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The Thatcham SurveyThe Thatcham Survey20062006
Results and CommentaryResults and Commentary
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
BackgroundBackground
• The Thatcham Vision project is one of a The Thatcham Vision project is one of a number of parish planning exercises taking number of parish planning exercises taking place across West Berkshireplace across West Berkshire
• The aim of parish planning is to involve The aim of parish planning is to involve communities in improving their town or villagecommunities in improving their town or village
• Over 80 volunteers are working on Over 80 volunteers are working on developing the Thatcham Vision Action plandeveloping the Thatcham Vision Action plan
• More details of the project are available from More details of the project are available from www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.ukwww.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
ConsultationConsultation
• It is vital that the Thatcham Vision action plan It is vital that the Thatcham Vision action plan is based on a good understanding of the is based on a good understanding of the needs and aspirations of the communityneeds and aspirations of the community
• Considerable effort has been devoted to Considerable effort has been devoted to consulting the publicconsulting the public
• This presentation contains the results of our This presentation contains the results of our largest consultation exercise, the Thatcham largest consultation exercise, the Thatcham SurveySurvey
• Details of other consultation exercises are Details of other consultation exercises are available from our website and local librariesavailable from our website and local libraries
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
The Thatcham SurveyThe Thatcham Survey• This was our major quantitative surveyThis was our major quantitative survey• Most of the questions included tick box responses so Most of the questions included tick box responses so
that the results could be analysed statisticallythat the results could be analysed statistically• We also conducted qualitative surveys of various We also conducted qualitative surveys of various
kinds, in which people were asked for comments and kinds, in which people were asked for comments and ideasideas
• No consultation method is perfect, but we have No consultation method is perfect, but we have approached consultation in a number of different approached consultation in a number of different ways which has enabled us to build a good ways which has enabled us to build a good understanding of needs and aspirationsunderstanding of needs and aspirations
• Further surveys will be needed in the future as the Further surveys will be needed in the future as the Vision is developed to cover new topic areasVision is developed to cover new topic areas
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
MethodologyMethodology• The questionnaire was distributed on 28The questionnaire was distributed on 28 thth
March 2006 as a supplement to a local March 2006 as a supplement to a local newspapernewspaper
• The questions were based on the results of The questions were based on the results of early qualitative consultation exercises and early qualitative consultation exercises and the emerging work of topic teams which were the emerging work of topic teams which were looking at a range of topics related to looking at a range of topics related to Thatcham’s futureThatcham’s future
• The supplement also included brief The supplement also included brief background items on topics covered in the background items on topics covered in the questionnaire and other informationquestionnaire and other information
• A copy can be downloaded from our websiteA copy can be downloaded from our website
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Methodology - continuedMethodology - continued
• The questionnaire was also made available The questionnaire was also made available onlineonline
• 5,000 additional copies of the questionnaire 5,000 additional copies of the questionnaire were printed and made available at the were printed and made available at the railway station, town centre shops, schools railway station, town centre shops, schools and numerous other locationsand numerous other locations
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
ResponsesResponses• A total of 838 responses were received by A total of 838 responses were received by
the closing date of 10the closing date of 10thth May May• Not all respondents gave their post code, but Not all respondents gave their post code, but
based on those that did the most based on those that did the most respondents live in the parish of Thatchamrespondents live in the parish of Thatcham
• This level of response provides a good This level of response provides a good statistical basis for drawing conclusions statistical basis for drawing conclusions about the views of the population as a wholeabout the views of the population as a whole
• A more detailed analysis of the statistical A more detailed analysis of the statistical significance of these results will be made significance of these results will be made available from our websiteavailable from our website
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Analysis and commentaryAnalysis and commentary• The slides which follow show charts The slides which follow show charts
summarising the responsessummarising the responses• At the time of the survey, six topic teams had At the time of the survey, six topic teams had
been working since the previous autumn and been working since the previous autumn and most of the questions relate to these topicsmost of the questions relate to these topics
• In addition to the overall response to each In addition to the overall response to each question, breakdowns by age and length of question, breakdowns by age and length of residence in Thatcham are shown, usually residence in Thatcham are shown, usually where there are significant differenceswhere there are significant differences
The Town CentreThe Town Centre
A thriving town centre is vital to the future of Thatcham, as it is to any town.
The town centre topic team are exploring a number of initiatives and
the survey tested feelings about some of them as well as asking for general views about specific aspects of the
centre.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Develop a plan for improving the town centreDevelop a plan for improving the town centre
86% of respondents agree or strongly agree that a plan should be developed to improve the town centre. Our separate town centre survey indicated that the community’s highest priority is for more, and more varied, shops
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Develop a plan for improving the town centreDevelop a plan for improving the town centre
An analysis of responses to this question, based on length of residence in Thatcham, shows that those who have lived in the town for two years or less have the strongest views on this issue, with 91% agreeing strongly or agreeing. (In the remainder of this presentation the percentage agreeing or agreeing strongly will be referred to as ‘agree’.)
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build a community facility in the town centreBuild a community facility in the town centre
An early proposal from the town centre topic team was the development of a new facility in the town centre which could include a bigger library, an internet café and other facilities. 78% of respondents agree with this proposal.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build a community facility in the town centreBuild a community facility in the town centre
As this chart shows, those who have lived in Thatcham for less than two years again had the strongest views, with 85% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build a community facility in the town centreBuild a community facility in the town centre
Under 25s had the strongest views on this, with 85% agreeing, but the proposal is popular across all age groups.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Keep the existing Friday marketKeep the existing Friday market
Exploring other aspects of the town centre, 82% are in favour of keeping the existing Friday market, which takes place in the Broadway.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Keep the existing Friday marketKeep the existing Friday market
Once again, strength of feeling is highest amongst those who have recently moved to Thatcham: 90% agree.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Keep the existing Friday marketKeep the existing Friday market
Considering responses by age, views are very similar across all age groups. The strongest agreement was from those aged 65 and over who, with 84% agreeing, were marginally ahead of other age groups.
Transport and AccessTransport and Access
Transport and access causes particular Transport and access causes particular problems in Thatcham, as responses problems in Thatcham, as responses to questions related to rising heavy to questions related to rising heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through and around the town demonstrate. and around the town demonstrate. Road safety and views related to Road safety and views related to
Thatcham’s level crossing were also Thatcham’s level crossing were also covered in the survey.covered in the survey.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
How do you travel to your location of How do you travel to your location of work or study?work or study?
Low levels of bus travel to places of work or study (more people walk) is of particular interest and partly reflects the poor state of Thatcham’s bus network.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Reduce HGV movements along the A4Reduce HGV movements along the A4
The A4 effectively cuts Thatcham in two and increasing HGV movements not only cause congestion but also generate air and noise pollution. 71% thought that measures should be taken to reduce HGV movements on the A4. This won’t be easy to achieve because of the large number of distribution depots adjacent to the A4 at Colthrop. 71% agree with this proposition.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Reduce HGV movements along the A4Reduce HGV movements along the A4
Views about this were strongest in Thatcham West ward
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Stop HGVs using Crookham HillStop HGVs using Crookham Hill
HGV traffic over the level crossing and on Crookham Hill causes particular problems. This road is acknowledged by West Berkshire Council’s Highways Department to be unsuitable for HGVs and 72% agree with the need to stop HGVs using it. As with the first slide on this topic, a relatively high proportion of respondents have no opinion and it is possible that many of these are not affected by this issue.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Stop HGVs using Crookham HillStop HGVs using Crookham Hill
Again, those in the ward in which the road is located unsurprisingly have the strongest views with 81% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Reduce HGV movements on other roads in Reduce HGV movements on other roads in ThatchamThatcham
HGV traffic through and around the town inevitably has consequences for other roads. 79% agree that HGV traffic movements generally around the town should be reduced.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Reduce HGV movements on other roads in Reduce HGV movements on other roads in ThatchamThatcham
Thatcham South and Crookham residents have the strongest views on this, with 83% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Introduce further measures to improve road safetyIntroduce further measures to improve road safety
While reducing HGV movements will be a major challenge, improvements in road safety are an ongoing concern for many and local measures can be taken.
66% agree that they should be, although numbers disagreeing – 36% – are significant. It is possible that this reflects of those who live in areas where measures like road-humps, which are rarely popular, have been implemented.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Introduce further measures to improve road safetyIntroduce further measures to improve road safety
Thatcham’s senior citizens have the strongest views on this, with 76% of those aged 65 and over agreeing. Evidence from consultation exercises conducted in schools suggests that school children of all ages have very strong views about this topic (see the Databank link on our website for more details) and have major concerns about road safety.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Introduce further measures to improve road safetyIntroduce further measures to improve road safety
Residents from Thatcham West have the strongest views on this, with 71% agreeing, although views are similar across the town.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride bus service to hospitalsbus service to hospitals
Getting to the general hospitals in Reading, Basingstoke and Oxford that serve Thatcham can be a major problem, particularly if you are visiting relatives or friends and don’t own a car. 78% agree with the proposal that the feasibility of a dial-a-ride service should be investigated.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride bus service to hospitalsbus service to hospitals
Views on this varied quite significantly by ward, with 89% of those in Thatcham West agreeing with this proposal.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Encourage employers to implement green transport plansEncourage employers to implement green transport plans
Poor bus services, higher levels of car ownership than elsewhere in West Berkshire, poor bus provision and the fact that many people who live in Thatcham work elsewhere result in many journeys being made by car. 80% of respondents agree that as many employers as possible should implement green transport plans to help reduce the damaging environmental consequences of car use.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more distribution depots in ThatchamBuild more distribution depots in Thatcham
A major cause of the high and growing levels of HGV traffic in Thatcham is that there are many distribution depots in the town. Nearly 20% of the town’s built-up area is taken up by the Colthrop industrial estate and it is the location of many distribution depots. Only 16% want to see more and 67% disagree with this proposition.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?
Frustration with Thatcham’s level crossing which is on the only route out of the town to the south, figured strongly in our qualitative surveys. Some 67% of respondents agreed with the proposition that an ‘eastern bypass’ should be built. However, this responses conflicts with the overwhelming wish of respondents to protect the countryside around Thatcham. Building a bypass would have major detrimental impact on the countryside and recent studies have indicated that it would attract more traffic to Thatcham’s roads.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?
Opinions about this didn’t vary significantly based on length of residence.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?
Residents in Thatcham North had the strongest views on this subject, with 78% of them agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
If a new eastern bypass was built would you use it?If a new eastern bypass was built would you use it?
There were quite wide differences of opinion about this based on the wards in which respondents live. 82% of Thatcham North residents said that they would use an eastern bypass but those in Thatcham South and Crookham were least likely to do so. This may be because it would be residents in this part of Thatcham who would adversely suffer from increasing traffic likely to use such a new road.
Homes and HousingHomes and Housing
It was decided to defer detailed work on this It was decided to defer detailed work on this topic until after the publication of the first topic until after the publication of the first action plan. Like health and wellbeing, action plan. Like health and wellbeing,
schooling and other topics not yet considered, schooling and other topics not yet considered, in detail this is obviously an important aspect in detail this is obviously an important aspect of life in Thatcham but they require more time of life in Thatcham but they require more time
and effort than we had available during our and effort than we had available during our first year. However, views about homes and first year. However, views about homes and
housing were sought in the survey.housing were sought in the survey.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Option A: Build only within the already built-up areaOption A: Build only within the already built-up area
West Berkshire Council’s Local Development Framework – which is essentially
a strategic plan for the future of West Berkshire – recognises that Thatcham’s infrastructure and services seriously lags behind the rapid increase in the town’s population. But recognising some new housing is inevitable, this question asked where people would like to see any new homes built. 76% opted for building within the already built-up area…
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Option B: Build only within the already built-up areaOption B: Build only within the already built-up area
Only 8% thought that all development should take place solely on greenfield sites. …
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Option C: Build only within the already built-up areaOption C: Build only within the already built-up area
… and for 31%, the first preference was that a balance of infilling and greenfield development.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more homes which are suitable for senior Build more homes which are suitable for senior citizens, key workers and those on low incomescitizens, key workers and those on low incomes
68% agreed that more affordable housing is needed: an issue across West Berkshire given the very high cost of homes.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more homes which are suitable for senior Build more homes which are suitable for senior citizens, key workers and those on low incomescitizens, key workers and those on low incomes
Perhaps unsurprisingly those who have lived in Thatcham for more than 10 years – some of whom will have family members seeking homes in the area - have the strongest views on this, with 74% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more homes which are suitable for senior Build more homes which are suitable for senior citizens, key workers and those on low incomescitizens, key workers and those on low incomes
Again, looking at responses by age, the 65s and over have the strongest views with 88% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Replace some older stock with larger numbers of Replace some older stock with larger numbers of modern houses with small gardensmodern houses with small gardens
Infilling, or ‘pepper potting’ is unpopular, with only 33% agreeing that this is desirable.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Replace some older stock with larger numbers of Replace some older stock with larger numbers of modern houses with small gardensmodern houses with small gardens
Here are the responses based on length of residence: 26% of those who have lived in Thatcham for 2 years or less agree.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more low-rise blocks of flatsBuild more low-rise blocks of flats
One way of increasing housing density in Thatcham would be to build more low-rise apartments. Local housing associations would be keen to do this so that they can make more efficient use of the land they own, but only 29% agree that this should be done
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Build more low-rise blocks of flatsBuild more low-rise blocks of flats
Responses based on length of residence are quite similar.
Provision for Senior CitizensProvision for Senior Citizens
Two of the Vision’s topic teams Two of the Vision’s topic teams considered the needs of specific considered the needs of specific age groups. The senior citizens age groups. The senior citizens topic team had two major ideas topic team had two major ideas that they wanted to test via the that they wanted to test via the
questionnaire.questionnaire.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of building a senior Investigate the feasibility of building a senior citizens centre in Thatchamcitizens centre in Thatcham
Although rare in the UK, senior citizens centres – which provide a comprehensive range of facilities for older people – exist in many other countries and the senior citizens topic team have proposed that one is provided in Thatcham. 78% of respondents agree that this should be looked at.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of building a senior Investigate the feasibility of building a senior citizens centre in Thatchamcitizens centre in Thatcham
The strongest support was from those who have lived in Thatcham for over 10 years, with 83% of them supporting the proposed feasibility study.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of building a senior Investigate the feasibility of building a senior citizens centre in Thatchamcitizens centre in Thatcham
89% of 65s and over agree with this proposal.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Thatcham needs specialist workers for older peopleThatcham needs specialist workers for older people
The team is also investigating the idea of providing specialist workers to support older people, with a remit similar to that of youth workers. This idea isn’t quite as popular as the senior citizens’ centre, with 67% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Thatcham needs specialist workers for older peopleThatcham needs specialist workers for older people
72% of those who had lived in Thatcham for over 10 years supported this proposal.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Thatcham needs specialist workers for older peopleThatcham needs specialist workers for older people
84% of the over 65s support this.
The EnvironmentThe Environment
This is a very broad topic area, This is a very broad topic area, covering everything from the covering everything from the
consequences of urban growth and consequences of urban growth and sustainable energy use through to sustainable energy use through to
pollution of various kinds. pollution of various kinds.
These issues are high on national and These issues are high on national and international agenda. Based on the international agenda. Based on the
survey results, they are a major survey results, they are a major concern for Thatcham residents concern for Thatcham residents
as well.as well.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Require all new houses and other buildings to be Require all new houses and other buildings to be environmentally friendly and meet some of their own environmentally friendly and meet some of their own
energy needsenergy needs
Although some changes are in the pipeline, developers have few incentives to build homes which minimise energy costs, water use and sustainability in general. 90% of respondents think that this situation should change.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of building a wind turbine Investigate the feasibility of building a wind turbine in Thatchamin Thatcham
Reading’s wind turbine – featured in the supplement that accompanied the survey – has generated a lot of interest in the possibility of a similar installation in Thatcham. A feasibility study will be needed to determine whether this makes economic and environmental sense and 68% agree that one should be conducted.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Mandate local councils to take action to reduce their Mandate local councils to take action to reduce their impact on the environmentimpact on the environment
The public sector has an important role in leading the way in this area and 93% think that local councils should be doing more in this area.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Restore current and new gravel workings to protect Restore current and new gravel workings to protect wildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valleywildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valley
Gravel extraction has had a major impact on Thatcham’s countryside and continues in the area. However, sensitive restoration of the land affected can have major benefits for wildlife and the landscape and 91% agree that gravel workings should be restored.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Restore current and new gravel workings to protect Restore current and new gravel workings to protect wildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valleywildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valley
Those who have lived in the area for over 10 years have the strongest views, with 93% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Restore current and new gravel workings to protect Restore current and new gravel workings to protect wildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valleywildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valley
Those living in Thatcham central/west had the strongest views, with 95% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Protect the countryside around ThatchamProtect the countryside around Thatcham
A quite dramatic indication of the strength of feeling related to this topic area – 98% agree with this proposition.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Protect the countryside around ThatchamProtect the countryside around Thatcham
98% of those who have lived in Thatcham for more than 10 years agreed with this proposition.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Protect the countryside around ThatchamProtect the countryside around Thatcham
In Thatcham North there is a remarkable 100% support for the proposition, possibly because that if there were to be development on Thatcham’s countryside it would almost certainly have to be north of the A4.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Newbury to be built onNewbury to be built on
As maps which will be made available via the Thatcham Databank show, there is still a ‘green gap’ to the west of the town. 87% think that this should be preserved.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Newbury to be built onNewbury to be built on
Views are similar regardless of length of residence.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Set up an informal youth forum to allow young Set up an informal youth forum to allow young people to express their views and ideaspeople to express their views and ideas
This relates to the idea of engagement and it is likely that in practice a range of methods will be used to involve young people in Thatcham’s future both in terms of consultation and taking practical action to improve the situation. 78% of those consulted agree that something is needed.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Newbury to be built onNewbury to be built on
Again, those in Thatcham North have the strongest feelings about this issue.
Health and WellbeingHealth and Wellbeing
As noted earlier, health and wellbeing is one of As noted earlier, health and wellbeing is one of a series of important topics which will be a series of important topics which will be
examined in the future – hopefully early in examined in the future – hopefully early in 2007. Further consultation exercises will be 2007. Further consultation exercises will be conducted in the future in relation to this and conducted in the future in relation to this and other topics. A general question on this topic other topics. A general question on this topic
was included in the survey. was included in the survey.
(Please get in touch with us via one of the contact methods detailed on (Please get in touch with us via one of the contact methods detailed on our website if you would like to be involved with this team.)our website if you would like to be involved with this team.)
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
The provision of NHS services in the town is The provision of NHS services in the town is adequateadequate
The new topic team will need to find out why only 38% of people think that NHS provision is adequate.
Youth ProvisionYouth ProvisionThe youth provision topic team was the The youth provision topic team was the first to be set-up in 2005, partly because first to be set-up in 2005, partly because
strong opinions had been expressed strong opinions had been expressed about this topic during the qualitative about this topic during the qualitative
consultation exercises. consultation exercises.
The team have made a wide range of The team have made a wide range of proposals, but the word ‘engagement’ proposals, but the word ‘engagement’
summarises their work: effort is needed summarises their work: effort is needed to continue to engage young people in to continue to engage young people in
the future of their town.the future of their town.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Provide more facilities for young peopleProvide more facilities for young people
85% agreed with this broad proposition: as with many other aspects of Thatcham’s infrastructure and services, there is a strong feeling that rapid population growth has not been matched by improved provision.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Provide more facilities for young peopleProvide more facilities for young people
Those who have lived in the town for between 5 and 10 years have the strongest feelings about this, with 87% of them agreeing. This might reflect the views of young families thinking about the future.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Provide more facilities for young peopleProvide more facilities for young people
Unsurprisingly the under 25s have the strongest feelings, with 90% of them agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Set up an informal youth forum to allow young Set up an informal youth forum to allow young people to express their views and ideaspeople to express their views and ideas
Interestingly, when ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’ are taken together the 45-64 age group were most in favour of this idea, although the strongest feelings were in the under 28 age group.
Social and Community DevelopmentSocial and Community Development
High levels of participation in local clubs, High levels of participation in local clubs, other organised activities and volunteering is other organised activities and volunteering is a real strength of Thatcham. The proposals a real strength of Thatcham. The proposals
made by this topic team are to do with made by this topic team are to do with exploiting the internet to build on this exploiting the internet to build on this
strength, partly by facilitating the formation of strength, partly by facilitating the formation of new groups and also by enabling existing new groups and also by enabling existing
ones to promote their activities more ones to promote their activities more effectively.effectively.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Develop a community website for Thatcham, Develop a community website for Thatcham, providing news and local informationproviding news and local information
The development of a comprehensive community website is one proposal and 80% support this idea. A project team is already working on this, and the associated idea of extending web access covered on the next slide. It has been looking at examples of the best community websites in the UK and around the world so that it work out how to build on others’ ideas.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Develop a community website for Thatcham, Develop a community website for Thatcham, providing news and local informationproviding news and local information
Those aged 25-44 show the strongest support for this idea, with 84% agreeing.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or free broadband access in Thatchamfree broadband access in Thatcham
Increasing numbers of towns in the UK and overseas are introducing low cost or free ‘wireless’ access to the internet, which means that a suitably equipped computer can connect to the internet without a physical connection. 70% support work in this area. The benefits of making web access available to all cut across all the Vision’s topic areas.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or free broadband access in Thatchamfree broadband access in Thatcham
Again the 25s-44s show the strongest agreement, with 76% supporting the idea.
Respondent’s ProfileRespondent’s Profile
In addition to the topic specific questions, the In addition to the topic specific questions, the questionnaire included a series of questions which questionnaire included a series of questions which were aimed at building a picture of respondents’ were aimed at building a picture of respondents’ background. The charts which follow show the background. The charts which follow show the
responses.responses.
Please note that the responses to the questionnaire Please note that the responses to the questionnaire were weighted to reflect the age distribution of were weighted to reflect the age distribution of
Thatcham’s actual population, which differs slightly Thatcham’s actual population, which differs slightly from the survey response rate in different age groups.from the survey response rate in different age groups.
www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006
Age of respondentsAge of respondents
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Length of residence of respondents.Length of residence of respondents.
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Are you self-employed and working from home?Are you self-employed and working from home?
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Would you join a support network for home Would you join a support network for home workers?workers?
The idea of providing support, in various ways, for those who work from home was suggested early in the project and it seems that there would be a sufficient number of people interested to make this worth pursuing.
OverviewOverview
The next slide summarises the overall The next slide summarises the overall response to questions which were based response to questions which were based
questions based on a five point scale.questions based on a five point scale.
The responses are ordered by level of The responses are ordered by level of agreement. The overall strong response to agreement. The overall strong response to questions related to sustainability and the questions related to sustainability and the
environment is worth noting. environment is worth noting.
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Commentary
The Thatcham Vision DatabankThe Thatcham Vision DatabankThe first version of this summary was published on 30 The first version of this summary was published on 30 November 2006. Updated versions of this summary, November 2006. Updated versions of this summary,
summaries of the Vision’s other consultation exercises, summaries of the Vision’s other consultation exercises, statistical information, maps, and a large collection of statistical information, maps, and a large collection of
photographs will be added to the Thatcham Vision photographs will be added to the Thatcham Vision Databank over the coming days and weeks. Databank over the coming days and weeks.
The Databank’s home page, which can be accessed The Databank’s home page, which can be accessed via the Vision’s website, includes guidance on a simple via the Vision’s website, includes guidance on a simple way of keeping up-to-date with additions and changes.way of keeping up-to-date with additions and changes.
Please email questions about or comments on this Please email questions about or comments on this survey to survey to [email protected]@gmail.com or leave a or leave a
message on the Vision’s voicemail line 020 8133 3423.message on the Vision’s voicemail line 020 8133 3423.