Parish Plan

Section 1 - Introduction

Section 2 - Background

Section 3 - A brief summary of the Research Findings

Section 4 - Plan Content - Objectives and Possible Solutions

Section 5 - Structure of the Parish Plan Organisation

Exhibition of Findings - June 2003

Section 3 - Research Findings

Isle of Wedmore demographic profile

21.3% of the Isle of Wedmore’s total population is aged 65 and over. This is much higher than the national average, which is 15.9%, and even higher than the averages for Sedgemoor (19.1%), Somerset (19.4%) and the South West as a whole (18.6%). What is more, according to government and Sedgemoor projections, this age group will have grown by 18.6% by 2011, whilst the numbers of children (-7%) and young adults (-2.3%) in the village will have fallen.

The parish has a much more up-market profile than Sedgemoor, Somerset, or the UK. Although, overall, the parish is reasonably well-off, there is a minority of 13% (about 400 adults) who are apparently living on a household income of around £10,000. These people are more likely to be elderly, or farmers; and more likely to need Social Services and benefits.

All the above demographic findings are important for planning the parish’s future housing, health, social and education requirements.

Attitudes: Concerns, Needs and Wants

Almost all parishioners, of all ages, love living in the Isle of Wedmore, and appreciate its attractive appearance and excellent retail, health, spiritual and leisure services; plus the wide range of clubs and activities provided. People tend to describe the parish as ‘friendly and welcoming’.

The biggest problems are HGVs, speeding vehicles and dangerous parking. 35% of all parishioners live on one of the two B roads that intersect in Wedmore, and for these 1,000 souls, the traffic problem has become a nightmare.

A variety of solutions are suggested by parishioners, with HGV bans and double yellow lines on blind bends and hill-brows topping the scores.

Also important to parishioners is the issue of housing, development and the environment. A majority (56%) feel that the parish still needs some more housing, but they are very clear what type. Out are large detached houses, or housing estates cutting swathes through the surrounding countryside. In are sheltered and adapted housing for the elderly and disabled, plus a nursing home, and more affordable housing for young and local people. Such developments to be either on brownfield sites, or in small developments tucked away behind existing buildings. If any expansion of the boundary is needed, there is a slight preference for the eastern end of Wedmore.

The surrounding countryside is vitally important to the vast majority, but there are some major differences between how farmers would like to see it diversified in the future, and what the rest of parishioners would prefer.

The two other outstanding issues are: anti-social behaviour and lack of facilities for young people:

• Most people recognise that real crime levels are quite low in the Isle of Wedmore, but most are also concerned by a variety of anti-social behaviour, ranging from under-age drinking to dog fouling and inconsiderate parking.
• Amongst all age-groups - not just teenagers - there is a feeling that our young people do not have sufficient facilities. Particular emphasis was laid on a skate park, but sports facilities and transport on Friday and Saturday evenings were also on the agenda.

A full and detailed report on the research results is contained in the Adult Survey Results.