• VILLAGE SURVEY RESULTS – REPORT BY HARRY BOWEN PC CHAIRMAN

It has been great to hear back from some of the villagers, I’ve collected and analysed the responses – based on the 34 responses received. There were two main focuses in the survey, the first to find out if the respondents were in favour or against a 20mph speed zone, and the second to find out how they wish for us to prioritise our efforts, we gave them five options.

  1. 20mph Speed Zone

85% of respondents voted in favour of introducing a 20mph speed limit within the village.

I’m currently working with our local County Councillor on this. From our latest correspondence, they are awaiting updates from the new lead highways member, which we hope to receive early in the new year, will keep you updated with progress.

  1. Focus Priorities

Below are the five focus areas we asked the villagers to list in terms of priority (in their view), the combined responses showed the priorities in this order:

  1. Footpath Improvements
  2. Solar Light in bus Stop
  3. Improve Children Play Equipment
  4. Additional Flower Beds
  5. Outdoor adult gym equipment

Based on this feedback, I believe the Parish should pursue a grant for footpath improvements and the addition of new pavements to improve connectivity and pedestrian safety.

However, from last discussions around this, there may be funding constraints to be considered, but we can look into other options such as enhancements to the play area for children’s equipment.

Once the grant application is submitted, we could then explore the “quicker wins” such as solar light in the Bus Stop. Regarding the flower beds, it may be best to revisit this once we have clarity on signage improvements and potential gateway features at village entrances. Once I receive further clarification on funding for the 20mph zone, we’ll have a clearer view of what is achievable.

Play equipment will also be reviewed as part of the long-term plan for the village.

For solar lighting, some residents raised concerns about light pollution and compliance with CPRE policies. As an alternative, we could consider reflective strips or posts to improve visibility without compromising the Dark Sky policy. I am also conscious of comments from councillors and residents regarding Loxley’s Dark Sky policy and highway visibility requirements.

Additional Comments from the Survey

  • Tennis Courts: Calls for surface improvement – we have limited parish involvement, but I’ll pass feedback to those who manage the courts and offer support where possible.
  • Park Gates: Calls for the installation of gates at the entrances – worth considering improving safety for park users, though current funding constraints may make this a longer-term goal.
  • Road Safety Near School: Particularly around drop-off/pick-up times. I’ll communicate with the school to discuss possible solutions.
  • Public Footpaths: Calls for the parish to review maintenance and liaise with landowners where necessary. We can look into footpaths around the village and see how we can help. If anyone knows farmers or landowners with footpaths crossing their land, please let us know so we can discuss options.
  • Pub Sign: This may require legal/H&S surveys from the County Council. I’ll raise this again to explore options and see what we can do.
  • Bus Stop (Opposite Side): Calls for a bus stop on the opposite side of the road could benefit bus users and encourage usage, but funding is likely to be very limited. The existing shelter was funded through previously acquired CIL money.
  • Excessive Property Lighting: Calls for reduction in light pollution coming from residential properties, reportedly causing unwanted glare/distress through consistent bright lights (but these are personal accounts). While property lighting can deter crime, it may be worth promoting sensors or timers to reduce constant illumination and ensure compliance with the village’s Dark Sky policy. Not sure how we would enforce/monitor but will look into it.