Main Findings from the Parish Plan Questionnaire

The following statements present the main findings from the questionnaire in order of appearance in the questionnaire.

The three most attractive features are floral displays, the refurbished market place and the recreational areas.
Litter, derelict areas and dog fouling spoil Wolsingham’s appearance.
Top suggestions for improvement are:-
1 eradicate dog fouling: 2 improve derelict land: 3 litter collection: 4 clean up the river area: 5 improve shopping
85% of respondents do not do most of their shopping in Wolsingham
Those who do cite the convenient location and quality of products
Those who don’t go to local supermarkets, are deterred by high prices and lack of choice and find parking a problem
Car parking and traffic calming along with litter are major areas of concern.
Of the health services available, only the dental provision is thought inadequate.
Car ownership is very high – only 18% of respondents are without a car.
Main parking problems are in the market place and for several people outside their own homes.
Few people are regular bus users; there is general satisfaction with local services but strong support for a local town shuttle service.
A lot of people (69%) supported the re-opening of the railway.
Vast majority wanted more police foot patrols but believe Wolsingham is a safe place to live; road safety and speeding are major concerns. Security lighting in the central area, more off street parking and support for Neighbourhood watch feature strongly.
There is little support for expansion of housing provision but if there is, affordable housing, rented accommodation and bungalows are the priorities.
On recreation, play areas for the very young are deemed OK but less so for older children; only 21% think there are too many halls for local activities. If there were to be one major centre, the majority want it in a central location as opposed to the Recreation Field. Support for the re-opening of the baths, for a sports centre and a youth club is strong.
There is a very high level of satisfaction with educational provision, but with some concerns about what is available to adult learners.
Few people want to set up their own business. 65% believe that there are insufficient work and training opportunities within easy travelling distance.
87% support tourism in the parish; better parking, a tourist centre and a tidier town would help to attract people; the main attraction at present appear to be the walks, the recreation field and the countryside itself.
67% wish to keep church maintenance at its current level.