GWAVAS CONSULTATION SUMMARY REPORT

The Map consultation

A large map showing every street, road and house of the Gwavas Estate and the surrounding area was provided at the Gwavas Fun Day on Monday 19th April 2004, to enable residents to put forward their views about where they live, to highlight environmental concerns, and to suggest how to improve their local area.

People were asked to pinpoint their house or flat in the appropriate place on the map, and a large selection of cards illustrating a range of issues were provided for people to pin on the map according to where they felt the problem was, or where improvements could be made. Blank cards were also available for people to add their own ideas.

In total 47 people participated in the mapping exercise: 26 adults and 21 young people aged under 18. The data collected from the map and the comments made should, in general, be seen to give an overall impression of the needs of the area as expressed by those taking part.

Summary

The main concerns that arose repeatedly throughout the consultation were the issues of:

• Traffic
• Dog mess
• Personal safety
• The overall everyday environment of the estate

There is a general feeling that there is too much traffic on the estate. Traffic calming ideas such as: - lowering the existing speed limit to slow down traffic, providing Zebra crossings, banning Heavy Goods Vehicles and providing cycle lanes around the estate were all suggested. The issue of access and the suggestion of providing pavements along the main road up to the estate were strongly supported, as was the idea to improve the existing pavement access and to include disabled access and remove the grass verges .

The idea of a community garden and a paved area with seats and shrubs was suggested by a number of residents, as was a community vegetable garden, a community composting scheme, a garden tool bank, and planting to encourage wildlife and the planting of trees. Other ideas along this theme included the provision of seating on the estate, garden fencing, and a picnic area up on the playing field.

The planned cuts to the local bus service from one every half hour, down to one an hour, concern many residents. The effect that this will have to accessing already difficult to get to services and facilities will be to create only greater isolation. The issue of the lack of bus shelters in the area, forcing people to stand out in all weather conditions whilst waiting for a bus, was also highlighted.

People not feeling safe on the estate at night, especially along the back alleyways between the houses was another concern for residents of all ages. A number of people thought that street lighting along the alleyways could improve this situation.

The issue of dog mess is a widespread problem and one that people feel very strongly about. Reports were frequently made of dog mess on the pavement and up in the field, which discourages residents from using it with their children, . Suggestions on how to improve this problem included a dog-free zone, a dog walking area, and the provision of poop scoop bins, of which there are currently a distinct lack on the estate.

Rubbish around the estate is another big issue. Litter bins and a recycling facility up on the estate, along with an improved collection of large household items were all suggested as ways to improve this situation.

The need for a play area for babies, as well as play equipment for older children and young people was also raised.

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A copy of the full consultation report is available on request:
Contact Sarah Newton on 01736 351951