
Parish Council to set up working groups to follow up these matters in more
detail and to decide if and how any action can or is to be taken. Just
a few brief snippets of information from the forms input so far, as I said
about 2/3rds: Finally,
I would like to quote from 2 comments that I think sum up the whole tenor
of the many responses I have read so far: - The first from two senior citizens
who have lived in Stutton between 26 & 50 years: - I
HAVE FILLED THIS IN TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. I HOPE IT WILL BE ADEQUATE.
STUTTON IS A GREAT VILLAGE TO LIVE IN; ANY IMPROVEMENTS CAN ONLY MAKE IT
BETTER. The
second is from a typical family, Mum, Dad and 2 children aged between 11
and 15, the parents have been in the Village over 26 years: - STUTTON
HAS A UNIQUENESS UNRIVALLED BY OTHER VILLAGES, IT’S LOCATION, STUTTON SHORE,
THE PLENTIFUL VARIED WALKS, THE CHURCH, AN ACTIVE VILLAGE COMMUNITY WHICH
CARES ABOUT RESIDENTS & THEIR NEEDS, ALLOTMENTS, REVIVAL OF THE VILLAGE
SHOP SCHEME, A THRIVING PRE-SCHOOL & SCHOOL, SOCIAL CLUBS. FOR US IT IS
MORE ABOUT REALISING WHAT WE HAVE & TAKING CARE TO PRESERVE THAT.CHANGE
IS PART OF LIFE & THE VILLAGE WILL EVOLVE BUT IT WOULD BE BETTER NOT TO
LOSE ANY VALUED ASPECT IN THE PROCESS. Thank
you very much to everyone who has supported this project so well, the committee
are looking forward to putting the final report together in the hope that
we can adequately capture the hugely wide-ranging views that have been
expressed. Martin
Delacamp – Acting Chairman - Stutton Village Plan Steering Group 24/4/2008 ----------------------------------------------- VILLAGE PLAN - WOW! The response to the questionnaires has been astonishing. We have collected
over 300 residents’ questionnaires, some 84% and with about 30 more to come.
This exceptional return is so pleasing for everyone involved and will enable
us to publish our report knowing that the information obtained is truly representative
of the views of Stutton’s residents. The draw for the £50 prize and the £15 Voucher for the Youth questionnaire
will be made at the Parish Council Meeting at the start of May. With forms
still being returned, we feel the April meeting is too soon and may miss out
a few late returns. Winners will be announced in Roundabout, the Website and
on Village Notice Boards. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone in Stutton for supporting this project. The
effort made by so many to complete the lengthy and detailed form is very much
appreciated. VERY MANY THANKS to all who personally delivered and collected the questionnaires. THANK YOU also to all the young people who have returned 39 Youth (ages 8
to 16) forms so far and expressed appreciation that they have been asked to
contribute their views. Many young residents have completed their columns in
the main questionnaire so the information we are receiving comes from a good
age spread. Local businesses have also embraced this project with enthusiasm, 18 have
returned their form so far, nearly 65%. If anyone hasn’t yet completed the questionnaire, please do.
As it will take some time to input the huge volume of data collected, we will
accept late returns. Pass them back via your collector or contact me on the
number below and I will collect your form. Blank forms are available should
the first one somehow have fallen into the WPB (in error of course!). If anyone
hasn’t had a questionnaire delivered, let me know, please. Several people have commented on the absence of questions about the Village
Shop. It was felt that as the Shop Committee had undertaken a full consultation
with residents prior to proceeding with the project, it was inappropriate for
us to revisit the Community Shop issues. At 82 questions already, more about
the Shop would have added to the length of our questionnaire. All comments
received will be passed on to the Shop Committee. We have been asked where the money came from to produce the questionnaire.
The project is funded by grants from various bodies within Local Government
and Local Authority umbrellas, specifically, Defra’s Rural Social Community
Programme (RSCP), Babergh District Council and our local County Councillor
(Dave Wood) through his locality budget plus a contribution from our own Parish
Council, all helpfully coordinated by Suffolk Acre. Funding is not provided
for the time and effort given readily by the volunteers who form the Steering
Group. Work on inputting the huge volume of data has started, the task is daunting
and will take a good many weeks. Once entered, we will analyse what it is telling
us. It would be premature now, to give any feedback but future issues of Roundabout
will contain snippets of information that become apparent, without pre-judging
the final outcome. As you know, a report will be made available to everyone,
we are not sure exactly how we will achieve this but with so many of you taking
the trouble to fill in the questionnaire, we feel very strongly that everyone
should receive a copy of the report. Finally, THANKS VERY MUCH for the interest and support
you have given to this project, we feel very rewarded by the feedback and response
we have received. Martin Delacamp, Acting Chairman, Village Plan Committee - Tel: 327024 ----------------------------------------------- STUTTON VILLAGE PLAN – YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY
ABOUT YOUR VILLAGE At long last, the questionnaires are almost ready to issue
to every house in the Village. By the time you read this, the proofs will
have gone to the printers and we hope to be delivering the Household Questionnaire,
together with the separate Youth Questionnaire for all young people between
the ages of 8 and 16, during February. A separate questionnaire will also
be delivered to all Stutton businesses. Completion of the questionnaires is very important if we
are to have a significant and representative analysis of the views of our
Village Residents and we are extremely optimistic that almost everyone will
find time to complete the questionnaire. It is anonymous and confidential
so don’t worry if your views are favourable or critical, negative thoughts
will be as useful as positive ones. Once the questionnaires are returned, it will take some
time to complete the full analysis though we plan to release interim details
and facts as they emerge to keep you informed. Once the full report is prepared
a copy will be available to everyone and there will be a Public Meeting to
discuss the findings. The Village Website (www.stutton.org.uk)
and Roundabout will display a summary of the findings. This is your chance to have a say about your Village. Help us to make this whole exercise as valuable as possible
by completing and returning the questionnaire through the person who delivered
it to you. On behalf of the Village Plan Committee, thank you, in
advance, for taking part in this project, your views are absolutely vital
and we are looking forward to analysing the many observations that will come
out of this exercise. Martin Delacamp, Acting Chairman, Village Plan Committee ----------------------------------------------- Work on the preparation of the questionnaire has been continuing
since the break during the summer holidays. The Plan Committee has been considering
a huge list of “suggested” questions and shifting out those that
simply are not relevant to Stutton or that largely duplicate more specific
questions. Our aim is to narrow down the original list, some 324 or more
to about 75 then add some very specific questions of our own that will, hopefully,
reflect the concerns and ideas that came out of the very helpful consultation
process earlier this year. Separate “Youth” and “Business” questionnaires
will be produced as well. We must own up to having dropped behind our original and
fairly demanding timetable and we are now hoping to be in a position to issue
the questionnaire early in the New Year leading to publishing a report on
the conclusions and the action plan in March onwards. We still have a lot
of work to do ahead of Christmas and we may be being a little optimistic
in these proposed timings. However, the group of volunteers who comprise
the Plan Committee are very committed to the project and meet regularly within
the constraints placed on their time by their own work and personal commitments. Please be patient, we want to complete this task as well
as we are able and to be confident that we reflect very fully, the views
and ideas of Stutton’s residents. Looking ahead to the distribution and collection of the
questionnaire, presently planned for January 2008, we plan to have a questionnaire
delivered and collected personally to each house in Stutton. We want to do
our very best to encourage as many people as possible to take the time and
trouble to complete the questionnaire and return it for inclusion in the
analysis that will follow. A draw for a £50 prize will be on offer
to those that return the questionnaire. We will therefore need some volunteers to deliver and collect
the questionnaire to every house, the actual numbers for each deliverer/collector
will be kept as low as possible depending on the number of volunteers we
get. Volunteers will be asked to speak to the householder to encourage completion
and to offer help, if needed, in answering the questions and then call to
collect the completed form. If you would like to assist us in this important
role, please let one of the Plan Committee know or contact either Chris Leach
on 328939 or myself on 327024. We will be happy to explain more of the task
if you wish. Martin
Delacamp, Treasurer, Village Plan Committee ----------------------------------------------- Work on this project has been continuing as many of you will know having taken
the trouble to return the completed “orange” questionnaires enclosed in the
last issue of Roundabout or to attend one of the three meetings at the Village
Hall in the last two weeks of June. Firstly a very grateful “THANKS” to everyone who did complete and return
the questionnaire and/or come along to one of the meetings. We are delighted
with the response we have received and the huge number of comments contributed. The Committee are currently analysing these contributions to identify the
issues you, the Residents, feel are important and to pick up on the very valuable
comments that build on the headings we listed. The comments also raised a number
of issues we hadn’t identified or had wrongly thought were of less relevance.
This mass of information will be extremely useful when we compile the questionnaire
and will guide us in deciding which ones are need more weight and attention. We are sure you will be interested to know that the following topics were
the most “popular”, no great surprises and many of the additional comments
overlapped with one or more of the other topic headings. E.g. under Schools
several comments related to the Parking problems, most of which naturally were
made under “Parking” The “favourite topics are as follows:-
As well as the “bad” points which we asked for, it was nice to read many “good” points
that praised and appreciated many aspects of our Village and what goes on.
Once the full details have been collated and analysed we hope to find a way
of passing on the complimentary comments as people deserve to hear that their
efforts are appreciated. The overriding feeling having read all of the comments is that many people
really care about our Village and the quality of life we enjoy. Criticisms
were constructive, relevant and valid, not mindless carping and the many comments
will be very helpful in our next stage. Thank you to everyone who took the
trouble to contribute, it is rewarding to the Committee to know so many in
the Village are interested in this project. A few notes to keep everyone up to date on developments. Neil Mordey felt
unable to continue his role as Chairman due to personal reasons and we thank
him for his major contribution in getting this show on the road. No new Chairman
has been appointed as yet, though Parish Chair Chris Leach is overseeing matters
and ensuring things keep moving. However with the holiday period upon us, progress
will be delayed for a few weeks though more background work will continue over
this period. By the time you read this we hope to have made contact with the Businesses
in the Village for their input as well as a few other “groups” such as the
Churches, Oak House, our own Primary School to make sure we have some input
from our very young people and other interested parties, such as the Holbrook
Surgery, Holbrook Primary and High School and a few other entities whose input
to the important issues needs to be sought. As this update is drafted, details of the Planning application for the Tent
site in Alton Water , opposite the café, has landed on the writer’s doormat.
Whilst your Committee are duty-bound to remain unbiased about individual Village
issues, we are disappointed this has arrived having just finished our consultations
with most of the Village residents as we feel sure this would have been an
issue raised by many, not least those in Holbrook Road and Larksfield Road.
It is likely this topic will be referred to in the questionnaire though the
timetable of the Planning process is at variance with our Plan timetable and
any response via the questionnaire is likely to be far too late for inclusion
in any submission to the Planning Committee. What the Village Plan Committee
might be able to do is to write to Babergh D C to highlight the many comments
we have received during this consultation that are of relevance to this planning
development. This will be considered in time for any submission to be sent
within the 21 day period. Martin Delacamp, Treasurer, Village Plan Committee ----------------------------------------------- Last year, Stutton Parish Council decided to go ahead with a project to prepare
a Village Plan following a very well attended meeting at the Village Community
Hall when the idea was fully discussed. Parish Council Chairman, Chris Leach,
and his Council colleagues are delighted to announce that a Steering Group
has been formed to undertake this project, comprising the following volunteers,
all local residents: - This Steering Group has already begun meeting and an application for grants
to fund this project has been successfully submitted through Suffolk Acre and
the grant monies are due to be received any moment. Thanks should be given
to DEFRA, Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council, our local County
Councillor Dave Wood and our own Parish Council who have all generously contributed
to the total grant from various appropriate funds. A Village Plan aims to bring together the views, needs and opinions of the
whole community, covering social, economic and environmental issues of relevance
to all who live, work and use our lovely Village as well as linking with neighbouring
communities whose amenities and facilities we share. A Village Plan is a tried
and tested tool that is being used by over 3000 Villages and Parishes and has
proved a successful way for rural citizens to make their voices heard and to
get things done locally through improved relationships with local authorities
and service providers, who may also incorporate our action plan ideas in their
local District and County Plans. A Village Plan is also regarded as an important
pre-requisite to the obtaining of grants and other assistance to fulfil projects
that flow from the Plan. A Village Plan uses extensive consultation to make contact with everyone who
has an interest in our Village to identify our Community’s needs and
the Steering Group’s first task will be to identify the range of people,
groups, businesses and other bodies who will wish/need to be consulted. The Steering Group intends to keep everyone in the Village as fully informed
of progress as possible, so look out for regular features in Roundabout, on
the Village Website, www.stutton.org.uk and
on Village notice boards. Events will be arranged to enable the Steering Group
to have face-to-face contact with all of the various groups within the village
and to enable every resident to have the opportunity to come and contribute
their views and ideas for our thriving Village before a questionnaire is issued
to every household. If you have any comments in the meantime or wish to help
or assist in any way, please don’t hesitate to speak to any of the Steering
Group members listed above, we will all be delighted to answer any questions
you may have and to talk about the Plan. Neil Mordey, Chairman, Stutton Parish Plan Steering Group | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
