Summary and Proposals

The questionnaires have been collected and analysed. We had a good response, with around 20% of questionnaires completed.

Overall there were no real surprises, with roads and traffic being seen as the major problem. Generally the speed and volume of traffic is the problem, but more specifically the area around the Pedestal Roundabout, difficulties in joining the West Wycombe Road from the side-roads, and congestion caused by the Car Boot sales were frequently mentioned. Suggestions as to how to address these problems included having lorries use the M40 instead of the A40, generally lower speed limits, installation of speed cameras, and installation of mini roundabouts for the side roads off the West Wycombe Road.

A large majority of respondents would not be opposed to some sort of building development to give housing for local people, with a general view that some sort of Affordable Housing is needed.

The survey showed generally good support for local facilities (Post Office, shops etc.), with the notable exception of the Library (a combination of people not being interested, and problems with the opening hours). This situation has now changed with the development of the West Wycombe Community Library and the Bucks County Council Mobile Library, both of whom have a high attendance.

There was strong interest shown in having more community events such as a Parish Fete, and people do feel that the Parish would benefit from extra activities such as Brownies and Guides

We did ask whether a Parish Handbook, with details of local facilities would be considered a good idea, and there was a considerable support of this

A surprising 25% of respondents had been the victim of crime in last three years. These were mainly burglary, car crime and vandalism, with very little crime against the person. Most of these crimes had been reported to the Police, however the satisfaction rating for how these had been dealt with by the Police was fairly lukewarm. On the whole, the feeling is that the Parish is poorly Policed, and perhaps because of this there is a lot of interest in Neighbourhood Watch.

With the creation of the Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) we have seen a general improvement in policing and less evidence of crime.

We asked for comments on Youth issues, and encouragingly all the feedback was very positive, and really centred around the young people of our Parish not having enough facilities. This is now being addressed with the Parish Council taking on the lease of the Pedestal Playing Field.

So, where do we go from here? The results fall into two categories; those that are really information that the Parish Council can use in its normal activities, and those that need further action, such as community events.

The Parish Council has discussed this, and has concluded that the most sensible way forward is to formulate a Community Group. A Community Group would actually have more freedom than the Parish Council does to get these ideas off the ground. As a Parish Council we are restricted by law as to what we can spend money on, although with a proposed change in the law which will give us the power of well being we hope to have more freedom. Curiously, if we wanted to apply for a grant to start, say, a Brownie group, we would be able to receive the grant, but wouldn't necessarily be able to then legally pass the money on! A Community Group can set it's own mandate and constitution, and not have the same restrictions.

If you would be interested in joining a Community Group, please contact the Parish Council.