Post-it Note comments
Swanage Community Plan:
A summary of public opinions collected on ‘post-it’ notes
Contents
1/ Background and purpose
2/ Sorting post-it notes into sub-categories
3/ Validity of the findings
4/ Main gaps in the opinions gathered
5/ Table of data categories
6/ Summaries of post-it comments by each main category
Appendix 1: Places and events at which a total of 1201 post-it note comments were gathered.
Appendix 2: Swanage Community Plan Data Gathering Record (record of target groups, ‘post-it’ venues, schools, other surveys, etc where post it note comments were collected and/or questionnaires were distributed.)
Appendix 3: List of all post-it note comments.
1/ Background and purpose
Throughout the first half of 2004 a team of local volunteers working for the Swanage Town and Community Partnership collected ideas and opinions from local people about their likes and dislikes on any issue of importance in their daily lives.
People were invited to write their ideas on post-it notes and were prompted to place them on display boards under one of ten categories (see below). This set of display boards was taken to wide variety of public places, group meetings and other events e.g. outside the Co-op, a mothers and toddlers group, Durlston Castle Open day. A full list is given in Appendix 1 to this note. About 1000 post it notes were collected in total. (Appendix 2 gives an overview of all the work done to collect opinions for this Community Plan.)
A short commentary on each of the original ten categories and all the post-it note comments are presented below to enable discussion of the issues that matter to people in Swanage. From these discussions we hope to define community led and volunteer supported projects and activities that will contribute to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors in Swanage.
2/ Sorting post-it notes into sub-categories
The post-it note comments gathered under the ten main categories have been typed into a computer so that they could be assembled by our volunteers into several sub-categories, thus grouping similar ideas together. A summary table of the main categories and sub-categories is shown below.
Please note that all the comments are derived from a random but fairly extensive sample. As noted above, people were invited to contribute their ideas on any subject of local concern. This work is not quantitative although the numbers of comments in the bigger sub-categories are shown in brackets e.g. (96) about parking. We may assume that there is some strength of feeling on this and other oft repeated subjects.
However, it is also important to give consideration and possibly equal weight to the occasional single interesting idea. Many one off ideas have been grouped under the sub-category ‘General comments/good ideas?’ Whether the ideas are ‘good’ is for the reader to decide. It should be said that the volunteers doing the categorising found some comments unintelligible. There may be a few anomalies due to the difficulty of gathering and handling so much data on a largely voluntary basis.
Some sub-categories are repeated in different main categories. They haven’t been amalgamated since they have a particular resonance within the original category the writer placed them in. Similarly some comments could sit in more than one category. For example one comment on the one way system has been made in the context of access to the hospital. This one was left under Access to Health rather than moved to Transport/Road system.
3/ Validity of the findings
As noted above, the opinions that have been gathered are not statistically representative of everyone in Swanage. However, the extent to which of all of this data aligns reasonably well with widely held views will be, in part, cross checked by reference to the following complementary reports;
® A report and analysis by Bournemouth University of some 250 short questionnaires that have also been collected from a variety of sources simultaneously with the collection of the post-it note comments.
® A report of an inquiry with the Purbeck Society.
® A report of an inquiry by two teams of Bournemouth University MBA students.
® An Arts questionnaire report.
® A report by Bournemouth University on the responses of children at Swanage Middle School.
4/ Main gaps in the opinions gathered
This report must be read in conjunction with the above mentioned reports, especially that on the Questionnaire data. The Questionnaires were given a wide circulation including distribution to every home in the Purbeck Gazette of August 2004.
However it has not been possible to ensure responses from all sections of the community as would be ideal. Disabled groups have not been given a strong voice. Attempts were made to sound out the business community but their views are not clearly represented here (for example some 500 questionnaires were distributed to businesses in Purbeck but only 24 were returned). Despite many attempts so far to make contact with the pupils and parents of the Purbeck School, these have not been successful. We only had resources to make contact with one Purbeck village. The voluntary sector and the Town Council are however very well represented by the Swanage Town and Community Partnership, who are the body that commissioned this Community Plan.
The ‘Partnership’ is continuing to build upon the work done so far to listen to the opinions of people in Swanage and its hinterland. It is intended that the sectors of the community noted above will be given a chance to have their say in the coming year as the Community Plan is further developed.
5/ Table of Data Categories
Category Sub category
Access to health Access to hospital
Access to services
Access to surgery
Ambulances
General comments/ good ideas?’
Valued services (13)
Community facilities Amusement arcade
Arts centre
Community Hall
Dog poo – see also ‘Local Environment’
General comments/good ideas?
Community bank
Mowlem (32)
Open spaces
Publicity
Schools
Sea issues (21) – see also ‘Local Environment’
Shops (26)
Special facilities
Sports (35)
Sports centre (26) – see also ‘Young People’
The Pier
Toilet facilities (36) – see also under ‘Tourism’
Young People – see ‘Young People’ category below
Crime and safety Anti–social behaviour
General comments/good ideas?
Police presence (28)
Speed/calming
Housing and jobs
Affordable houses (35)
Council tax
General comments/good ideas?
Job centre
More jobs
Planning (19)
Regeneration
Second homes
Wages
Local environment Disabled access
Dogs (21) – see also ‘Community Facilities’
Electricity generation
General comments/good ideas?
Jet skis (38)
Litter (37)
Look of the Place (21)
Pavements
Pedestrianise the front – see ‘Transport’
Pierhead (24)
Planning
Railway
Recycling
Sea issues (47) – see also’ Community Facilities’
Older people General comments/ good ideas?
Transport
Tourism Extend season
Facilities (21)
General comments/good ideas?
Hotel accommodation
Planning
Restaurants/pubs
Retain charm
Signs and information
Strategy and Promotion (13)
Toilets – see also ‘Community Facilities’
Transport and traffic Buses (68)
General comments/good ideas?
Parking (96)
Pedestrianisation (22) - see also ‘Local Environment’
Railway
Road system (30)
Sea Access
Speed/calming
Young people
Young people cont. Activities (17)
Children’s centre
Drop in centre
Events
Facilities (21)
General comments/good ideas?
Involvement
Nursery care
Play facilities (14)
Secondary schools
Skate park
Soft play centre
Sports centre
Transport
Youth Café
Youth club
Other Communication
Facilities for disabled – see also ‘Local Environment’ and ‘Access to Health’
General comments/good ideas?
No change
Shopping
6/ Summary of post-it comments by each main category
ACCESS to HEALTH
Access to hospital – Concern about one way system and access to hospital.
Access to Services – Would like MRI scanner to at least visit Swanage.
Access to surgery – Would like surgery open on Saturday mornings.
Ambulances – More ambulance cover wanted in Swanage
General Comments/ Good Ideas? – First aid ‘beach hut’ ∑ Want info about local produce.
Valued Services (13) - Keep Swanage Hospital and its excellent facilities ∑ Health Centre good but could be under pressure in future ∑ Access to health centre and emergency health care excellent.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Amusement Arcade – Remove arcade ∑ Use arcade for community use, such as a play or craft area.
Arts Centre – 2 comments, one asking for a real community Arts Centre.
Community Hall – Swanage needs a Community Hall or a Sports/Community Hall.
Dog poo - 3 ‘post its’ returned. All supported the provision of bins and bags for collection and disposal. (See Local Environment category.)
General / good ideas – Many ideas to review individually including; create cycle parking areas ∑ Develop access to Durlston Bay ∑ Better access to the Lighthouse ∑ Greater use of the Albert Gardens and amphitheatre ∑ More indoor/Winter facilities ∑ More covered areas to sit in ∑ Boot cleaning station for walkers.
Micro credit bank – 2 suggestions of a Community Bank.
Mowlem (32) – many requests that the Mowlem be refurbished ∑ Like theatre but it needs upgrading ∑ Get rid of pub put in a café for everyone ∑ More films for children ∑ Toilets a disgrace ∑ It ‘could be a credit to the local community’ ∑ ‘in need of tender loving care’ ∑ Maximise community involvement.
Open Spaces – a request for more covered areas and seating.
Publicity – 1 comment asking for more publicity on things going on in town.
Schools - The few comments received were favourable to retention of a 3 tier system and the Middle school.
Sea Issues (21) – Several suggestions for better boat launching facilities ∑ Breakwater - to create temporary/visitor moorings ∑ Jet skis can be heard miles from beach.
Shops (26) - Comments were both negative and positive concerning shopping facilities in Swanage. There were requests for larger/alternative supermarkets (Waitrose, Tesco), more ‘clothes’ and ‘family’ shops and less ‘tourist trash’. These however were offset by other comments satisfied with the existing provision and the continued support of local, albeit possibly more expensive, retailers. The lack of multi-nationals gave the town identity.
Special facilities - Wet weather/indoor facilities were frequently requested by both visitors and members of the community. Suggested outdoor facilities for the town included an outdoor chess/hopscotch/boules area, and organised beach activities.
Sports (35) -This was obviously an important issue with many people. A list of sports facilities requested for the town included a diving board/raft in the bay, bowling centre, water park, floodlit all weather/Astroturf sports court with associated organised pitch games, all weather climbing wall, through to a full sports centre incorporating an affordable /accessible gym. Request for more sports facilities for young women who currently have to go to Wareham.
Sports centre (26) – Swanage wants/needs a sports centre.
The Pier – 2 comments suggest we support the pier and build a theatre/restaurant/art exhibition space.
Toilet facilities (36) -This issue brought many comments, all negative. Comments dealt with the lack of provision and limited access/early closing, to overuse and under cleaning during the peak season.
Young People – Need more indoor facilities ∑ Bigger youth club ∑ Larger Guide hut.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
CRIME AND SAFETY
Anti social behaviour – More police in areas where drunks congregate ∑ More penalties for vandalism, and stop underage drinking ∑ Clubs and pubs that encourage underage drinking should pay for resulting vandalism ∑ No 24 hour licensing at Victoria Club.
General / good ideas? – Keep car park lighting on whilst shops are open ∑ Keep security cameras on at amusement corner ∑ Stop illegal car parking ∑ Girls don’t feel safe at night.
Police presence (28) – More beat police, assisted by community wardens, especially at night and at trouble spots ∑ Keep Swanage Police Station open 24 hours.
Speed/calming – Enforce speed restrictions ∑ Perceived hot spots for speed violations: - High Street, Court Hill, Beach Gardens, Northbrook Road.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
HOUSING AND JOBS
Affordable houses (35) – Provide more low cost homes required for the local young people and families, for rent or purchase ∑ Provide more affordable houses suitable for first time buyers, and fewer flats. Do not sell Council housing stock.
Council tax – Increase tax relief for single householders ∑ Second homes should be taxed at up to full rate, particularly if rented out, and the proceeds used for local needs e.g. sea defences.
General/good ideas? – Housing and jobs required for local people ∑ Actively encourage volunteer employment. Rent out empty Police houses.
Job centre – Reopen Swanage job centre.
More jobs – More labour intensive and also higher paid jobs needed, with a new industrial estate if required ∑ Priority should be for viable year round jobs to encourage a vibrant economy, and keep young people in area.
Planning (19) – School fields should not be sold off ∑ Jobs that offer flexible and family friendly policies ∑ Marina would bring related jobs ∑ Provide more houses with gardens for young families ∑ Tighten conditions on developers to increase the ratio of affordable accommodation ∑ Renovate rather than demolish older property, and maintain the Victorian character of the town ∑ Stop demolition of sound housing stock for development ∑ In the case of hotels resulting lack of accommodation has a knock on effect on tourism ∑ Stop demolishing hotels and turning into flats.
Regeneration – Encourage business culture, building on local enterprise – possibly with rating/taxation assistance ∑ Encourage fishing trade ∑ Low tax on business premises to encourage firms to move to Swanage ∑ Encourage providers of B&B/affordable tourist accommodation.
Second homes – Second homes should be restricted to 20% max. of areas residential property ∑ Introduce tax changes to free up property, which is permanently, or periodically empty ∑ Second homeowners contribute to the Town’s economy.
Wages – Higher paid jobs required to keep encourage people to live and work in the town.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Disabled access – two comments asking for dropped curbs and better access.
Dogs (21) – Ban dogs from beach ∑ More bins ∑ Employ wardens and fine offenders ∑ Clear up mess ∑ Fines fund dog wardens.
Electricity generation – Encourage solar power (financial incentives) ∑ Harness tidal power.
General/good ideas? – A variety of ideas from signs to say don’t feed gulls to recycling of seaweed to allotments.
Jet skis (38) – Most comments want to ban jet skis or better restrictions ∑ One jet ski owner requested a string of buoys to guide jet skis out to sea ∑ Police the bay.
Litter (37) - Clean up the town ∑ More litter collections, especially bins on front, especially in summer ∑ Impose/enforce penalties for littering ∑ Empty bins more regularly ∑ Stop polystyrene polluting the quay ∑ More litter bins at Ocean Bay ∑ Place responsibility on fast food outlets: change byelaws ∑ Cleaner pavement ∑ Ensure refuse collectors do their job properly ∑ Watch out for caravan blight (makes Swanage look like a shanty town).
Look of the place (21) – Swanage is becoming more dirty and run down. Please make it a town to be proud of. Swanage is generally improving. Paint Victoria Hotel an attractive colour. Make roads and pavements safer. Behind prom plant some palms, cedars for all year interest ∑
Pavements – Improve pavement conditions
Pedestrianise the front – Pedestrianise sea front, as in summer, all year round.
Pierhead (24) – Pierhead building – disgrace- spoils town ∑ This is the first building to be seen by visitors leaving the Pier ∑ Renovate Pierhead, close road in front. Pave it and a café with tables overlooking the sea ∑ Council have some responsibility.
Planning – No more building on green land ∑ Less flats more buildings for young people ∑ Stop inappropriate development and look at aesthetics ∑ Build road from Benlease to Durlston ∑ No building of large boxes ∑ Red brick blocks of flats – insensitive to character of surrounding buildings.
Railway – Six comments all concerned with pollution from steam train ∑ Suggestions from ‘create a cycle way’ to ‘ light up engines out of town’ ∑ Is this pollution legal?
Recycling – Need somewhere to recycle plastic ∑ Better recycling ∑ Put bins back in King George car park ∑ Council to use garden waste chipper and sell back chippings ∑ Improve recycling from peoples’ homes ∑ Ban garden fires, collect garden waste.
Sea issues (47) – A wide variety of comments about the banjo jetty causing sand loss to keeping broken glass off beach during jazz festival by using plastic glasses in pubs ∑ More seating and lighting along seafront ∑ Repair wooden groynes ∑ Spoilt if built on green area near seafront ∑ Build a harbour wall to protect the south end of the bay from easterlies ∑ Clean seaweed quicker ∑ Structurally adjust banjo jetty to allow sand through ∑ Demolish old pier ∑ Yacht marina ∑ No marina- would create too much pollution ∑ Keep beach/seafront cleaner.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
OLDER PEOPLE
General/good ideas? – Improve access, and pavement condition for the disabled ∑
Provide more recreational and activity facilities for the over 50’s ∑ Take more account of the wisdom of older people, who in turn should be more tolerant of helpful youngsters ∑ More meeting places.
Transport – Dial –a- car service needed ∑ Free transport for older people ∑ Shuttle train from Durlston Lighthouse to car park or from town to Park for elderly/disabled.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
TOURISM
Extend season – Encourage and provide amenities for out of season visitors and locals alike. Capitalise on events such as New Year ∑ Purbeck exhibition centre open all year round.
Facilities (21) – A variety of suggestions for more facilities including more water sports, more wet weather (family) activities, live music and dance ∑ Stop amusement arcades ∑ Suggest hosting events like triathlon ∑ Need showering off facilities ∑
General comments/ideas – Open-air theatre/concerts, travelling theatre groups ∑
Make harbour wall a tourist attraction ∑ Historic walk route round town landmarks ∑ Reopen Tilly Whim caves as tourist attraction ∑ Life size dinosaur representing Jurassic coast ∑ Town deteriorating, more police needed on street ∑ Value residents as highly as tourists ∑ Engage wider range of ethnic groups ∑ No parking on seafront all year round / close before Easter.
Hotel accommodation – Preserve existing hotels ∑ Stop hotels being turned into flats ∑ More affordable hotels and B & B needed.
Planning – Can rules be changed to prevent loss of hotel beds?
Restaurants / pubs – no good pubs ∑ Develop cafes etc along seafront.
Retain charm – keep old-fashioned feel and Victorian attractions ∑ 1950s safe seaside resort; do not allow to become commercial or touristy.
Signs & information – Sign Priests Way caravan footpath clearly ∑ Live web feed of Swanage missing since 1995.
Strategy & promotion (13) - Support development of Durlston Country Park and world heritage ∑ Make more use of outside theatre, Enid Blyton connection, Heritage Centre, pier ∑ Encourage tourists – more toilets, bins, accommodation ∑ Tourists should take litter home ∑ Use letter stickers on private mail for advertising ∑ Capitalise on Jurassic coast.
Toilets – need to be updated and open longer hours.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
TRANSPORT and TRAFFIC
Buses (68) - A large number of comments specifically asked for more buses around Swanage town centre. The following places were specifically mentioned – Northbrook Road, Vista Holiday Village, Swanage Hospital, Benlease and Durlston. The concept of hail and ride or ride on demand transport was seen as appropriate for such a service.
Many comments centred on more frequent buses on all routes, particularly evening buses throughout the week, all year round. The idea that fares were too high was frequently mentioned. In addition, more direct services between Swanage and both Poole and Bournemouth were needed, with the concept of express services being mentioned. New routes around Purbeck and beyond were also mentioned, in particular a direct service to Dorchester. Better timetable and general information regarding bus services was felt to be needed. Accessibility to buses was a problem for elderly and disabled individuals.
General Comments/ Good Ideas - A variety of general comments were mentioned, including controlling noise, reducing jet skis, providing land train routes around Swanage and a by-pass for Corfe Castle and Victoria Avenue. Also provide eco friendly transport (like milk floats).
Parking (96) - Most comments reported that car parking needed to be cheaper, for both residents and to encourage visitors. This was particularly the case for Durlston. In addition, it was mentioned that consideration should be given to issuing permits or season tickets for local residents. A large number of comments also mentioned the need for more car parking spaces. Specifically these addressed Shore Road, Court Hill, Station Road (particularly outside Somerfield supermarket) and Townsend Road. In addition, it was declared that more long-stay car park spaces are needed. However, it must be noted that there were a number of comments suggesting reducing or restricting parking spaces, particularly on Station Road and the seafront. In addition, many comments addressed issues of inappropriate parking, these focused specifically on banning seafront parking, inappropriate use of the loading bay on Institute Road, dangerous parking on Station Road, and stopping coaches using Gilbert Road to park (make coaches pay). Stop illegal parking.
Pedestrianisation and Cycling (24) -Many comments addressed the issue of seafront pedestrianisation, with many stating all year round closure to traffic. A number of comments also stressed the importance of closing Station Road to traffic, with some extending closure to Institute Road and the lower end of the High Street. Other comments stated the need for priority to be given to cyclists and pedestrians around Swanage, specifically in the areas mentioned above and that more cycle parking areas be introduced.
Railway - Most comments stressed the need for Swanage Railway to run to the main line at Wareham. A number of comments also suggested the idea of using the railway for freight. Other comments included more late night trains to Norden, more special reduced fare days and more access for disabled customers.
Road System (30) - A priority mentioned in many comments was to reduce the traffic in the town. The one-way system was frequently commented upon, specifically mentioned was the reversal of the one-way system in Church Hill. It was also mentioned that many road repairs were needed and yellow-lines repainted. Also stop on pavement parking.
Sea Access - Access to Sandbanks via the Shell Bay Ferry was stated to be too expensive and needed to run to midnight at weekends. A boat taxi that could take people to Bournemouth was also mentioned.
Speed/Calming - Speeding through Swanage was seen as a problem in general. Specifically, Court Hill, Shore Road, Institute Road and High Street were seen as problematic. The idea of introducing speed humps, speed cameras and a 20mph speed limit were mentioned. Traffic calming needed in Corfe Castle and Burrstone Mead were also mentioned. Enforce speed limits.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
YOUNG PEOPLE
Activities (17) – Many comments about more for kids to do including; Expressed need for more clubs, evenings and weekends ∑ Suggest start a sea scouts troop ∑ More cinema for kids ∑ More beach activities in summer ∑ Devise an ‘adopt a wild animal scheme’ at Leeson House ∑ More jobs for teenagers.
Children’s centre – Expressed need for a children and family centre including for under 2’s.
Drop in centre – Suggestion for a drop in centre/cafe where could get help/advice on drugs, alcohol, jobs, pregnancy.
Events – Put on events for 13- 21 year olds ∑ Do another Drum and bass event at Albert Gardens.
Facilities (21) – Read with ‘Activities’ above ∑ Again a need expressed for more clubs, indoor play areas, cycle paths in playing fields, places to meet and hang out ∑ Publicise more about Leeson House to attract children especially in the summer holidays.
General/Good ideas? – Several comments including; Start a walk to school project and integrate special needs pupils at Purbeck School ∑ Provide more training opportunities.
Involvement – Plea to engage with schools and involve young people.
Nursery care – Plea to increase provision of nursery care in Swanage.
Play facilities (14) – Requests for better play grounds including at Herston and at King George’s ∑ ‘Out of the gales for tinys and adventure playground for big children’.
Secondary school – Two comments wanting a secondary school in Swanage.
Skate park – Request for more equipment at Skate park.
Soft play centre – Six requests for a soft, indoor play area in Swanage.
Sports centre – Six requests for a sports centre for Swanage. (See also Community Facilities.)
Transport – One comment asking for transport for children in outlying villages.
Youth café – Requests for Café / drop in / coffee shop with internet for children to meet and hang out ∑ Late night café bar for under 18’s
Youth club – Asking for better ‘stuff’ and opening on Wednesday and trips to UCI, bowling, camping ∑ Existing youth club good.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
OTHER
Communication – What is the strategic plan for Swanage? ∑ More info requested about what is going on ∑ Better internet sites and bring back web cam ∑ Council should reply to letters ∑ Invite comment on web site when plan is formed ∑ Nobody listens to residents.
Facilities for disabled – More handrails on steps and better facilities needed.
General/good ideas? – Ten disparate comments, please read
No change – Eight comments stating overall, ‘keep Swanage much as it is’.
Shopping – Three requests for better shops.
Toilets – ‘Toilets in cafes are dirty’.
Appendix 1
Places and events at which a total of 1201 post-it note comments were gathered.
Event/group -(nos. of comments received) Date/Place
Hospital League of Friends Xmas Fair – (52) 6th Dec 2003 Mowlem Community Room
Transport evening hosted by Labour Party – (15) 11th Dec 2003 Catholic Hall Rempstone Rd
Youth club – (29) 30th Jan 2004
Children and Family Forum –(2) 12th Feb 2004 Mowlem Community Room
Churches Together Annual Service – (13) 29th Feb 2004 at URC
Sea Rowing Club – (96) 19th March 2004
Methodist Church Mothers and Toddlers group - (48) 23rd March 2004
Corfe Village Hall Coffee monthly morning – (12) 3rd April 2004
Tourist Information Centre – (121) During Easter holidays 2004
Over 60’s club –(24) 1st April 2004 Catholic Hall Rempstone Rd
Railway Platform – (60) 24th April 2004
Early Years Herston Hall –(25) 27th May 2004
Select and Save Herston –(52) 12th June 2004
Co-op entrance (Saturday) –(127) 19th June 2004
Durlston Castle Open day –(81) 20th June 2004
Sailing Club –(63) June 2004
Swanage Grammar School Ass’n – (3) 3rd July 2004
Alliance and Leicester pavement –(149) 10th July 2004
Tuesday Market –(58) 13th July 2004
Co-op again (weekday) –(39) 15th July 2004
Miscellaneous (emails, letters etc) – (132)
Appendix 2
Swanage Community Plan Data Gathering Grid Record (record of target groups, ‘post-it’ venues, schools, other surveys, etc where post-it note comments were collected and/or questionnaires were distributed.)
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Hospital League of Friends Xmas Fair Roger Jo, Yasmin 6/12/03 Mowlem Done
Transport evening hosted by Labour Party Cherry Roger, Jackie and Jo 11/12/03 Done
Residents Association Cherry Alan Lorna Mike Jo 29th Jan Done
Youth club Roger Alan, Caroline Jan 30th Done
Children and Family Forum Jackie Roger 12th Feb Mowlem Cty Rm 9.30-2.00 Done
Purbeck Society Roger Gloria, Cherry, Yasmin, plus Ivor, Betty and Moyra from Soc 27 Feb, 2.00pm Mowlem Done
Churches Together Roger Gloria and Sylvia Sun 29th Feb URC 10.00 – 11.30 am Done
Durlston Country Park Mike Questionnaires distributed Done
Sea Rowing Club Alan A Suzanne, Mike Fri 19th March Done
Methodist Church Mothers and Toddlers group Roger Tue March 23 10.15- 11.45 am Done
Corfe Village Hall Coffee monthly morning Roger Sat 3rd April 10.30 – 12.00 Done
TIC Swanage Roger During Easter hols Done
Bth Uni MBA research project Charles/
Roger 14th and 21st March Done
Over 60’s club Roger 1st April Catholic Hall Rempstone rd 2.00pm Done
Railway Platform Suzanne Jo, Alan A, Andy 24th April Done
Health centre – under ones group Jackie 25th March Done
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Methodist Congregation Sylvia 60 questionnaires distributed. April. Done
Economic Regeneration Survey. (10% households S &E Purbeck and all businesses) Ann, Jackie, Richard April. Done
Hotels Ass’n Roger Lyn has distributed questionnaires. April. Done
Lions Mike 10th May Done
Early Years Herston Hall Roger/ Jackie 27th May Done
Select and Save Tony Roger, Gloria, Jackie 12th June Done
Co-op Roger Charles, Claire, Jo, Jackie, Alan, Tony 19th June Done
Durlston Castle Alan, Jo, Roger 20th June Done
Disabled Association meeting Jo 28th June Done
Swanage Sea Rowing Club Alan June Done
Swanage Grammar School Ass’n Alan 3rd July Done
Swanage Choral and Operatic Society Alan 7th July Done
Alliance and Leicester Charles Ruth, Andy, Tony 10th July Done
Tuesday Market Roger, Hilary, Cherry 13th July Done
Co-op again (weekday) Roger, Hilary 15th July Done
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Questionnaire distributed to all households in Gazette in August. August Done
Use Questionnaire in Middle School Roger October 60 forms returned by Keith Pugh, Deputy Head, 11/04.
Met Gary Portuno SK8 park organiser Gary ? Gary will distribute questionnaires to group in July. Done.
Follow up inquiry by Lorna, Jan 2005.
Purbeck School Roger/Head Teacher Cancelled due to staff shortages 2004 Survey planned for 2005.
Mount Scar School Gloria School regret but to busy to be involved
St Mary’s School Roger No reply.
St Marks school gates questionnaire Jackie/ Cherry Liaise Val Potter.
Cancelled.
Street survey Possibly adapt 4 key qs based upon first cut analysis of data so far received. To be planned for July/August. Cancelled due to lack of resource.
Other sports group? Glean data from Sports survey?
Other sources Glean data from Children/Sports/Community Centre Rural Renaissance project
Notes
1/ Resources have not been available to visit surrounding villages with the post-it stand. It may be possible to take a first draft of a community plan to parish councils and village planning groups for comment.
2/ The original intent to place our ‘4 key questions’ plus an article in Swanage Matters was not realised, although we did get a copy to every household inside the Gaz
A summary of public opinions collected on ‘post-it’ notes
Contents
1/ Background and purpose
2/ Sorting post-it notes into sub-categories
3/ Validity of the findings
4/ Main gaps in the opinions gathered
5/ Table of data categories
6/ Summaries of post-it comments by each main category
Appendix 1: Places and events at which a total of 1201 post-it note comments were gathered.
Appendix 2: Swanage Community Plan Data Gathering Record (record of target groups, ‘post-it’ venues, schools, other surveys, etc where post it note comments were collected and/or questionnaires were distributed.)
Appendix 3: List of all post-it note comments.
1/ Background and purpose
Throughout the first half of 2004 a team of local volunteers working for the Swanage Town and Community Partnership collected ideas and opinions from local people about their likes and dislikes on any issue of importance in their daily lives.
People were invited to write their ideas on post-it notes and were prompted to place them on display boards under one of ten categories (see below). This set of display boards was taken to wide variety of public places, group meetings and other events e.g. outside the Co-op, a mothers and toddlers group, Durlston Castle Open day. A full list is given in Appendix 1 to this note. About 1000 post it notes were collected in total. (Appendix 2 gives an overview of all the work done to collect opinions for this Community Plan.)
A short commentary on each of the original ten categories and all the post-it note comments are presented below to enable discussion of the issues that matter to people in Swanage. From these discussions we hope to define community led and volunteer supported projects and activities that will contribute to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors in Swanage.
2/ Sorting post-it notes into sub-categories
The post-it note comments gathered under the ten main categories have been typed into a computer so that they could be assembled by our volunteers into several sub-categories, thus grouping similar ideas together. A summary table of the main categories and sub-categories is shown below.
Please note that all the comments are derived from a random but fairly extensive sample. As noted above, people were invited to contribute their ideas on any subject of local concern. This work is not quantitative although the numbers of comments in the bigger sub-categories are shown in brackets e.g. (96) about parking. We may assume that there is some strength of feeling on this and other oft repeated subjects.
However, it is also important to give consideration and possibly equal weight to the occasional single interesting idea. Many one off ideas have been grouped under the sub-category ‘General comments/good ideas?’ Whether the ideas are ‘good’ is for the reader to decide. It should be said that the volunteers doing the categorising found some comments unintelligible. There may be a few anomalies due to the difficulty of gathering and handling so much data on a largely voluntary basis.
Some sub-categories are repeated in different main categories. They haven’t been amalgamated since they have a particular resonance within the original category the writer placed them in. Similarly some comments could sit in more than one category. For example one comment on the one way system has been made in the context of access to the hospital. This one was left under Access to Health rather than moved to Transport/Road system.
3/ Validity of the findings
As noted above, the opinions that have been gathered are not statistically representative of everyone in Swanage. However, the extent to which of all of this data aligns reasonably well with widely held views will be, in part, cross checked by reference to the following complementary reports;
® A report and analysis by Bournemouth University of some 250 short questionnaires that have also been collected from a variety of sources simultaneously with the collection of the post-it note comments.
® A report of an inquiry with the Purbeck Society.
® A report of an inquiry by two teams of Bournemouth University MBA students.
® An Arts questionnaire report.
® A report by Bournemouth University on the responses of children at Swanage Middle School.
4/ Main gaps in the opinions gathered
This report must be read in conjunction with the above mentioned reports, especially that on the Questionnaire data. The Questionnaires were given a wide circulation including distribution to every home in the Purbeck Gazette of August 2004.
However it has not been possible to ensure responses from all sections of the community as would be ideal. Disabled groups have not been given a strong voice. Attempts were made to sound out the business community but their views are not clearly represented here (for example some 500 questionnaires were distributed to businesses in Purbeck but only 24 were returned). Despite many attempts so far to make contact with the pupils and parents of the Purbeck School, these have not been successful. We only had resources to make contact with one Purbeck village. The voluntary sector and the Town Council are however very well represented by the Swanage Town and Community Partnership, who are the body that commissioned this Community Plan.
The ‘Partnership’ is continuing to build upon the work done so far to listen to the opinions of people in Swanage and its hinterland. It is intended that the sectors of the community noted above will be given a chance to have their say in the coming year as the Community Plan is further developed.
5/ Table of Data Categories
Category Sub category
Access to health Access to hospital
Access to services
Access to surgery
Ambulances
General comments/ good ideas?’
Valued services (13)
Community facilities Amusement arcade
Arts centre
Community Hall
Dog poo – see also ‘Local Environment’
General comments/good ideas?
Community bank
Mowlem (32)
Open spaces
Publicity
Schools
Sea issues (21) – see also ‘Local Environment’
Shops (26)
Special facilities
Sports (35)
Sports centre (26) – see also ‘Young People’
The Pier
Toilet facilities (36) – see also under ‘Tourism’
Young People – see ‘Young People’ category below
Crime and safety Anti–social behaviour
General comments/good ideas?
Police presence (28)
Speed/calming
Housing and jobs
Affordable houses (35)
Council tax
General comments/good ideas?
Job centre
More jobs
Planning (19)
Regeneration
Second homes
Wages
Local environment Disabled access
Dogs (21) – see also ‘Community Facilities’
Electricity generation
General comments/good ideas?
Jet skis (38)
Litter (37)
Look of the Place (21)
Pavements
Pedestrianise the front – see ‘Transport’
Pierhead (24)
Planning
Railway
Recycling
Sea issues (47) – see also’ Community Facilities’
Older people General comments/ good ideas?
Transport
Tourism Extend season
Facilities (21)
General comments/good ideas?
Hotel accommodation
Planning
Restaurants/pubs
Retain charm
Signs and information
Strategy and Promotion (13)
Toilets – see also ‘Community Facilities’
Transport and traffic Buses (68)
General comments/good ideas?
Parking (96)
Pedestrianisation (22) - see also ‘Local Environment’
Railway
Road system (30)
Sea Access
Speed/calming
Young people
Young people cont. Activities (17)
Children’s centre
Drop in centre
Events
Facilities (21)
General comments/good ideas?
Involvement
Nursery care
Play facilities (14)
Secondary schools
Skate park
Soft play centre
Sports centre
Transport
Youth Café
Youth club
Other Communication
Facilities for disabled – see also ‘Local Environment’ and ‘Access to Health’
General comments/good ideas?
No change
Shopping
6/ Summary of post-it comments by each main category
ACCESS to HEALTH
Access to hospital – Concern about one way system and access to hospital.
Access to Services – Would like MRI scanner to at least visit Swanage.
Access to surgery – Would like surgery open on Saturday mornings.
Ambulances – More ambulance cover wanted in Swanage
General Comments/ Good Ideas? – First aid ‘beach hut’ ∑ Want info about local produce.
Valued Services (13) - Keep Swanage Hospital and its excellent facilities ∑ Health Centre good but could be under pressure in future ∑ Access to health centre and emergency health care excellent.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Amusement Arcade – Remove arcade ∑ Use arcade for community use, such as a play or craft area.
Arts Centre – 2 comments, one asking for a real community Arts Centre.
Community Hall – Swanage needs a Community Hall or a Sports/Community Hall.
Dog poo - 3 ‘post its’ returned. All supported the provision of bins and bags for collection and disposal. (See Local Environment category.)
General / good ideas – Many ideas to review individually including; create cycle parking areas ∑ Develop access to Durlston Bay ∑ Better access to the Lighthouse ∑ Greater use of the Albert Gardens and amphitheatre ∑ More indoor/Winter facilities ∑ More covered areas to sit in ∑ Boot cleaning station for walkers.
Micro credit bank – 2 suggestions of a Community Bank.
Mowlem (32) – many requests that the Mowlem be refurbished ∑ Like theatre but it needs upgrading ∑ Get rid of pub put in a café for everyone ∑ More films for children ∑ Toilets a disgrace ∑ It ‘could be a credit to the local community’ ∑ ‘in need of tender loving care’ ∑ Maximise community involvement.
Open Spaces – a request for more covered areas and seating.
Publicity – 1 comment asking for more publicity on things going on in town.
Schools - The few comments received were favourable to retention of a 3 tier system and the Middle school.
Sea Issues (21) – Several suggestions for better boat launching facilities ∑ Breakwater - to create temporary/visitor moorings ∑ Jet skis can be heard miles from beach.
Shops (26) - Comments were both negative and positive concerning shopping facilities in Swanage. There were requests for larger/alternative supermarkets (Waitrose, Tesco), more ‘clothes’ and ‘family’ shops and less ‘tourist trash’. These however were offset by other comments satisfied with the existing provision and the continued support of local, albeit possibly more expensive, retailers. The lack of multi-nationals gave the town identity.
Special facilities - Wet weather/indoor facilities were frequently requested by both visitors and members of the community. Suggested outdoor facilities for the town included an outdoor chess/hopscotch/boules area, and organised beach activities.
Sports (35) -This was obviously an important issue with many people. A list of sports facilities requested for the town included a diving board/raft in the bay, bowling centre, water park, floodlit all weather/Astroturf sports court with associated organised pitch games, all weather climbing wall, through to a full sports centre incorporating an affordable /accessible gym. Request for more sports facilities for young women who currently have to go to Wareham.
Sports centre (26) – Swanage wants/needs a sports centre.
The Pier – 2 comments suggest we support the pier and build a theatre/restaurant/art exhibition space.
Toilet facilities (36) -This issue brought many comments, all negative. Comments dealt with the lack of provision and limited access/early closing, to overuse and under cleaning during the peak season.
Young People – Need more indoor facilities ∑ Bigger youth club ∑ Larger Guide hut.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
CRIME AND SAFETY
Anti social behaviour – More police in areas where drunks congregate ∑ More penalties for vandalism, and stop underage drinking ∑ Clubs and pubs that encourage underage drinking should pay for resulting vandalism ∑ No 24 hour licensing at Victoria Club.
General / good ideas? – Keep car park lighting on whilst shops are open ∑ Keep security cameras on at amusement corner ∑ Stop illegal car parking ∑ Girls don’t feel safe at night.
Police presence (28) – More beat police, assisted by community wardens, especially at night and at trouble spots ∑ Keep Swanage Police Station open 24 hours.
Speed/calming – Enforce speed restrictions ∑ Perceived hot spots for speed violations: - High Street, Court Hill, Beach Gardens, Northbrook Road.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
HOUSING AND JOBS
Affordable houses (35) – Provide more low cost homes required for the local young people and families, for rent or purchase ∑ Provide more affordable houses suitable for first time buyers, and fewer flats. Do not sell Council housing stock.
Council tax – Increase tax relief for single householders ∑ Second homes should be taxed at up to full rate, particularly if rented out, and the proceeds used for local needs e.g. sea defences.
General/good ideas? – Housing and jobs required for local people ∑ Actively encourage volunteer employment. Rent out empty Police houses.
Job centre – Reopen Swanage job centre.
More jobs – More labour intensive and also higher paid jobs needed, with a new industrial estate if required ∑ Priority should be for viable year round jobs to encourage a vibrant economy, and keep young people in area.
Planning (19) – School fields should not be sold off ∑ Jobs that offer flexible and family friendly policies ∑ Marina would bring related jobs ∑ Provide more houses with gardens for young families ∑ Tighten conditions on developers to increase the ratio of affordable accommodation ∑ Renovate rather than demolish older property, and maintain the Victorian character of the town ∑ Stop demolition of sound housing stock for development ∑ In the case of hotels resulting lack of accommodation has a knock on effect on tourism ∑ Stop demolishing hotels and turning into flats.
Regeneration – Encourage business culture, building on local enterprise – possibly with rating/taxation assistance ∑ Encourage fishing trade ∑ Low tax on business premises to encourage firms to move to Swanage ∑ Encourage providers of B&B/affordable tourist accommodation.
Second homes – Second homes should be restricted to 20% max. of areas residential property ∑ Introduce tax changes to free up property, which is permanently, or periodically empty ∑ Second homeowners contribute to the Town’s economy.
Wages – Higher paid jobs required to keep encourage people to live and work in the town.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Disabled access – two comments asking for dropped curbs and better access.
Dogs (21) – Ban dogs from beach ∑ More bins ∑ Employ wardens and fine offenders ∑ Clear up mess ∑ Fines fund dog wardens.
Electricity generation – Encourage solar power (financial incentives) ∑ Harness tidal power.
General/good ideas? – A variety of ideas from signs to say don’t feed gulls to recycling of seaweed to allotments.
Jet skis (38) – Most comments want to ban jet skis or better restrictions ∑ One jet ski owner requested a string of buoys to guide jet skis out to sea ∑ Police the bay.
Litter (37) - Clean up the town ∑ More litter collections, especially bins on front, especially in summer ∑ Impose/enforce penalties for littering ∑ Empty bins more regularly ∑ Stop polystyrene polluting the quay ∑ More litter bins at Ocean Bay ∑ Place responsibility on fast food outlets: change byelaws ∑ Cleaner pavement ∑ Ensure refuse collectors do their job properly ∑ Watch out for caravan blight (makes Swanage look like a shanty town).
Look of the place (21) – Swanage is becoming more dirty and run down. Please make it a town to be proud of. Swanage is generally improving. Paint Victoria Hotel an attractive colour. Make roads and pavements safer. Behind prom plant some palms, cedars for all year interest ∑
Pavements – Improve pavement conditions
Pedestrianise the front – Pedestrianise sea front, as in summer, all year round.
Pierhead (24) – Pierhead building – disgrace- spoils town ∑ This is the first building to be seen by visitors leaving the Pier ∑ Renovate Pierhead, close road in front. Pave it and a café with tables overlooking the sea ∑ Council have some responsibility.
Planning – No more building on green land ∑ Less flats more buildings for young people ∑ Stop inappropriate development and look at aesthetics ∑ Build road from Benlease to Durlston ∑ No building of large boxes ∑ Red brick blocks of flats – insensitive to character of surrounding buildings.
Railway – Six comments all concerned with pollution from steam train ∑ Suggestions from ‘create a cycle way’ to ‘ light up engines out of town’ ∑ Is this pollution legal?
Recycling – Need somewhere to recycle plastic ∑ Better recycling ∑ Put bins back in King George car park ∑ Council to use garden waste chipper and sell back chippings ∑ Improve recycling from peoples’ homes ∑ Ban garden fires, collect garden waste.
Sea issues (47) – A wide variety of comments about the banjo jetty causing sand loss to keeping broken glass off beach during jazz festival by using plastic glasses in pubs ∑ More seating and lighting along seafront ∑ Repair wooden groynes ∑ Spoilt if built on green area near seafront ∑ Build a harbour wall to protect the south end of the bay from easterlies ∑ Clean seaweed quicker ∑ Structurally adjust banjo jetty to allow sand through ∑ Demolish old pier ∑ Yacht marina ∑ No marina- would create too much pollution ∑ Keep beach/seafront cleaner.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
OLDER PEOPLE
General/good ideas? – Improve access, and pavement condition for the disabled ∑
Provide more recreational and activity facilities for the over 50’s ∑ Take more account of the wisdom of older people, who in turn should be more tolerant of helpful youngsters ∑ More meeting places.
Transport – Dial –a- car service needed ∑ Free transport for older people ∑ Shuttle train from Durlston Lighthouse to car park or from town to Park for elderly/disabled.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
TOURISM
Extend season – Encourage and provide amenities for out of season visitors and locals alike. Capitalise on events such as New Year ∑ Purbeck exhibition centre open all year round.
Facilities (21) – A variety of suggestions for more facilities including more water sports, more wet weather (family) activities, live music and dance ∑ Stop amusement arcades ∑ Suggest hosting events like triathlon ∑ Need showering off facilities ∑
General comments/ideas – Open-air theatre/concerts, travelling theatre groups ∑
Make harbour wall a tourist attraction ∑ Historic walk route round town landmarks ∑ Reopen Tilly Whim caves as tourist attraction ∑ Life size dinosaur representing Jurassic coast ∑ Town deteriorating, more police needed on street ∑ Value residents as highly as tourists ∑ Engage wider range of ethnic groups ∑ No parking on seafront all year round / close before Easter.
Hotel accommodation – Preserve existing hotels ∑ Stop hotels being turned into flats ∑ More affordable hotels and B & B needed.
Planning – Can rules be changed to prevent loss of hotel beds?
Restaurants / pubs – no good pubs ∑ Develop cafes etc along seafront.
Retain charm – keep old-fashioned feel and Victorian attractions ∑ 1950s safe seaside resort; do not allow to become commercial or touristy.
Signs & information – Sign Priests Way caravan footpath clearly ∑ Live web feed of Swanage missing since 1995.
Strategy & promotion (13) - Support development of Durlston Country Park and world heritage ∑ Make more use of outside theatre, Enid Blyton connection, Heritage Centre, pier ∑ Encourage tourists – more toilets, bins, accommodation ∑ Tourists should take litter home ∑ Use letter stickers on private mail for advertising ∑ Capitalise on Jurassic coast.
Toilets – need to be updated and open longer hours.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
TRANSPORT and TRAFFIC
Buses (68) - A large number of comments specifically asked for more buses around Swanage town centre. The following places were specifically mentioned – Northbrook Road, Vista Holiday Village, Swanage Hospital, Benlease and Durlston. The concept of hail and ride or ride on demand transport was seen as appropriate for such a service.
Many comments centred on more frequent buses on all routes, particularly evening buses throughout the week, all year round. The idea that fares were too high was frequently mentioned. In addition, more direct services between Swanage and both Poole and Bournemouth were needed, with the concept of express services being mentioned. New routes around Purbeck and beyond were also mentioned, in particular a direct service to Dorchester. Better timetable and general information regarding bus services was felt to be needed. Accessibility to buses was a problem for elderly and disabled individuals.
General Comments/ Good Ideas - A variety of general comments were mentioned, including controlling noise, reducing jet skis, providing land train routes around Swanage and a by-pass for Corfe Castle and Victoria Avenue. Also provide eco friendly transport (like milk floats).
Parking (96) - Most comments reported that car parking needed to be cheaper, for both residents and to encourage visitors. This was particularly the case for Durlston. In addition, it was mentioned that consideration should be given to issuing permits or season tickets for local residents. A large number of comments also mentioned the need for more car parking spaces. Specifically these addressed Shore Road, Court Hill, Station Road (particularly outside Somerfield supermarket) and Townsend Road. In addition, it was declared that more long-stay car park spaces are needed. However, it must be noted that there were a number of comments suggesting reducing or restricting parking spaces, particularly on Station Road and the seafront. In addition, many comments addressed issues of inappropriate parking, these focused specifically on banning seafront parking, inappropriate use of the loading bay on Institute Road, dangerous parking on Station Road, and stopping coaches using Gilbert Road to park (make coaches pay). Stop illegal parking.
Pedestrianisation and Cycling (24) -Many comments addressed the issue of seafront pedestrianisation, with many stating all year round closure to traffic. A number of comments also stressed the importance of closing Station Road to traffic, with some extending closure to Institute Road and the lower end of the High Street. Other comments stated the need for priority to be given to cyclists and pedestrians around Swanage, specifically in the areas mentioned above and that more cycle parking areas be introduced.
Railway - Most comments stressed the need for Swanage Railway to run to the main line at Wareham. A number of comments also suggested the idea of using the railway for freight. Other comments included more late night trains to Norden, more special reduced fare days and more access for disabled customers.
Road System (30) - A priority mentioned in many comments was to reduce the traffic in the town. The one-way system was frequently commented upon, specifically mentioned was the reversal of the one-way system in Church Hill. It was also mentioned that many road repairs were needed and yellow-lines repainted. Also stop on pavement parking.
Sea Access - Access to Sandbanks via the Shell Bay Ferry was stated to be too expensive and needed to run to midnight at weekends. A boat taxi that could take people to Bournemouth was also mentioned.
Speed/Calming - Speeding through Swanage was seen as a problem in general. Specifically, Court Hill, Shore Road, Institute Road and High Street were seen as problematic. The idea of introducing speed humps, speed cameras and a 20mph speed limit were mentioned. Traffic calming needed in Corfe Castle and Burrstone Mead were also mentioned. Enforce speed limits.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
YOUNG PEOPLE
Activities (17) – Many comments about more for kids to do including; Expressed need for more clubs, evenings and weekends ∑ Suggest start a sea scouts troop ∑ More cinema for kids ∑ More beach activities in summer ∑ Devise an ‘adopt a wild animal scheme’ at Leeson House ∑ More jobs for teenagers.
Children’s centre – Expressed need for a children and family centre including for under 2’s.
Drop in centre – Suggestion for a drop in centre/cafe where could get help/advice on drugs, alcohol, jobs, pregnancy.
Events – Put on events for 13- 21 year olds ∑ Do another Drum and bass event at Albert Gardens.
Facilities (21) – Read with ‘Activities’ above ∑ Again a need expressed for more clubs, indoor play areas, cycle paths in playing fields, places to meet and hang out ∑ Publicise more about Leeson House to attract children especially in the summer holidays.
General/Good ideas? – Several comments including; Start a walk to school project and integrate special needs pupils at Purbeck School ∑ Provide more training opportunities.
Involvement – Plea to engage with schools and involve young people.
Nursery care – Plea to increase provision of nursery care in Swanage.
Play facilities (14) – Requests for better play grounds including at Herston and at King George’s ∑ ‘Out of the gales for tinys and adventure playground for big children’.
Secondary school – Two comments wanting a secondary school in Swanage.
Skate park – Request for more equipment at Skate park.
Soft play centre – Six requests for a soft, indoor play area in Swanage.
Sports centre – Six requests for a sports centre for Swanage. (See also Community Facilities.)
Transport – One comment asking for transport for children in outlying villages.
Youth café – Requests for Café / drop in / coffee shop with internet for children to meet and hang out ∑ Late night café bar for under 18’s
Youth club – Asking for better ‘stuff’ and opening on Wednesday and trips to UCI, bowling, camping ∑ Existing youth club good.
Summary of post-it comments by each main category
OTHER
Communication – What is the strategic plan for Swanage? ∑ More info requested about what is going on ∑ Better internet sites and bring back web cam ∑ Council should reply to letters ∑ Invite comment on web site when plan is formed ∑ Nobody listens to residents.
Facilities for disabled – More handrails on steps and better facilities needed.
General/good ideas? – Ten disparate comments, please read
No change – Eight comments stating overall, ‘keep Swanage much as it is’.
Shopping – Three requests for better shops.
Toilets – ‘Toilets in cafes are dirty’.
Appendix 1
Places and events at which a total of 1201 post-it note comments were gathered.
Event/group -(nos. of comments received) Date/Place
Hospital League of Friends Xmas Fair – (52) 6th Dec 2003 Mowlem Community Room
Transport evening hosted by Labour Party – (15) 11th Dec 2003 Catholic Hall Rempstone Rd
Youth club – (29) 30th Jan 2004
Children and Family Forum –(2) 12th Feb 2004 Mowlem Community Room
Churches Together Annual Service – (13) 29th Feb 2004 at URC
Sea Rowing Club – (96) 19th March 2004
Methodist Church Mothers and Toddlers group - (48) 23rd March 2004
Corfe Village Hall Coffee monthly morning – (12) 3rd April 2004
Tourist Information Centre – (121) During Easter holidays 2004
Over 60’s club –(24) 1st April 2004 Catholic Hall Rempstone Rd
Railway Platform – (60) 24th April 2004
Early Years Herston Hall –(25) 27th May 2004
Select and Save Herston –(52) 12th June 2004
Co-op entrance (Saturday) –(127) 19th June 2004
Durlston Castle Open day –(81) 20th June 2004
Sailing Club –(63) June 2004
Swanage Grammar School Ass’n – (3) 3rd July 2004
Alliance and Leicester pavement –(149) 10th July 2004
Tuesday Market –(58) 13th July 2004
Co-op again (weekday) –(39) 15th July 2004
Miscellaneous (emails, letters etc) – (132)
Appendix 2
Swanage Community Plan Data Gathering Grid Record (record of target groups, ‘post-it’ venues, schools, other surveys, etc where post-it note comments were collected and/or questionnaires were distributed.)
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Hospital League of Friends Xmas Fair Roger Jo, Yasmin 6/12/03 Mowlem Done
Transport evening hosted by Labour Party Cherry Roger, Jackie and Jo 11/12/03 Done
Residents Association Cherry Alan Lorna Mike Jo 29th Jan Done
Youth club Roger Alan, Caroline Jan 30th Done
Children and Family Forum Jackie Roger 12th Feb Mowlem Cty Rm 9.30-2.00 Done
Purbeck Society Roger Gloria, Cherry, Yasmin, plus Ivor, Betty and Moyra from Soc 27 Feb, 2.00pm Mowlem Done
Churches Together Roger Gloria and Sylvia Sun 29th Feb URC 10.00 – 11.30 am Done
Durlston Country Park Mike Questionnaires distributed Done
Sea Rowing Club Alan A Suzanne, Mike Fri 19th March Done
Methodist Church Mothers and Toddlers group Roger Tue March 23 10.15- 11.45 am Done
Corfe Village Hall Coffee monthly morning Roger Sat 3rd April 10.30 – 12.00 Done
TIC Swanage Roger During Easter hols Done
Bth Uni MBA research project Charles/
Roger 14th and 21st March Done
Over 60’s club Roger 1st April Catholic Hall Rempstone rd 2.00pm Done
Railway Platform Suzanne Jo, Alan A, Andy 24th April Done
Health centre – under ones group Jackie 25th March Done
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Methodist Congregation Sylvia 60 questionnaires distributed. April. Done
Economic Regeneration Survey. (10% households S &E Purbeck and all businesses) Ann, Jackie, Richard April. Done
Hotels Ass’n Roger Lyn has distributed questionnaires. April. Done
Lions Mike 10th May Done
Early Years Herston Hall Roger/ Jackie 27th May Done
Select and Save Tony Roger, Gloria, Jackie 12th June Done
Co-op Roger Charles, Claire, Jo, Jackie, Alan, Tony 19th June Done
Durlston Castle Alan, Jo, Roger 20th June Done
Disabled Association meeting Jo 28th June Done
Swanage Sea Rowing Club Alan June Done
Swanage Grammar School Ass’n Alan 3rd July Done
Swanage Choral and Operatic Society Alan 7th July Done
Alliance and Leicester Charles Ruth, Andy, Tony 10th July Done
Tuesday Market Roger, Hilary, Cherry 13th July Done
Co-op again (weekday) Roger, Hilary 15th July Done
Event/group Who leading Who supporting Date/time/Place Comments
Questionnaire distributed to all households in Gazette in August. August Done
Use Questionnaire in Middle School Roger October 60 forms returned by Keith Pugh, Deputy Head, 11/04.
Met Gary Portuno SK8 park organiser Gary ? Gary will distribute questionnaires to group in July. Done.
Follow up inquiry by Lorna, Jan 2005.
Purbeck School Roger/Head Teacher Cancelled due to staff shortages 2004 Survey planned for 2005.
Mount Scar School Gloria School regret but to busy to be involved
St Mary’s School Roger No reply.
St Marks school gates questionnaire Jackie/ Cherry Liaise Val Potter.
Cancelled.
Street survey Possibly adapt 4 key qs based upon first cut analysis of data so far received. To be planned for July/August. Cancelled due to lack of resource.
Other sports group? Glean data from Sports survey?
Other sources Glean data from Children/Sports/Community Centre Rural Renaissance project
Notes
1/ Resources have not been available to visit surrounding villages with the post-it stand. It may be possible to take a first draft of a community plan to parish councils and village planning groups for comment.
2/ The original intent to place our ‘4 key questions’ plus an article in Swanage Matters was not realised, although we did get a copy to every household inside the Gaz
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