As part of the “Progress for Prestwood” initiative, Thomas Tyrrell and Matthew Appleby produced a video featuring local people sharing their views about how life in our village could be enhanced. The conversation was broadened by a questionnaire inviting a wider audience to share their opinions.
Questionnaires were completed on line and on hard copies available through our local retailers. At this stage we are still working through the data. But here are a few headlines to whet the appetite:
The majority of respondents submitting their views to the survey were between the age of 30 and 50 and of those working, the majority found their employment outside of Prestwood. Although most people had lived in the village for 10 years or more, there was a strong response among those who have moved to Prestwood within the last 12 months.
The analysis of this feedback will take some time to be completed as every contribution will be read and taken into account. This amounts to over 7,000 words of text! Some of the feedback is quoted below:
Desire for Community Enhancement:
Residents of Prestwood express a strong desire to enhance the sense of community within the village. They want to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.
Youth Engagement and Facilities:
A significant concern is the need for activities and facilities for young people. Suggestions include a skate park, outdoor gym, swimming pool, and youth clubs. There is a desire to keep young people engaged in positive activities and reduce instances of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
Recreational Facilities:
The survey highlights the need for various recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, outdoor pool, and play areas for children of all ages. Residents seek options for leisure and outdoor activities that promote community interaction.
Enhanced Village Centre:
Residents wish to improve the appearance and functionality of the village centre. This includes making it pedestrian-friendly, creating a central hub with cafes and restaurants, and hosting regular community events like markets and festivals.
Safety and Security:
The survey raises concerns about road safety and the need for better pedestrian crossings. Many residents also call for more police presence to deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism.
Amenities and Services:
Residents express a desire for more amenities, including cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and a cinema. They want to see these businesses thrive and provide meeting places for various age groups.
Traffic and Transportation:
There is a need for traffic calming measures and safer roads within the village. Some residents suggest a bypass for the A4128 to reduce traffic in the village centre. Improved public transport is also mentioned.
Environmental Considerations: While not as prominent, there is an underlying theme of caring for the environment. This includes requests for better maintenance of green spaces and planting trees.
Preservation of Village Identity:
The desire to preserve the village identity and maintain a strong sense of community ownership.
So, when will the final report be ready and what will be done with it to achieve “Progress for Prestwood”?
The analysis is being undertaken primarily by Matthew Appelby and will naturally take some time to complete. We cannot give a commitment on timing as with most things in village life, this is being done on a voluntary basis and, again, like most volunteers, Matt gives his time to many causes. So, the answer is, as soon as possible!
The feedback will be used to inform the deliberations of another group of volunteers. In case you missed it, PVA held an Extraordinary General Meeting at which it was agreed that the constitution be amended to allow us to expand it’s remit from an observer and reporter of Prestwood life, to allow for a more pro-active stance.
PVA is run by a small, and getting smaller, group of volunteers. As it stands, we are hard pressed to do what we already attempt (more help welcome!): to expand our activities will require new leadership, more people and a plan. Which is why PVA is holding a meeting to form a Working Party to explore the challenge of reinventing itself as an organisation and wider remit.
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