Aston on Trent

In June 2004 S.A.V.E (Save Aston Village Environment) and Aston Parish Council decided it would be beneficial to the village to have a Village (Parish) Plan and the Steering Committee was formed – open to anyone to join.

The Steering Committee have no powers to implement the actions listed in the Action Plan below. They are recommendations based on the wishes of the majority of parishioners where there is a significant number of people concerned about an issue.

The issues have been compiled following analysis of the Drop in Day feedback, the Pilot Questionnaire and the Village Questionnaire and approved by the Steering Committee.

Summary

The objective of the Report is to set out the views of the Village on a wide variety of issues of Village life. From this an Action Plan was developed to indicate to interested parties and other agencies, suggested areas of activity.

In conjunction with a number of groups, a series of questions was devised to form the basis of a questionnaire distributed to the whole of the Village. A number of volunteers completed a Pilot version of the questionnaire in order to develop the final version.

The response from the questionnaire was overwhelming with a 70% return on the number issued. The task of entering the data was significant but the deadline of July 2005 was met.

Whilst many of the results could be predicted, some of the concerns related to :-

· The control of increased development and the possible loss of the “village” atmosphere, which so many cherished.

· The lack of adequate public transport – mainly late buses from Derby.

· The need to provide a Youth Club.

· Parking and traffic issues

· Eating out in the village

· More Recreational activities

On the positive side

· The Parish Council received a vote of confidence.

· The Memorial Hall was supported in its redevelopment / extension project

· The Well Dressing plays a large part in the enjoyment of the village

These are just some of the results of the exercise.

The report to be submitted in draft form to the Village at an open day and when finalised, it will be circulated to all interested parties.

What is a Village Plan?

The Government wishes to give rural communities a bigger opportunity to run their own affairs, and to set out a vision for their town or village to guide its future development. Some communities have already prepared Village Design Statements or carried out a Parish Appraisal. Many have looked at local housing need and the allocation of land for industrial and commercial development.
But a Parish Plan is more than a design statement or survey of housing needs. It should cover everything of relevance to the people who live in the parish including social, economic and environmental issues. It will need to address the needs of the entire community and everyone should have the opportunity to participate in its preparation.
In short the Village/Parish Plan:-

· Identifies the issues that are important to that community.

· Highlights the needs and the aspirations of the community.

· Pinpoints the opportunities that exist for improvement.

· Every household and business in the Village has been consulted giving them the chance of being heard, not just those who speak up at local meetings.

· Enables future projects to be planned with the knowledge that the community will support them.

· Through working towards a common goal the Plan brings groups and individuals in the community together.

Village Background

Introduction:

Aston-on-Trent is an unspoilt village situated 7 miles south of Derby centre with over sixteen hundred residents. It is noted in the Doomsday Book in 1086 and has had several “owners” through the intervening years.

It is a thriving village with good amenities including a post office, shop, two pubs, two churches, school, sports ground and a very active social calendar.

History:

The original settlement, which probably came from the neighbouring village of Weston, dates back to the Angles invasion in the mid 6^th Century. The two settlements Acetum (Aston), the East Farm, and of course, The West Farm at Weston, were formed.

Acetum was recorded as a single settlement in the Doomsday book in 1086.

The settlement lay on land higher than the 125 feet contour, above the marsh and meadowland of the Trent flood plane. Prior to the sixteenth century records indicate that Sir William Paget, who rented Weston Hall, sold lands at Aston to the Roper family who in turn sold to Robert Holden of Shardlow in 1649. He also acquired land from the ancient “Hunt’s of Aston”. The squirearchy resided at Aston for a further 250 years and the Holden’s became the “Holden’s of Aston” until they in turn sold to Col. William Dickson Winterbottom in 1898.

After the war in 1924 the hall and land were sold to Nottingham County Council who developed a hospital for mentally handicapped patients. The Health Authority have held the land until recently when some land was sold off and the Bloor Estate was built on part of that land. The old Hall outbuildings and nurses homes have been either refurbished or knocked down and rebuilt. A small exclusive number of dwellings occupy part of the grounds.

The rest of the village has also seen changes since the Great War. A Memorial Hall was erected in 1926 and now that too is subject to refurbishment. In 1931 the church Lych Gate was erected in memory of Rector Shuttleworth Holden.

During World War II a decoy was set up on the northern edge of Aston to distract enemy planes bound for Derby. An earthquake in the early thirties rattled windows and Aston even suffered a “tropical style” Tornado. Twenty-seven degrees of frost was also recorded in the late thirties.

In more recent times the village has prospered and expanded with additions of Shirley Park, Manor Farm Road, Compton Avenue and more recently the Bloor Estate. The A50 Trunk road was bitterly opposed by the village and S.A.V.E. was established in 1988 to negotiate environmental issues effecting Aston, particularly the new road and service station.

Evidence still exists of the farming history of Aston, even if the farms are now houses, local Alabaster in the church reminds residents of the Gypsum mines now marked by the brickyard plantation. A new, third cemetery, has been opened on the north edge of the village and the hospital is finally to close opening a new chapter in Aston Village History.

One thing is certain, Aston-on-Trent has a great tradition of community and this can clearly be seen by the committees and groups active in the village. Twice voted Derbyshire Large Village of the Year and a finalist in the National Competition. Aston’s pride and spirit lives on.

Method

Steering Committee.

The whole project has been managed by a Steering Committee consisting of: -

Les Brooks – Chairman (April 04 – January 05)

Trish Cyster – Chairman - Parish Council

Kim Jones – Secretary

Chris Sellek – Treasurer - SAVE

Colin Stubbs – Project Manager (April 04 – January 05)

Paul Hudson – Project Manager

Steve Graham - Parish Council

Peter Jesper - Parish Council

Alison Keefe (Part Time) - Parish Council

Fran Smith - Parish Council

Julie Ingman

The Steering Committee has met every month for the last year, usually on a Thursday, at 8.00pm, in the White Hart. However, during busy periods the Committee would meet weekly.

Minutes of Meeting were also taken, written, published and kept by the Secretary (see Part 2) A constitution was drawn up (see Part 2) together with a Project Plan (see Part 2).

Generating the Plan.

The objective of the Village Plan is to reflect the views and aspirations of the residents. This relied on a significant programme of communication with everybody and this took several forms as described below.

Village Drop in Day

Villagers were invited to a Drop in Day in July 2004. The purpose of this was to make them aware of the nature of a Village Plan and also for the Steering Committee to formulate the structure of the plan around the many comments and suggestions from those who attended. Most of the ideas were written on ‘post it’ notes and subsequently sorted and grouped to indicate the manner in which the Plan should be developed.

It was decided that the plan should be split into sections or groups (Recreation, Law & Order etc). See Part 2 for feedback on Drop in Day.

Pilot questionnaire.

Having analysed the results of the drop in day, we felt that we needed to consult the village further and decided to generate a questionnaire, using the themes that had arisen at the drop in day as the basis.

We decided that it would also be beneficial for us to pilot the questionnaire on a small group of homes first. 77 people (across all age groups) volunteered to take part in the pilot. This represented 5% of the total number of people living in the village.

In addition to completing a questionnaire the volunteers also commented on the content, style and ease of completing the questionnaire and suggested improvements. The feedback was instrumental in shaping the questionnaire that eventually went to each and every household in the village. Generally our volunteers were impressed and 50 (61%) went on to complete the revised questionnaire.

Questionnaire.

From the comments on the Pilot questionnaire, we revamped many aspects to produce the final version (see Part 2)

Improvements were made to how the questions were asked. Whilst we wanted to make it simple to fill in, being conscious of not simply making it a ‘tick box’ document, but that each section should have areas of free text to allow people to openly express their views on the issues raised. We were aware that this would create a more significant workload for analysis, but we had the opportunity to carry out this exercise with some funding behind it and we were determined that we should maximise the worth and impact.

Questionnaire – Co-ordination

Having printed the questionnaire, we needed help to distribute and collect the questionnaires. At the upcoming Community Group Meeting, the representatives of our various village groups were asked to seek volunteers from their respective members.

The response was overwhelming, during January and February 2005, 61 volunteers took to the streets, distributing 1,634 questionnaires to 842 homes in the village.

All the volunteers were given an area of the village of between 10-12 homes.

In most cases this was the Street, Road, Lane, Close et al on which the volunteer actually lived. We wanted to make the task as easy as possible not only for our volunteers, but for the neighbours that they would be distributing to and collecting from.

This was also quite a co-ordination feat for Kim Jones and Julie Ingman who worked tirelessly to prepare the “Guidelines for Volunteers” and individual “Distribution Lists”. What was envisioned as a couple of hours work on a Sunday afternoon, actually took a whole weekend. (See Part 2 – Guidelines)

The support of our volunteers was invaluable. The result was incredible. In all 1,148 questionnaires were completed. This is 70% of the original distribution. We were extremely pleased with this result.

Number of Volunteers	61
Number of Homes	842
Number of Questionnaires (1 per person)	1,634
Number of Questionnaires Completed	1,148
Percentage	70%

Draft Plan presentation

The purpose of having another open day is to allow everybody to comment on the plan and raise issues before it is finally published. This is a formal condition of the funding.

Following the overwhelming response to the questionnaire came the hard part of inputting all the data and analysing it. What a monster this turned out to be! Our timing plan went somewhat out of the window.

Everybody chipped in, but many hours were spent in this long process and the computers worked overtime.

Data entry also meant analysing all the free text answers and categorising them into sections so that the results could be shown in graph form. It was not all dour though as there were many witty answers and curious ones from a requirement for indoor angling to liking Aston “… because my house is there… )!

The date for the presentation of the draft is June 26th 2005.

Final Plan.

This will be prepared after the response to the draft and submitted to the village groups involved as well as the local government and support organisations

Communication

The Steering Committee was able to communicate progress of the Village Plan to the village via various means:-

Village web-site www.aston-on-trent.co.uk (Editor is Chris Sellek)

ACORN (Aston on Trent Quarterly Newsletter) (See Part 2)

Village Voice (Local Newspaper)

Parish Council Meetings (Monthly update by Parish Council members who also sit on the Steering Committee)

Communications Meeting (Quarterly update by Secretary who represents the Steering Committee)

Well Dressing (Yearly village event at which the Committee has a stall)

Maps

Aston on Trent Map Here

Conservation area

Questionnaire results discussion

Introduction

Set out below is the data collected for each of the questions in the questionnaire. Alongside each is a general comment. The data is presented in its original form and is the basis of the Action Plan outlined in this report. Much of the data can be further analyzed by whichever group or individual undertakes the suggested actions.

General

GE1 On what road do you live in the Parish?

The results of this question are not represented in graphical format as the information is intended to back up further analysis - e.g. location of bad pavements, affected areas for aircraft noise etc.

GE2 & GE3 What age and sex are you?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,129

The make up of the village in terms of age ranges and sex, shows a predominance of older people and the numbers of 18-30 somewhat out of proportion to the rest. It would seem that there are generally more females in most age groups who answered the question.

GE4 How far do you travel to work?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,125

Reflecting the older population in the graph, it is perhaps not surprising ²/₅ of people do not work or are retired. For those that do work, it would appear that they are prepared to commute a significant distance in order to live in Aston. Most are between 5-10 miles, with many over 10 miles.

Amenities

Amenities in the Village, how often we have used them in the last 12 months and for what purpose?

AM1 All Saints Church?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,120

A large response to this question. Generally split evenly between worship , non-worship visits and those that do not attend. The average number of visits for those that worship (c400 people) was just under once per month (10.6). Although the number of people carrying out working visits was small, they went on average over 21 times a year.

AM2 Methodist Church?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,110

AM2 The Methodist Church is used for worship with regular social events with a few people maintaining the Church.

AM3 Vestry?

Returns= 1,148 Answers= 1,114

The Vestry is mainly used for Church business but the majority never uses this facility.

It would appear to be under utilised.
AM4 Library Van?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,086

The only library facility in and around Aston is the Library Van. The graph shows that over a ¼ of the inhabitants use this facility on average about 16 times a year.

AM5 & AM6 Malt Shovel & White Hart?

Returns=1,148 Answers AM5=1114 & AM6=1115

The large response to this question shows that the two pubs are frequented mainly for socialising but also used for meetings particularly at the White Hart where there is a function/meeting room. The graph also shows that many villagers do not frequent the pubs

AM7 Post Office?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1122

The Post Office, which also serves as the village Newsagent, is used by the same amount of people, but more visits are made to the newsagent section. There are less people using the Post Office for general shopping and about a quarter of those who responded to the question have papers delivered

AM8 Village Shop?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,105

There is no general provisions/off license in the immediate area other than Aston Village Shop.

The majority of respondents to the questionnaire use the village shop for general purchases and for the off license. Nearly 20% take advantage of the external services offered.

AM9 Hairdresser & Beauty Shop?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1113

The Hairdressing & Beauty Salon is used by about 20% of those who responded to the questionnaire, with visits about once a month.

AM10 Sports Pavilion?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,108

The Sports Pavilion is sited on the playing fields with changing room, bar and meeting room facilities.

The graph shows that this well positioned facility with car park is greatly under utilised by the village. The main usage is by the Cricket/Football Clubs.

AM11 Playing Field / Playground?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1122

The questionnaires returned show that the Playing Field is used mainly for social recreation with only 6% of villagers using it for sporting reasons; the playground is used by over ¼ of those who responded on average 19 times a year. Nearly half the village do not currently use the playing field

AM12 Memorial Hall?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1121

Currently the main venue for functions with a maximum capacity of 100 people. 66% of the village using the hall regularly.

AM13 Scout Hut?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,109

The Scout Hut is mainly used by the Scouts/Guides and rarely used by the village for other purposes.

AM14 A new activity hall, which will provide a facility for energetic, physical and practical pursuits is planned to be built on to the Memorial Hall, replacing the Scout hut. Would you use this facility?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,104

A new Hall is to be built which will bring together both the Memorial Hall and the Scout Hut, the graph below shows the responses by the village on its future use.

AM15 What amenities / Services not currently available would you like to see in the village

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 547

A lower response, but the majority wanted more food outlets. There is also a call for better facilities for teenagers and a range of sporting, recreational and other facilities.

AM16 Additional comments concerning Amenities / Services

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 178

Other comments/concerns the villagers have.

Community

CM1 How long have you lived in the village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,124

The questionnaire reflects not only the new developments in the village, but also that once settled, people tend to stay for a period of time.

CM2 What do you like best about living in Aston?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 978

The graph shows the ingredients for a happy village community.

CM3 What is the worst thing about living in Aston?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 794

Over 75% responded to this question. Concerns are varied with transport issues predominant.

CM4 What is the happiest memory of life in Aston?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 795

This is what makes a village community.

CM5 Does the work done by the Parish Council reflect the interests of the community?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 921

A big response to this question which shows that the majority feel the Parish Council do a good job, although about 10% do not, for various reasons shown on the graph.

Education

ED1 & ED 2 Where do our children go to school?

Aston School

Secondary School

ED4 If you have children at Aston School, would a before school (breakfast) club be beneficial?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 185

As shown in the graph, 40% of those who answered the question thought a before (breakfast) club was desirable.

ED5 If you have children at Aston School, would an after school club be beneficial?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 182

As shown in the graph 58% of those who answered the question thought an after school club was desirable.

ED6 Do you think there is a need for a secondary school in Aston?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 629

The question of secondary education has always been a concern for parents, should Aston be taken out of the Chellaston catchment area. The graph shows that whilst the majority feel there is no need for a secondary school in Aston, 21% of those who responded do.

ED7 If night classes were made available in the village, would you attend?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 813

From the returns/answers above a great number of people would like night classes made available within the village, refer to graph for types

ED8 Additional comments concerning Education?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 139

The graph lists additional general comments regarding education

Environment

EV1 How frequently did you use the bus service in the last 12 months?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,117

The graph shows the bus service usage with only 10% of those answering the questionnaire using the service frequently.

EV2 If you do use the bus, at what time do you use it?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 426

These times are governed by the current timetable, with the majority of use in the morning

EV3 If you do not use the bus, please state why

Returns = 1,148 Answers =777

The majority had no requirement for a bus service but those who did felt the timetable did not suit. There were no evening/late buses and some thought the service was too expensive.

EV4 Are you personally affected by excessive traffic within the village? If so what type?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 420

The graph reflects not only the increasing size of the village, but also the general trend for increase traffic levels. No direct connection to the A50 may have kept the numbers down.

EV5 Is on street parking an issue for you?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 598

There are many properties in Aston without parking facilities, many of which are situated in the centre of Aston and built prior to car ownership. School drop off and pick is an issue for about 20 minutes twice a day for some local residents. Parking on verges and pavements is also an issue.

EV6 Is it important that the countryside and wildlife around the village be protected?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,109

Virtually everyone feels that protecting the local wildlife and countryside is paramount.

EV7 Would you like to see more trees planted in and around the village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,112

The overwhelming majority feels that more tree planting should be done.

EV8 Are the pavements in the village maintained to a reasonable standard?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,095

The residents of Aston felt that pavements were maintained to a reasonable standard but some indicated that maintenance was needed to improve some uneven surfaces. Refer to graph for hot spots.

EV9 If you use the footpaths surrounding the village, are they accessible all year?

Returns=1,148 Answers=897

779 of people answering this question felt the footpaths were accessible throughout the year whilst 111 did not. Refer to the graph for areas affected and the main reasons why access was limited

EV10 Is dog fouling an issue for you?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,097

There are facilities around the village allowing responsible dog owners to clean up after their dog but this is still an issue that concerns the majority.

EV11 Are you affected by aircraft noise?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,040

The survey shows that just over two thirds of the people answering this question are not affected by aircraft noise but just under one third is. The survey did not take into account those people out of the village during the day.

EV12 The village street lighting is ….. ?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,103

Village lighting is accepted as being adequate but improvements could be made in some areas such as old lights being replace by more environmentally friendly lighting.

EV13 Is your property affected by poor surface drainage?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,082

It is clear from the response to this question that some areas suffer from poor drainage but the majority do not.

EV14 Can refuse disposal and recycling be improved locally?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,036

The village is split over whether refuse disposal and recycling could be improved. Refer to question EV15 below for more detail.

EV15 Additional comments concerning environment?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 281

Although the District Council provides a two weekly collection of paper, cans, glass and clothes, parishioners wish that more was done particularly with recycling of plastic. Relatively few people answered this question suggesting overall that this is a low priority for most.

Health

HE1 Do you use the local doctor’s surgery?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,120

Nearly 75% of the village respondents make use of the village doctor’s surgery

HE2 What health facilities would you like to see in the village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 632

It is clear from the responses that other health related services are desirable within the village.

HE3 What health facilities do you use in the village?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 791

As well as general visits to the surgery it is clear that villagers use two additional services available within the village.

HE4 Would you consider using Meals on Wheels service now or in the future?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 962

This service is available within the village now and it appears from the response, Meals on Wheels is something that a significant number of people will consider using in the future

HE5 Additional comments concerning health?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 99

The village surgery is not open every day but there is a Health Centre at Alvaston 3-4 miles away which is part of the same practice. The main comments show the hours are not suitable for some working people and the feedback shows additional services could be made available within the village now the village has increased in size.

Housing & Development

HD1 Would you like to see restrictions on infilling between existing buildings within the village to protect open spaces?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,032

It is clear from the response to this question that people are concerned about the infilling of new housing in open spaces within the village.

HD 2 What type of residence do you live in? - HD 3 What size of residence do you live in? HD 4 Do you rent your property?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,124

The village has a mix of housing which is mainly owner occupied

HD5 At what annual rate should the number of houses in the village increase?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,048

The majority of those who

answered this question want no more or very little housing development.

HD 6 If the number of houses were to increase, what kind of property should this be?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 941

The graph shows a general mix of properties with the emphasis on starter homes for the young and sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

HD 7 Additional comments concerning Housing & Development

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 251

The graph shows that a managed approach to housing and development is desirable to protect the village identity.

Law & Order

LO1 In addition to Neighbourhood Watch, what additional measure would you like to see taken in Aston?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 517

Whilst most people feel secure (Question LO3) they do want to see a greater police presence to address some of the relevant areas of concern highlighted in the graph.

LO2 Are you prepared to spend more on council tax to fund additional measures?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 977

The majority of people who answered this question did not want their council tax to increase but those who didn’t mind an increase; the amounts of increase are varied.

LO3 How secure do you feel walking round Aston?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,092

The majority of people feel secure (922) against (13) who don’t feel secure but the graph highlights a number of concerns about security.

LO4 Have you personally experienced anti-social behaviour in the village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 1,091

The majority of people answering this question have not experienced anti-social behaviour but many have for various reasons

LO5 Should we have community Warden with certain legal powers

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 980

Community policing is being considered by the government and this graph shows the views of the village.

LO6 Has your house ever been burgled or vandalized?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,095

The graph shows some 200 hundred incidents of burglary and/or vandalism over many years with the majority reporting no incidents.

LO7 Have you been subjected to car crime in the village?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 1,071

The graph shows car crime is apparently on the increase. The movement of population will have some bearing on this however.

LO8 Additional comments concerning Law and Order

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 148

Again the additional comments section on Law & Order highlights that the main concern of people responding this question is for more policing

Youth

YO1 Would you like to see a Youth Club / Group in the village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 993

On and off over the years there has been a Youth Club within the village but with no suitable venue the Youth Club closed.

YO 2 If you are under 18 and the Youth Club / Group were able to provide transport, where would you like to go?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 107

Aston does not have any of the facilities listed on the graph.

YO 3 If you are under 18, where do you meet your friends?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 110

YO 4 Would you come to a meeting about setting up a Youth Club / Group?

YO 5 Would you help with fundraising?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 624

A minority would come to a meeting and help with fund raising in various ways and a proportion of these would help to organize fund raising.

YO 6 Additional comments concerning Youth?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 145

The graph highlights the varied views within the village.

Recreation

RE 1 What Outdoor sport or Recreational activities do you participate in?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 721

Individual sports activities head the list with team sports some way down the list.

RE 2 Where do you take part in Outdoor activities?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 753

The majority of those responding to this question take part in outdoor activities outside the village, this could be due to the lack of facilities or in the case of walking (refer to RE1) people do not walk the same walks!

RE 3 What additional outdoor Sport and Recreational facilities would you like to see in the village?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 419

Tennis and bowls are clearly high on the wish list of the majority but for the young people their priority on a wish list was skateboarding.

RE 4 What Indoor Sport or Recreational Activities do you take part in?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 446

RE 5 Where do you take part in indoor activities?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 498 The majority of those responding to this question take part in indoor activities outside the village, this could be due to the lack of facilities within the village there is no swimming pool or Gym (refer to RE4). There are many commercial Gyms in driving distance which people are members of.

RE 6 What additional Indoor Sport and Recreational facilities would you personally like in the village?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 539 The wish list is varied but most could be accommodated under one roof if the facilities were available within the village.

RE 7 If you do not take part in either indoor or outdoor sporting or recreational activities, what are your restrictions?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 407

Sport is not for all people for various reasons but time seems to be the main factor

RE 8 Would you help with running Sport and Recreational activities in the Village?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 904

There is a significant number of people who said yes (77) to this question and would help run various sporting activities.

RE 9 Would you like to attend coaching courses if available?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 865

There is sufficient numbers listed to make it viable to run coaching courses in a few of the areas listed on the graph

RE 10 Do you take part in Sport / Recreational activities as a family?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 922

A third of those that answered the question did take part in family sport/recreation and the main activities are walking, swimming and cycling

RE 11 Do you believe there is a need for additional Recreational or Sporting Clubs?

Returns = 1,148 Answers = 814

About two thirds of those answering this question thought there was a need for additional recreation/sports clubs; the majority of the specified activities do not have clubs in the village.

RE 12 Do you think there is enough provision of Recreational or Sporting facilities for people in Aston?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 822

Across all age groups particularly the under 18’s the answer is no.

RE 13 Additional comments concerning Recreation

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 133

Additional comments to support other Recreation questions.

Village Groups & Societies

VG 1- 35 Do you belong to any of the following village groups?

Returns = 1,148

Answers = 580

Over half of those who completed this question belong to one or more of the village groups listed on the graph.

Acknowledgements

The Village Plan has been a tremendous undertaking and it only thanks to the village for its input that it has been achieved. Particular thanks to the Steering Committee:

The Countryside Agency provided the funding for the exercise and we are most grateful to them. In addition, Helena Stubbs from Derbyshire Rural Community Council provided much needed assistance and encouragement throughout the project

Our thanks go to Aston Parish Council for their support and enabling of funding. This has been a major project and could not have been carried out without their consistent help.

In addition, our thanks also go to SAVE, who instigated the exercise in conjunction with the Parish Council. It is hoped their initiative will prove useful to many in the village.

Chairperson	Les Brooks	Retired in January due to family health
Chairperson	Trish Cyster	Stepped up to the challenge in January following Les’ retirement
Secretary	Kim Jones	For working tirelessly to keep the Steering Committee on track
Treasurer	Chris Sellek	For controlling the expenditure of the Steering Committee
Project Manager	Colin Stubbs	Temporarily stepped down between January and May due to work commitments
Project Manager	Paul Hudson	Joined the Steering Committee in September and took over from Colin to drive us through to completion
Drop In Day – design, set-up, collation of feedback and publication of report	Kim Jones, Colin Stubbs and Chris Sellek	Hard work, but worthwhile to establish the likes, dislikes and needs of the village
Pilot Questionnaire – development, design and layout, distribution and analysis	The Steering Committee	Championed the Themes that arose from the Drop In Day
Final Questionnaire design and layout	Chris Sellek Paul Hudson
Final Questionnaire – co-ordination (distribution and collection)	Julie Ingman & Kim Jones	Ensured that 1,634 questionnaires were delivered by 59 volunteers to 842 homes in the village
Data Analysis – design and development of database	Paul Hudson	Could not have done it without him!
Data Input	Paul Hudson, Trish Cyster, Chris Sellek, Kim Jones, John Fordham, Colin Stubbs, Sharron Mellard and Ian Toplis	PHEW! A total of 1,148 questionnaires were inputted.
Report Introduction	Steve Graham & John
Report content graphs and layout	Paul Hudson, Chris Sellek & Peter Jesper
Report Action Plan	The Steering Committee	Chris Sellek initial analysis
Report Summary	Kim Jones
Report Map	Chris Sellek
Report photographs	Julie Ingman, Mark Dunn
Report methodology	Paul Hudson
Other Steering Committee members	Julie Ingman
	Peter Jesper - PC
	Fran Smith - PC
	Allison Keefe - PC
	Gerry Cavenagh - PC
	Steve Graham - PC

Distribution of questionnaire and flyers

Karen Fox	Gill Ballington	David Phillips	Trish Cyster
Pam Garratt	Fran Smith	Julie Stewart	David Godley
Margaret Allan	Michael Edge	Eileen Gregson	Keith Gregson
Julie Ingman	Steve Graham	Gillian Aldridge	Jane Chester
Sandra Bayliss	Valerie Bower	John Gidlow	Ann Adams
Dorothy Hill	Colin Peck	Steve Aynsley	Helen Burgess
Chris Sellek	Hilary Forber	Marjorie Gibbard	Robin Gibbard
Justin Shannahan	Paul Stow	Judith Ely	Peter Jesper
Paul Makinson	Jack Pegg	Colin Stewart	Paul Hudson
Catherine Wellings	Kenneth Warrender	Joanne Danby	Louise Bostock
Gordon Hardy	Peter Collington	Jean Brown	David Brown
Lynette Willerton	Susan Stevenson	Peter Stevenson	Susan Winter
Alison Keefe	Fiona Storrar	Margaret Tomlinson	Joe Nutman
Andrew Shakich	Leonora Bull	Eric Alexander	Barbara James
Carole Bagnall	Sally Rymell	Sarah James	Ruth Barcock
Colin Stubbs