Parish Plan

Parish Plan is launched

The Parish Plan for Long Whatton and Diseworth wad launched on 21st February 2008, and can be read here:

The launch of the Parish Plan, with Charlotte Burt from the RCC and members of the Parish Plan team.

Introduction

In November 2005, Diana Cook from Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Community Council addressed a small group of interested residents from Long Whatton and Diseworth on the possibility of producing a Parish Plan. She explained the aims of such and the importance of community consultation and involvement in the whole process. It seemed a daunting task and indeed proved to be one, but an extremely rewarding one, both for the team that set out and stayed with the idea and for the residents of both villages.

It is interesting to note that the hopes and concerns of both villages were not dissimilar and in the process of planning the details, setting out the questions, delivering the questionnaire, and analysing the results, the team which comprised residents from both villages came to a better understanding and appreciation of each other.

In February 2006, the Parish Plan theme was launched, the event hosted by the Rural Community Council and attended by County Council Service Providers as well as local residents. In February 2008, after many deliberations and much hard work, the Parish Plan was launched, together with an Action Plan for the future.

In producing the Plan, the team records with gratitude, the constant support of Leicestershire & Rutland Rural Community Council, in particular, Diana Cook, Jennie Beeby and Charlotte Burt, and the financial support of Long Whatton & Diseworth Parish Council. The Youth Questionnaire could not have taken place without the enthusiasm and support of Youth Worker Ro Riley and the assistance of local schools. The many interesting charts are the painstaking work of Parish Plan secretary Phil Brodrick. The interest shown to the Plan from officers at Leicestershire County Council is much appreciated, in particular the support of Dr. Matthew Kempson.

However the wonderful efforts of the residents of Long Whatton and Diseworth, in persevering when it seemed we were never going to complete, the encouragement and work of volunteers when called upon, and the determination of a small group to ensure that the voice of the two villages was heard has culminated in our Parish Plan.

Summary of Results

The Parish Plan Questionnaire had been set out in eight separate sections, covering the main interests and concerns of residents during the consultation period. These covered Traffic & Transport, Environment, Housing, Community Safety, Community Buildings,
Local Facilities, Health & Well Being and Education.

In the parish of approximately 1300 registered adult residents, there were 463 responses. 40 Young people answered the separate Youth Questionnaire.

The problems of traffic speeding through the villages, the frequency of accidents at the junction on to the A6 and inconsiderate parking of vehicles all featured highly in the
results. Whilst a shuttle bus travels regularly from Loughborough to Derby and goes through both villages, there is no public transport provided to other areas in North West Leicestershire, either to the local secondary schools or to surgeries other than Castle Donington. However Community Transport is available.

The greatest interest shown by responders was for the environment. Pollution in the form of noise, litter and dog fouling is of much concern, as is the state of pathways and pavements in the parish. With recent heavy rain concern over the condition of Diseworth
Brook was also raised.

Housing questions produced three main concerns: the need for affordable housing and sheltered accommodation for the elderly highlighted the distress of those whose relations had to leave the parish for accommodation suited to changing circumstances. There is
much objection to executive style houses being built, especially in Long Whatton, which are not priced for most local people.

With both villages in the Parish experiencing a considerable amount of petty vandalism a need is expressed for a stronger police presence.

Many residents in both Diseworth and Long Whatton agreed that the four churches currently still active should be maintained, many commenting that they would be prepared to contribute to the costs.

There is much support for the proposed Diseworth Heritage Centre which will cover the parish.

Long Whatton provides the one remaining Post Office and General Store and its continued existence is essential to both villages. The mobile library service is appreciated by those who use it, but evening and weekend attendance is needed.

Health & Well Being is a major concern among particularly older residents who find transport times and availability to surgeries very difficult, and it is felt this is not helped by some Practice Managers when appointments are requested. For many senior citizens,
a home delivery service for prescriptions would be much appreciated.

The two village Primary Schools are popular, but many parents would prefer a two- tier education system at 11 plus years which would be less disruptive to the young people and would ensure the continued survival of both schools. Adult education classes in the
villages are also called for with a wide variety of subjects suggested.

The Youth Questionnaire is summarised prior to the Youth Action Plan.