ruyton xi towns parish plan summer 2009

Ruyton XI Towns Parish Plan

Summer 2009

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Contents Acknowledgements ............................................................. 5

Why have a Parish Plan? .................................................... 5

Background Information ...................................................... 6

Preparation of the Questionnaire ......................................... 9

The Results ....................................................................... 10

Sections:

• Leisure and Amenities ........................................... 12

• Communications .................................................... 16

• Security and Policing ............................................. 17

• Getting Around ....................................................... 19

• Traffic and Roads .................................................. 20

• Health and Older People ....................................... 23

• Environment and Countryside ............................... 25

• Learning and Education ......................................... 26

• Housing ................................................................. 27

• Commerce and Employment ................................. 30

• Young People ........................................................ 31

Main Conclusions .............................................................. 33

And Finally ......................................................................... 33

Committee Members ......................................................... 34

Appendices:

• Useful Contacts and Information ........................... 35

• Parish Organisations, Clubs and Societies ............ 38

• Draft Greenspace Strategy .................................... 40

• Action Summary Table .......................................... 48

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Acknowledgements Our thanks go to the Community Council of Shropshire (CCS) for advice and support, and to all our Parish Plan committee members, past and present. The CCS is an

independent organisation that supports the development

of local communities and improves the quality of life, particularly for those in rural communities.

Why Have a Parish Plan? Since the Government first put forward the idea in 2000, in the Rural White Paper ‘Our Countryside — the Future’ many communities in Shropshire have drawn up Parish Plans. Funding was made available from Defra. The idea is for local people in each Parish to get together to draw up a strategic Plan to act as a blue print for guiding the local authority in its decision making over the next five to ten years. In Ruyton XI Towns, following a public meeting, it was decided to form a Parish Plan Steering Committee to take this forward. Committee Members were appointed on 1st July 2006. A constitution was adopted at the first Committee meeting on 10th July 2006. The purpose of the Committee was identified as follows:

• to investigate and identify support for the Parish Plan

• to identify sources of funding to generate the Plan

• to take responsibility for planning, budgeting and monitoring expenditure on the Plan

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• to liaise with relevant authorities and organisations to make the Plan as effective as possible

• to identify ways of involving the whole community and to gather the views and opinions of as many groups and organisations in the community as possible

• to determine the types of survey and information to be gathered

• to be responsible for the analysis of the survey, the production and distribution of the final report

• to identify priorities and timescale for local action in the Action Plan including lead organisations and potential sources of project funding

• to report to the Parish Council and any other interested parties on progress, issues arising and outcomes from the exercise

Background Information At the last census in 2001, the Parish of Ruyton XI Towns had a population of 1197. According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2007, this had risen to 1420.

The population breakdown in age bands in 2007 was:

• 442 were under 15 years old (31%)

• 144 were between 16 and 29 years of age (10%)

• 290 between 30 and 44 (21%)

• 311 from 45 to retirement age (22%)

• 233 were over retirement age (16%)

The Parish extends to 1,957 hectares (4,836 acres) and is made up of different settlements, agricultural land and

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countryside including the Cliffe, an important lowland heath area, and the valley of the River Perry, a tributary of the River Severn. The river forms much of the eastern boundary with the neighbouring Parish of Baschurch.

Ruyton XI Towns is the largest settlement in the Parish. The hamlets of Shotatton, Wykey, Eardiston and the farmsteads at Coton and Shelvock, (five of the original eleven townships of the medieval manor of the ‘XI Towns’), and the settlements at Wigmarsh, Elbridge and Weirbrook (on the boundary with West Felton) are all within the Parish.

Ruyton XI Towns village has expanded considerably during the last fifteen years with the building of three new housing estates, one on Doctor's Meadow, at the western end of the village, and the other two, the Quillets and the Marches, at the eastern end. Smaller groups of new homes have been built in the grounds of The Grove and Hall Farm, nearer the village centre. There has also been infilling, and the conversion of farm buildings.

The majority of these new homes have been middle to large family houses, with only a small number of smaller ‘affordable’ homes and just four bungalows. There has been no shared equity or new social housing built. Some of the smaller properties have been bought as investments and are now available at market rents.

The village has benefited from some recent improvements to village amenities and the increased housing has meant the village had a new Primary School in the centre of the village, built in 2001. This has already been extended twice because of the increased housing in the area and now has a roll of about 140 children. The Victoria Room (originally the

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Reading Room for the Parish Church) has been renovated and can now offer disabled access, enabling the Broadplace to be housed there, giving public access to IT facilities, Broadband and a TellyTalk terminal, for access to advice and information.

The two community halls, the Parish Hall and the Memorial Hall, used by clubs, societies and for events, are both in need of replacement, having antiquated facilities and no disabled access. The privately owned Perry Hall is available for hire but is scheduled for demolition. The village shop with Post Office, the garage repair workshop, and the flower shop, are thriving and are vital resources to the community.

The medieval Church of St John the Baptist, standing on the high ground in the village centre, is valued for its contribution to village life and as the most ancient building still in use in Ruyton XI Towns. The Castle ruins within the churchyard have recently been enhanced, aided by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations. Disabled access is now available into the churchyard, with an excellent path to the Church and to the Castle.

Two of the three village pubs have recently ceased trading.

The major source of employment ceased in the 1990’s with the closure of the Dairy. There is some limited employment available within the Parish or nearby.

The main disadvantages of living in Ruyton XI Towns have been identified as a lack of a 21st century, fully accessible community centre; no access to health professionals, including a doctor, in the village; an inadequate public bus service and therefore greater reliance on cars; and traffic problems. The most vocal complaints are usually directed at

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the speed, size and weight of the traffic through the centre of the village because vehicles use the B4397 as a through route from the A5 at Shotatton, to the northern side of Shrewsbury, for access to the motorway network for Telford and beyond, via the Battlefield link road.

Preparation of the Questionnaire Caroline Oakes, from the Community Council of Shropshire (CCS) attended some of the early committee meetings to advise on planning the questions for the questionnaire, which was to form the basis of evidence for compiling the Parish Plan. A separate questionnaire for young people was felt to be important.

In November 2007 the questionnaires were posted to every address in the Parish. To preserve anonymity, they were returned to the CCS, where the answers were analysed by Gemma Robinson. The response rate was high enough to give statistically significant valid results.

The second AGM was held in July 2008 and a new committee was elected.

The raw data from the questionnaire analysis, as supplied by the CCS, was posted on the village website and made available at the Broadplace. It is from this data that this Parish Plan has been prepared.

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The Results The response rate of completed questionnaires of over 30% was good for this type of survey. The responses were evenly divided between the genders and fairly evenly spread across all postcodes. The results therefore can be considered to be representative of the whole Parish as well as being statistically significant.

33 responses (about 10%) were from young people under 18. These were analysed separately and reported on in the young people section. Very few responses were received from the 18 to 30 age bracket, only 18 returns (about 5%). Most of the responses (about 66%) were from people in the 31 to 79 age group.

About half the replies came from people who are either employed (full or part-time) or self-employed. About one third came from retired people, with a small proportion in the other categories.

Half the replies came from people who had lived in the Parish for less than ten years. But a significant proportion (about one quarter) came from Parishioners who have lived here for over 30 years.

Most newcomers to the Parish came to live here because they consider it to be an attractive village or they want to enjoy a better life.

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The main questionnaire was divided into sections:

• Leisure and Amenities

• Communications

• Security and Policing

• Getting around

• Roads and Traffic

• Health and Older People

• Environment and Countryside

• Learning and Education

• Housing

• Commerce and Employment

The results from the questionnaires were analysed and the main points form the basis of this report. The whole process has taken some time and some issues identified have already been acted upon. Other issues that need addressing form the Action Summary Table.

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The main results are detailed as follows:

Leisure and Amenities

Halls

The halls were considered a very important amenity at the centre of the community, with 99% of respondents in agreement.

Every question about activities, the halls, and their use or potential use by the community, produced a huge response, with the majority of respondents agreeing that a new community centre is a necessity.

The Village Hall Committee, supported by the Parish Council, have over recent years explored the feasibility of renovating the existing village hall (the Parish Hall) so it complies with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and concluded that a new hall was the most realistic, cost effective solution. After much consultation a suitable site was identified on Doctor’s Meadow playing field. Funding was identified, applied for and in place, but because of the length of time it took to obtain planning permission, this money was lost. A further bid to the National Lottery in 2007 failed and planning permission has now lapsed.

The current situation is that the Parish has four halls:

• Parish Hall

Built in 1913 and bought by the Parish Council in 1960 for the community.

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The hall space is on two floors. The ground floor is used for toilets and storage and is unheated. The first floor is accessed by dangerous steep concrete stairs. Upstairs is one large hall and is adequate for indoor sports activities, although the ceiling is too low for badminton. A raised stage area takes up one end of the room, with a tiny kitchen area adjacent. It is heated by inefficient radiant electric heaters. At present the hall is used every day during term time for the pre-school, and is booked by groups on several evenings weekly. It is the home of RATS, Ruyton Amateur Theatrical Society. There is no off-road parking, and parking on the street can cause problems at busy times.

• Memorial Hall

Built in 1936 and donated to the Parish for community use.

A small hall with: no kitchen, inappropriate heating, no off-road parking, not disabled friendly. It is used infrequently. It is home to the Parish Council, the Women’s Institute and Youth Club and until recently was used as a changing room for organised football on the playing field.

• Victoria Room

Owned by the Church and recently renovated.

It is a small hall, all on one level, with efficient heating, good toilet facilities and a large kitchen area. It is well used as it is fully accessible for people with disabilities. It has broadband internet connection, which is going to be extended to the Parish Hall and Memorial Hall. It is home to Broadplace and the TellyTalk terminal.

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• Perry Hall

Privately owned and due to be demolished.

The results in this section show that the lack of a decent modern community hall in the Parish, which complies with the DDA, restricts and discourages the provision of many activities. This was given as the main reason for respondents not participating in activities, and for the lack of development of new activities. The absence of disabled access, the poor condition of the fabric of the buildings, the inadequate and expensive heating, the lack of modern kitchen facilities and poor toilets, were all commented on.

There were a great many suggestions for a variety of activities that people wanted to be available in the Parish. The most popular suggestion was for somewhere for young people to meet socially. There was also a very big demand for all kinds of community sports, social and educational activities, drama and film shows in the Parish. Archive storage was asked for.

The highest demand was for keep fit, and sessions have already been started to meet this demand. Next was a desire for more involvement in environmental activity and there is a group working on the churchyard and castle area.

In response to the questionnaire results, a new Local History Society has been set up and the Youth Club has been re-started.

Ruyton XI Towns has limited access to some services, partly due to poor public transport. A modern community centre would help with this problem, particularly for non drivers.

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Other amenities

The shop with Post Office is well used. Other businesses are used occasionally. The pubs were liked for their social atmosphere with the Talbot Inn (known as The Dog) the most used, though since the questionnaire went out, this pub has ceased trading and is up for sale.

Surprisingly the mobile library is not very well used, possibly because of the lack of information about times of visits to the Parish and places where it stops. As a result of comments, notices will be posted advertising the times.

Action:

• to support the Village Hall Committee in their continuing efforts to obtain funding and planning permission to build a new central community centre

• to support the Village Hall Committee in improving the existing halls until a new hall is built

• to publicise and improve the use of the mobile library service

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Communications About 70% of respondents already have Broadband internet connection. This is much higher than the national average of about 55%.

The vast majority of replies confirmed that households either have already installed Digital TV or expect no problems when they install it in the future. About 20 households indicated they would like some help. The Broadplace has a “Set-Top” box that is already tuned in to local Terrestrial TV stations. This can be used to try out your aerial before you buy your own box. Help is available at the Victoria Room on a Friday.

Most people felt adequately informed about events in the Parish, with the vast majority getting their information from the Three Parishes Newsletter, or by word of mouth. About half thought that extra notice boards were needed. As a response to this the Parish Council has already installed a new board outside the Primary School and has obtained funding for a new board at Elbridge. The next highest priority is for a board at the east end of the Parish.

About one third of respondents reported that they visit the community website (www.ruyton.co.uk). This seems to confirm the site statistics which monitor the volume of visits. Access to the website appears to be increasing progressively.

A significant minority would like to be informed of events by email (40%) and a small majority (55%) would appreciate an online version of the Three Parishes Newsletter.

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Action:

• to investigate the practicalities of making the Newsletter available online

• to look into the possibility of circulating events by email

Security and Policing

General concerns

The concerns given highest priority were:

• Dog fouling

This problem is a continuing issue. As a result funding for extra general waste bins has been obtained and new bins have been sited around the village. It has been confirmed that dog waste can be safely deposited in these bins. Notices have been put on the bins to publicise this. However, this problem needs constant publicity to educate dog owners into being more responsible.

• Obstructed pavements

The village has more cars than off road parking spaces. The local Community Support Officers are kept informed of particular problem areas. Again an issue addressed by education.

• Vandalism

The Parish is not generally much affected by vandalism. Issues troubling respondents at the time of the questionnaire appear to have improved.

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Safety of parishioners

Only 35 replies out of 240 mentioned concerns about feeling unsafe and possible dangers when out and about during the day or night, and nearly all related to pedestrian safety.

Street lighting

73% of the 245 who replied were satisfied with the level of street lighting and did not want any changes. Some comments received indicated specific concerns which could be referred directly to the Parish Council.

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

The Parish had a scheme running some years ago but this has lapsed.

98 respondents would be interested in joining a scheme, 108 would not, and 32 believed they were already belonging to one. A scheme could be set up again if there was enough support and volunteers.

Local Policing

The Parish has one of the lowest crime rates in the county.

Of 272 responses, 40% believed there was good or reasonable local policing, 36% said policing was poor and 24% had no opinion.

The vast majority of respondents welcomed the introduction

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of the Community Support Officer (CSO). Some were unsure of their role as they had only recently been introduced.

Since the questionnaire, policing has greatly improved with the appointment of a second Community Support Officer (CSO) in the Parish.

Action:

• to provide advice about re-introducing the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

• to put up more dog fouling notices

• to monitor parking on the pavements

Getting Around The position of the village, midway between Shrewsbury and Oswestry, on the B4397 near to but not on the A5, with little local employment and only one convenience shop, means that most people have to travel some distance to work and to shop.

The majority of parishioners rely heavily on the private car as their primary form of transport. The busy nature of the roads means that less than 5% use a bicycle even for local journeys because they are unfriendly to cyclists. Over 20% of respondents walk within the confines of the village.

The bus service only serves the village of Ruyton XI Towns and not the surrounding hamlets, as it uses the B4397. There is a service operating every 2 hours in either direction,

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to Oswestry and to Shrewsbury. The last buses to the village arrive back around 7.30pm, and there is no service at all on Sundays. This falls short of the Rural Services Standard, which states that “everyone should be within a 10 minute walk of an hourly service”.

Only one third of respondents currently make any use of the service and less than 10% use it frequently.

Respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the frequency, the journey times and the lack of late buses.

Action:

• to monitor the bus service in relation to the needs of the Parish

• to make more people aware of the local community transport schemes and the new Shropshire Link bus

Traffic and Roads From the answers and additional comments given in this section, this area was clearly the highest cause of concern for the Parish. It is also the most complex and challenging issue and appears to be getting worse.

There were five main road safety hazards identified:

• Quantity and weight of lorries (27% of replies, 185 out of 695)

Shropshire Council, Highways, has scheduled a series of traffic surveys along the route through the village. Depending on results, signage may be

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improved to reduce the volume of through traffic. Sat-Nav map suppliers are being contacted to change the advice for heavy goods vehicles, as it appears they are directing drivers through the village instead of along the A5. If the North West Relief Road is built, this may alleviate some of the problem.

• Traffic exceeding the speed limits (20% of replies, 141 out of 695)

The Parish Council is working with Shropshire Council, Highways, to introduce a moveable Vehicle Activated Sign to help drivers comply with speed limits, including the 20mph school zone.

• Shotatton Crossroads (20% of replies, 139 out of 695)

Minor changes in road markings have been made. We must continue to campaign for a better solution.

• Village parking at school times (13% of replies, 93 out of 695)

The school has recently introduced a pilot “Walking Bus” scheme in an attempt to reduce congestion in the village at the start of the school day. This scheme will be evaluated and be extended if successful.

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• Church Bank (12% of replies, 88 out of 695)

This area has a single narrow pavement. The road is too narrow for the size and volume of traffic and vehicles passing each other often mount the pavement putting pedestrians at risk.

A new footpath through the churchyard has recently been made, suitable for prams and pushchairs, that avoids this stretch of pavement. This has given pedestrians an alternative way and so has partially alleviated the pedestrian safety problem but not the traffic problem.

The Brownhill and Church Street were also commented on as areas posing a safety hazard for pedestrians.

Action:

• to look at traffic survey results and the possibility of some changes to signs

• to contact Sat Nav suppliers to look at reviewing their map directions

• to lobby in support of the North West Relief Road

• to obtain the use of moveable vehicle activated signs

• to continue to campaign for a proper solution to Shotatton Crossroads

• to evaluate the success of the walking bus scheme for school children

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• to look into the possibility of weight limit restrictions

• to look into practical solutions to deter vehicles from mounting the pavements

• to look into the possibility of time restrictions for non local HGV traffic

Health and Older People Access to health care was not considered an issue.

Approximately 70% of respondents use the Prescott Surgery in Baschurch. Nearly everyone else attends the Knockin Surgery. There is a small proportion (6%) who are either registered elsewhere or not registered at all.

The vast majority make their surgery visits by car, over 95%. There was no indication that getting to the surgery was seen as a major difficulty, although two-thirds would like a surgery in the Parish.

About one-third would like access to a chiropodist in the village.

About 40% would like a Prescription Delivery Service, but only one third of these would be willing to pay.

The vast majority who replied (90%) did manage to get to hospital and dental appointments without too much difficulty. The local community car scheme seems to attend to the needs of the small minority who need such a service.

Approximately 8% of replies (20 people) said that they had a disability or health problem that affected their day to day

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lives. A similar number (24) said they were a formal or informal carer for someone with a disability or ill-health.

As this was an anonymous survey it is impossible to assess whether any action is needed. Information about services is crucial for older people, those with disabilities and ill health, and their families and carers. The Committee can provide details on what is available from a variety of sources. The TellyTalk terminal, in the Victoria Room, offers easy access to the Shropshire Council Call Centre for information on council services, to Shropshire Citizens Advice, to Age Concern and to A4U (previously DIAL, an advocacy service for people with disabilities). Useful information can also be found in the Community Directory on the Shropshire Council website (www.shropshire.gov.uk).

It is clear from the replies that our more senior residents are keen to be involved in more educational or social activities.

In response to these replies action has already been taken. There is already a new fun “Extend” gentle exercise class to help keep healthy and mobile. A “Walking for Health” group has been established and has already obtained funding to replace three difficult stiles with kissing gates to make an accessible short circular walk. “Taster” computer sessions are available at the Broadplace, for all ages and abilities. The new Local History Society is busy arranging interesting outings using the local bus service. The Age Concern Senior Citizens' Lunch Club continues to flourish.

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Action:

• to discuss with the Shropshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) if a prescription delivery service and a chiropodist service can be provided locally

• to encourage and develop more social activities for older people

• to improve access to information

Environment and Countryside An overwhelming majority believe that our Public Open Spaces (now known as Greenspaces) are important.

From the answers given it is clear that many people appreciate the wonderful rural setting of the village, with walking, jogging and enjoying the scenery and wildlife being the most popular activities. Parishioners seemed satisfied with the quantity of footpaths.

The highest priority was for the provision of simple maps showing the local Rights of Way. Also important were requests for improved accessibility to the path network, better signage and better maintenance of paths.

A significant majority of respondents (92%) saw no requirement for the network of bridleways to be extended.

Nearly half the replies indicate that Parishioners use the Cliffe for recreation. The next most popular area used was the Doctor’s Meadow playing field, including the bank below the church and the Spinney over the bridge from the playing field. Many use the river. The play areas on Birch Grove, Doctor's Meadow and the Quillets are used by some.

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Action:

• to publish maps showing local walks

• to encourage landowners to permit the progressive replacement of stiles following the policy of the least restrictive access, ie. gaps, gates or kissing gates

• to ensure landowners continue to maintain the network of paths

• to continue to monitor the condition of the public open spaces

• to publicise the environmental volunteer work parties (eg. on the Cliffe and Nesscliffe Hill)

Learning and Education Replies demonstrated the highest demand for Adult Education classes were for health and fitness, pilates, computers, and foreign languages. In response there have been regular Extend and Keep Fit classes started. Various computer courses at the Broadplace can be arranged on request.

The main barrier to more educational classes in the Parish is the lack of a modern hall.

The Broadplace can offer support for individuals and groups wishing to set up other local courses. Prospective providers and students may register interest at the Broadplace. The excellent colleges in the area provide a range of classes for those able to travel.

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Housing

House building and Planning

Answers were looked at in the context of the growth of the Parish, particularly Ruyton XI Towns village, especially over the last 15 years.

In 1994 it is estimated there were around 330 homes in the Parish. The 2001 Census gave the number of dwellings as 448. There are now approximately 490 homes.

This means about 160 new homes have been built during the last 15 years, an increase of very nearly 50% over this period of time. Outline planning permission has been granted for a further 80 homes to be built on the Dairy Site and with other possible infill development, this will mean that the Parish will have seen a 70% increase in its size over the last 15 years.

It is not surprising that from the replies received, 58% of the Parish have lived here for less than 15 years.

Conclusions from the specific questions asked were:

• Well over half (60% of replies, 160 out of 269) do not want any more houses built.

• A further 52 (20% of replies) want only limited development.

• Only 4 (less than 2%) want more substantial development.

• Of those that would accept more houses, most (71%,

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41 out of 58) want this restricted to in-fill only.

• In combination, these responses suggest that a substantial majority would not want houses to be built outside the existing development boundary, although this was not a specific question.

• If houses were to be built, the vast majority would prefer that they should be smaller homes, such as affordable housing, small starter homes and homes designed for older people.

• Only 13 out of 540 replies (2.5%) preferred executive houses or homes with offices.

• Overwhelmingly, people thought that the landowners/developers did not pay enough in Section 106 contributions. 148 out of 167 (89%) thought they should pay more and of these, 112 (67%) thought they should pay a lot more.

When planning permission is granted it may be subject to a planning obligation, known as a Section 106 agreement. This may be in the form of a sum of money to compensate the community, in return for planning approval, for example to buy, install and maintain equipment for children’s play area, paths around a playing field, an extra classroom for the school.

• A huge majority want the centre of the village to be protected by something similar to the current Policy HE12, Area of Environmental Character. This does not prohibit new build but should ensure it is

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sensitively built to reflect the existing special character of the area. Only 3 out of 137 (2%) want this protection lifted. A small majority want the area to progress to become a Conservation Area but many want it to remain as an Area of Environmental Character. However, there were mixed views about how this should be done, what it means and the benefits or drawbacks.

• Similarly, an overwhelming majority (95% of replies, 118 out of 124) want the Brownhill to continue to be protected from further development in accordance with the current Policy H13, Area for no Further Consolidation. This policy at present prohibits any new build in the designated area. Deeper analysis of the results confirms that this opinion was maintained when only the results of those living in the Brownhill postcode were analysed separately.

Actions:

• to advise Shropshire Council Planning of the Parish Plan conclusions so that they can be considered when setting the new County Planning Policy

• to arrange a Public Meeting to explain the differences between a Conservation Area and an Area of Environmental Character

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• to scrutinise the detailed plans for the development of the Dairy Site to ensure that they include the substantial affordable element as agreed in the outline planning consent and that Section 106 contributions are adequate

Commerce and Employment The Dairy in Ruyton XI Towns was one of the County's largest and employed around 100 people, many from the village. Its closure in the early 1990’s, had two dramatic effects. It reduced the number of local jobs available, and at the same time released a brownfield site for new housing. This led to an increase in the size of the working population in the Parish.

Official figures from Job Centre Plus, show Ruyton XI Towns to have below average number of people registered as unemployed.

Most people work away from the area. The most popular place of work was Shrewsbury, then working from home or in the village itself.

Most people felt that more local jobs would be good but almost the same number felt we had enough local businesses.

Young People The Young People’s Questionnaire was analysed separately.

The Parish has 442 children and young people under 15 years of age, a higher percentage compared with our

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neighbouring parishes.

The last figures available (2007 ONS) are:

• Ruyton XI Towns: 31% of the population

• Baschurch: 22% of the population

• Whittington: 21% of the population

• West Felton: 20% of the population

58 young people completed the questionnaire. The majority went to either the local Primary School (21) or the local Secondary School (17). The rest (20) were fairly evenly spread attending other schools and colleges.

Most replied that they were taken to school by car, some used the school bus and others walked. Only a few cycled to school.

Most of those who completed the questionnaire who used the school bus, waited at the top end of School Road, opposite the old school. This is not an actual bus stop as it is not on a scheduled bus route. All the designated bus stops were used by some children to wait for the school bus.

Many young people recorded that they enjoyed football, swimming or walking their dog, though most activities listed were enjoyed by some. They participated in these activities either in school, or locally or in Oswestry. Very few went into Shrewsbury for their activity. Dancing seemed the most popular activity that was not really catered for already.

The majority played on the Doctor's Meadow playing field, a few played on the Bridge Inn field and the small playground on Birch Grove.

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When asked what play equipment they would like, the majority wanted a Bike Track on the main playing field, with a Zip-Wire and Play Equipment in general, being the next popular. This confirms earlier informal surveys. Nearly half made some use of the river for playing.

Only 13 use the public scheduled bus weekly and 38 hardly ever use the bus at all.

There was some demand for a Youth Club, and as a result a club has been re-started to respond to this demand.

Twelve young people had a part-time job. There was some demand for a First Aid course and a basic Child Care course, to help with babysitting, and to help others find a job.

Actions:

• to look into arranging first aid and basic child care/babysitting courses for young people

• to obtain funding to improve play equipment for all ages

• to look into the possibility of providing a bus shelter or seating at some bus stops

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Main Conclusions The results of the analysis of the questionnaires has shown that the two most important issues the Parish would like addressed were to do with the lack of a decent village hall and the traffic problems.

Therefore the priority for the Parish is to seek funding to build a new village hall and to find permanent solutions to address the traffic issues.

And Finally The Parish Plan Steering Committee would like to thank every one who took the time to read, complete and return the questionnaires.

We hope that this Parish Plan, compiled from your answers, gives a true record of the Parish with aims and achievable targets.

However we appreciate it will require a great deal of effort to achieve these aims, not just by the Parish Plan Steering Committee, the Parish Council and Shropshire Council, but by all of the Parishioners.

If you would like to help the Committee in any way, please contact us.

Thank you for taking the time to read your Parish Plan.

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Committee Members

Parish Plan Steering Committee members responsible for preparing this report are:

Dorothy Needham, Chair

Colin Case, Vice Chair and Treasurer

Anita White, Minute Secretary

Ros Slowley, Editor

Laura Jefferies

Trevor Allison

Les White

Irena White

At the 2009 AGM, held on July 15th, the following members joined the committee:

Stewart Ballantyne

Marjorie Ballantyne

For more information, contact the Chair:

Tel: 01939 261068

Email: [email protected]

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Appendices

Useful Contacts and Information

Statutory Sector:

Shropshire Council: Customer Service Centre for all council services: 0845 678 9000

Shropshire PCT: Information on doctors, dentists, pharmacists, opticians: 01743 261300

NHS Direct: 08 45 46 47 Shropdoc: Out of hours urgent non life threatening medical need: 08450 20 21 31

Hospitals: Royal Shrewsbury Hospital: 01743 261000 Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital: 01691 404000

Police: Non emergency number: 08457 444 888 Message Line: 01743 264 703

Refuse collection: Veolia: 0345 678 9007

Consumer Direct: practical advice on all consumer issues: 08454 04 05 06

Travel Line: impartial public transport information: 0871 200 22 33 Shropshire Link Bus: to book a journey: 0845 678 9068

Voluntary Sector:

General Advice and Information on any issues:

Citizens Advice Shropshire: 08444 99 11 00

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Specialist Advice on disability issues and benefits: A4U Advice line: 0845 6025561 PCAS Shropshire Peer Counselling and Advocacy Service: 01743 466800 Age Concern for older people: 01743 233123 Housing and homelessness advice: Shropshire Housing Alliance: 01691 650850 Shelterline: 0808 800 4444 Furniture Scheme: To donate household items and to buy items: 01691 679817 Domestic Violence: National Domestic Violence 24 hour helpline and access to a Refuge or Safe House: 0808 2000 247 Domestic Violence for Shropshire, 24 hour helpline: 0800 783 1359 Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900 Accessible Transport: Community Car Scheme: Baschurch scheme covers Ruyton XI Towns, Baschurch, Nesscliffe, and neighbouring hamlets: 01939 260503 Oswestry scheme covers the whole Parish and most of the Oswestry area: 01691 671571 Oswestry Dial-a-Ride: 01691 671571 Loan of scooters, wheelchairs: British Red Cross: 01743 280070 Shopmobility: Oswestry: 01691 652882 Shrewsbury: 01743 236900 Children and Young People: Childline: 0800 11 11 British Red Cross Young Carers Projects: 01743 280070 Oswestry Youth Café: 01691 656559 Kingswell Centre, Oswestry: 01691 655126

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Families: Parentline Plus, free 24 hour National Helpline: 0808 800 2222 YoungMinds, free Parent Information Service for concerns about the mental health of anyone up to the age of 25: 0800 018 2138 Local support for parents with under 5’s: Home Start: 01691 680888 Older People: Age Concern: advocacy, advice, information, factsheets, befriending, help at home scheme, day centres, parish links, pub lunch clubs etc: 01743 233123 Local contact, Ann Miller: 01939 261607 Adults with Learning Disabilities: OSCA, advocacy service: 01691 671700 Mental Health issues: Shropshire and Telford Mental Health Helpline: 0800 195 1700 Shropshire Independent Advocacy Scheme: 01743 492275 Other issues: National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 Consumer Direct, consumer advice service: 0845 04 05 06 ACAS, employment advice: 08457 47 47 47 Just Credit Union: 01743 252325 Mail Preference Service: to stop unwanted junk mail: 0845 703 4599 Telephone Preference Service: to stop unwanted telephone calls : 0845 070 0707 For more information on a range of health and care information, clubs and societies, look in the Community Directory on the Shropshire Council web-site: www.shropshire.gov.uk and from the home page go to the shortcuts drop down box or go direct to: (http://search3.openobjects.com/kbroker/shropshire/cd/asearch.jsp)

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Parish Organisations, Clubs and Societies name what is it? who is it for?

Age Concern Lunch Club social group who meet for lunch over 60's

Art Group art activities everyone

Bell Ringers group who ring the church bells everyone

Broadplace computers available for public use everyone

Cliffe Gardening Club for villagers around the Cliffe everyone

Extend class gentle exercise class over 60's

Flower and Vegetable Show horticultural show everyone

Friends of Ruyton Churchyard keeps churchyard tidy everyone

Keep Fit exercise class over 18's

Local History Society local history group everyone

Local Walks occasional guided walks everyone

Monday Club Church children's club 8 to 12 years

Pre-School playgroup 3 to start school

RATS and Young RATS amateur dramatics society all ages

Ruyton Wrigglers parent and toddler group newborn to 3 years

Scottish Country Dancing dance session everyone

St John the Baptist Church Church of England everyone

St John the Baptist Primary School C of E (Controlled) Primary School 5 to 11 years

Three Parishes Newsletter Church and community newsletter everyone

Tuesday Club Church children's club 5 to 8 years

United Reformed Church Chapel everyone

Village Hall Committee meeting of hall users group members

Women's Institute (WI) social group women of all ages

Yoga Adult Education class everyone

Youth Club social activities secondary school ages

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when is it? where does it meet? who to contact?

3rd Monday in month New Inn, Baschurch 260048 Penny

1st, 3rd Thursday 10am Victoria Room 260036 Dave

Wednesday 7pm Church 260271 Pat

Friday 10am - 6pm Victoria Room 260628 Colin

1st Thursday 7.30pm Victoria Room 261177 Margaret

Thursday 9am Memorial Hall 260628 Colin

every September Parish Hall 260594 Chris

1st Saturday most months Church 260910 Jenny

Monday 7.15pm Victoria Room 262894 Debbie

Wednesday, monthly, 7.30pm Victoria Room 260237 Stewart

as arranged as arranged 260899 Trevor

Monday Victoria Room 261234 Lynda

daily term time Parish Hall 261322

around productions Victoria Room and Parish Hall 260998 Maria

Wednesday term time Victoria Room 261663 Sarah

Wednesday 8pm, Oct-March Parish Hall 260704 Ann

times vary Church Street 261234 Revd Foster

term time Church Street 260445 office

quarterly delivered to households 260910 Jenny

Tuesday Victoria Room 261234 Lynda

1st, 3rd Sunday, 3.45pm School Road 290109 Trevor

bi-monthly Memorial Hall 260373 Arabella

2nd Tuesday 7.30pm Memorial Hall 260594 Chris

Thursday 7pm Parish Hall 262100 WNSC

1st, 3rd Tuesday term time Memorial Hall 260628 Colin

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Ruyton XI Towns Parish Plan Steering Committee

Draft Greenspace Strategy

This Draft Strategy is produced by the PPSC as an “off-shoot” of the Questionnaire and its analysis. It is not intended to be an integral part of the formal Parish Plan, but we believe these suggestions to be complementary to the replies we received. Although it is not an answer to any specific questions in the Questionnaires, it builds on the general replies and comments. We were all inspired by the presentation by Clive Dean on 15th July at the PPSC AGM. He suggested that we need some kind of coherent Plan for the Greenspaces in our Parish – a Strategy to guide their development. In addition, a coherent strategy will probably help us attract funds and help us the work with the Parks and Countryside Team. Our PPSC has compiled this “Aunt Sally” as a starting point. It tries to build on the various conversations and Plans discussed with residents, Charter Group members, Youth Club members and of course the PPSC meetings. It is not a definitive Plan – it needs much more consultation and input. But at least it is somewhere to start.

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It considers each of our six Greenspace areas in turn, giving a bit of history and offering a suggestion for the main use of the space and hence its development potential. The PPSC would welcome your feedback on these suggestions. We are keen to consult widely (and quickly) so that we can take advantage of any funding opportunities that arise. There is rarely time for meaningful consultation between a funding stream being announced and the closing date for applications – so it is important to be ready. 1. Doctor’s Meadow Field This is our largest potential play area in the village. It can be divided into three main areas: The Field (the flat grassed part), The Spinney (over the bridge) and Church Bank (the steeply-sloping part to the South). It also has a car park. This seems to be an area suitable for young people between, say, 8 and 18, and the rest of the community, for sport, play, dog walking and other outdoor activities and just sitting about. Most of the field is too far from houses to be suitable for very young children, except with close supervision. The river presents a potential hazard. As a sports field and general amenity area the flat part needs to be relatively dry well-mown grass. It is large enough for “adventure play equipment” for children,

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young people and adults as well as the football pitch. It will need a proper drainage scheme to achieve this. The Charter Group are Planning to install several elements of outdoor Gym Equipment at the East end inside the loop of the perimeter path, and have the funds to complete this, although they still need to assess how many pieces of equipment are affordable. They also intend to install a wooden bench seat (from the Derwen). This will go near the bridge, at the top of the slope up from the field. This will hopefully be installed in the next few months. The Spinney is a nice area for walking. But it needs maintenance. The nettles are overgrown and some trees need felling or removal. There is no important flora or fauna in this area, but it needs to be tidy and unobstructed. It could provide a place for “dens” for 8 to 14 year-olds, and maybe a place for bird-boxes to encourage wildlife. It would be suitable for a bike track with a few humps and jumps. The Church Bank is very difficult to keep tidy – it is too steep to be mown. A slide has been installed on the steepest part of the Bank. It has sandstone around it rather than a grassy bank which will need addressing. Development Plan The first element of any development Plan is to get the main field properly drained. This should ideally be done before the Outdoor Gym Equipment is installed. The paths need to be restored to an acceptable

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standard. Some sort of open shelter would be useful, both in case of rain and as an area to “hang out”. The Spinney needs maintenance and clearing. The felled trees may be used to build an Adventure Trail among or around the Gym Equipment. This would encourage inter-generational “play” all in the same area. Logs could also be used to “line” the area of rock under the slide. By laying them sideways and close together, earth can be trapped between them so that grass can grow. They will also provide a “scramble” surface so that youngsters can climb back up for another go. This will improve the look of the area substantially, as well as providing a slightly cleaner surface for slide users. The Bank to the East of the slide could be cut into three “tiers” or huge steps. They could ramp down to field level at the most Easterly end. They could be faced with tree logs to make a “stockade” or fort frontage. The tiers will make the Bank easier to mow. They will also provide a “stage” for theatrical or musical productions (RATS are keen to support this) or alternatively a seating area that looks down on activities on the field. The height gives an ideal “launch” point for the much-demanded zip-wire and maybe a scrambling net. 2. Dunning Close Play Area (originally known as Kingsbridge Manor Play Area)

This is the relatively small patch of grassland between Dunning Close and Arundel Close in Doctor’s Meadow. Its proximity to houses makes it an ideal spot for use by

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our younger villagers, and it is already identified for this purpose. There is a long history of un-used Section 106 money allocated to this area (approximately £7,000 of combined capital and revenue) and now this money has been allocated to add to lottery money obtained by Oswestry Play Partnership, to build a properly-equipped area for young children. This needs managing to a conclusion – and quickly. 3. Marches Meadow Play Area This is a new play area equipped with play equipment for younger children, provided from the Section 106 proceeds of the adjacent estate. It is an excellent resource, and at least the Section 106 money has been used productively. However, local residents and users suggest one or two improvements. The existing gate opens outwards onto the main road. This is considered to be hazardous. Unfortunately it is not wide enough to allow access for the mower. The mowing team have to use the tarmac walkway at the back of the area and this has already succumbed to damage. The Plan is to remove the gate and replace it with a wider gate that opens inwards, mounted across the corner (rather than straight) to allow the mower to make use of the existing dropped curb. There is a table and bench set, but this seems to attract older youngsters as a place to “hang out”. It is too near the houses to be used for this purpose and encourages

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them to climb onto the table to look over fences. There is also a bench seat, but this has been mounted in a sloping manner and faces away from the play equipment. This is not ideal for carers supervising young children on the play equipment. The proposed solution is to remove the table and bench set and install a new wooden bench seat on the grass, facing the play equipment. The Charter Group have agreed to provide a seat to be purchased from the Derwen for this purpose. 4. Bridge Inn Field This is a fairly large grassed area to the East of the Bridge Inn and the Quillets houses. The river forms the North and East boundary to this field. Since it is fairly close to the Marches Meadow play area, it does not need more equipment for the very young. It is mostly used by older youngsters to hang out or kick balls. It is also used by adults for walking. We suggest that we continue to Plan to use it for these purposes. Access from the main road is poor. There is a gate, but it is normally locked and could swing out into the path of cars. It is Planned to install a kissing gate next to the main gate to ease access – funding is already available for this. A large part of the field should be kept properly mown to allow play and sport. But other development suggestions include:-

• An orchard (damsons or apples etc)

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• Fishing Platforms – seems a shame to waste the river when it is so close.

• Allotments – there seems to be a growing demand. And there is plenty of room.

• Picnic Area – re-install the table and bench from the Marches Meadow Area – but well away from domestic gardens.

5. Birch Grove Play Area This is an existing play area built for younger children over 15 years ago. At present it is mostly used by older children – and they use it for “hanging around” and/or kicking a football. We therefore suggest that we Plan to improve the area to allow these activities but with less inconvenience to neighbours. A wall to kick against and some netting would be a great improvement. 6. The Cliffe Without a doubt, this area is a huge asset to our community and is used extensively by all ages for walking, cycling and horse-riding. This area does not need any play equipment of any sort – but it does need constant maintenance. Help is available to guide our maintenance activities and some funding is also available. Shropshire Council Heritage Site team manage this area. PPSC suggests we all continue to support them as best we can.

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General Issues Dog Fouling There is no doubt that dog-fouling presents the biggest obstacle to enjoyment of virtually all of these areas – particularly the un-fenced open ones. This can only be improved by:-

• Ensuring that bins and notices are present and visible

• Education

• Enforcement We need to generate an integrated Plan to attend to this problem – maybe even training our own dog-wardens to assist enforcement. We need to work hard to ensure that dog-fouling is recognised as the anti-social behaviour that the vast majority of villagers consider it to be. Rights of Way The strategy for Greenspaces needs to integrate with the maintenance and development Plans for our Rights of Way – whether footpaths or bridleways. Parish Plan Steering Committee – August 2009


Issue identified from the questionnaire

Resulting action

Leisure and Amenities

New Community Centre/Village Hall

Obtain land and funding to build a new Community Centre

Maintain the existing Parish and Memorial Halls in the interim

Make some improvements

New windows New Stage Curtains

Request for a local history group

Form a Local History Society

Request for keep fit classes for all ages

Keep Fit class

‘Extend’ gentle exercise class

Information wanted on the mobile library

Display mobile library time-table

Request for archive storage facility

Look into the feasibility of archive storage facilities

Communications

Help with Digital TV Switchover

Provide help

More notice boards around the Parish

Put up a new notice board in the centre of the village

Put up notice board at Elbridge

Put up notice board at east end of the village

Local information circulated by email

Look into sending electronic information to more people by email

Access to the Parish news-letter on the Parish website

Look into the possibility of putting the Three Parishes Newsletter on the Parish website

Lead organisation

Partner organisations

Priority Possible funding

Village Hall Committee

CCS, SC, PC High Lottery

Village Hall Committee RATS

CCS, SC, PC Ongoing

Achieved Medium

CCS

Awards for All LJC funding won

An individual Achieved LJC

PPSC

PPSC

Achieved

Achieved

Self

CCS

PPSC SC Low No cost

Church Local History

Society

Ongoing Church and Heritage Group

Broadplace Medium No cost

PC

PC

PC

Achieved

Medium

Medium

Parish Council

LJC funding won

LJC

PPSC Low No cost

PPSC Low No cost

Action Summary Table


Resulting action

Security and Policing

Dog fouling Monitor dog fouling and put up more notices

Vehicles parking on the pavements

Monitor vehicles obstructing the pavements

Neighbourhood watch scheme

Re-introduce a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

Getting around

Local Bus service provision

Look into getting improvements to bus service

Roads and Traffic

Volume and size of vehicles through the centre of the village

Look into restricting access for non local HGV’s along the B4397 Lobby in support of the North West Relief Road

Speeding Obtain use of vehicle activated signs

Shotatton Cross Roads Continue to campaign for a better solution to the junction

Volume of traffic at start and end of school day

Evaluate and look at expanding the Walking Bus scheme

Church Bank Problems Provide an alternative footpath

B4397 Look into practical solutions to deter

vehicles from mounting the pavements Health and Older People

Health services provided more locally

Local Chiropodist and other health provision, prescription delivery service

Lead organisation



PC SC dog warden Ongoing SC

PC Police, CSO Ongoing

PC Police, volunteers Low Police

PC SC, bus company Low

PC PC

SC, Police SC

High High

PC SC, Police High SC, PC, LJC

PC SC, MP High Government

School Volunteer parents In progress LEA

PC PC, SC, Church Achieved

PC PC, SC High

PPSC PCT Medium


Resulting action

Environment and Countryside

Access to the rights of way network

Produce local maps

more signs

negotiate with landowners to have more gaps and kissing gates

improved path maintenance

Housing

Preference for smaller housing to be built

Advise Planning Authority of Parish Plan findings

Retain the character of the centre of the village

Explain the merits of a ‘Conservation Area’ and an ‘Area of Environmental Character’

Affordable housing Scrutinise Dairy Site Plans when full planning permission sought

Young People

Lack of play equipment Funding for more play facilities and equipment

Request for bus shelter and seating

Put up bus shelter at east end of village

Arrange courses for young people

Look into running a First Aid course

Look into running a childcare/ babysitting course

Key to abbreviations: PPSC: Parish Plan Steering Committee, MP: Member of Parliament, PCT: Primary Care Trust, CCS: Community Council of Shropshire, SC: Shropshire Council, LJC: Local Joint Committee, PC: Parish Council, SYA: Shropshire Youth Association, WNSC: Walford and North Shropshire College

Lead organisation



Rights of Way

Warden

SC, Ramblers, land owners

Medium SC, LJC

PPSC

PC

SC Initial findings passed on, more consultation to come

SC English Heritage

Low

PC SC High

PC SC, youth club High Awards for All, LJC, CCS, SC

PC SC In progress PC, SC, CCS

Youth Club

Youth Club

SYA, St John’s Ambulance

SYA, WNSC

Low

Parish Greenspaces Walk

A gentle walk around our Parish, to increase familiarity with our Greenspaces and the Flora and

Fauna that live in them.

A walk of about 6 miles, taking approximately three hours over footpaths, bridleways and roads.

Led by Clive Dean, our Conservation and

Communities Officer, Shropshire Council Parks and Countryside Sites Team, accompanied by Trevor

Allison, our Rights of Way Warden.

Cost is £3 per person (£1 for children and senior citizens)

Saturday 28th November Meet at the car park on Doctor’s

Meadow Field at 10:00am


Invitation to every one living in the

Parish of Ruyton XI Towns You have received your Parish Plan.

The Committee would like to invite you to:

Cu

t H

ere

Suggestions, comments and offers of help:-

• ask questions and comment on the Parish Plan

• help to make this Plan a reality for the benefit of our Parish

• discuss the Greenspace Strategy

• have your say on the Playbuilder proposal for Adventure

Play on Doctor’s Meadow field

Drop in and talk to us at the Memorial Hall on Thursday 24th September 6:30 – 8:30pm or

Saturday 26th September 10:00am – 1:00pm

If you cannot attend either session, please make your comments and give to a Committee Member

ruyton xi towns parish plan summer 2009

Documents