Unless HMG get their act together there will be no rural areas left . They need to properly address issues such as allowing farmers to manage their land so that they can have a sensible income and therefore to manage their land properly in the interest of us all. Villages must be able to serve their communities and by so doing help country residents to be sustainable. So far HMG have only paid lip service to there issues much of which has not worked such as the Sustainable Communities Act, now in law, yet so many post offices, pubs and village shops have closed. Also to curb the countryside access right which is curtailing land owners ability to manage their land to which the public really do not need to access. There is plenty of countryside for the leisure activities in which people wish to take part.

In giving these comments it is my way of saying how I want to see Britain’s rural areas to be by 2020.

Thank you.

John Beckett

A place that has equal advantages to urban communities with sustainable opportunities for development of the community giving sufficient and appropriate access to housing, jobs and public transport. Providing opportunities for young people to acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge to enable them to have a future in the community and for others to return to it.

Richard Fowler

A vibrant and enagaging community, accessible to all and sustainable long-term.

• Inclusive not exclusive
• Free from discrimination
• Diverse = fairness
• Accessible
• Free from rural racism / discrimination
• Open not closed
• Community empowerment
• Value different people
• Not racist - free from bigots
• Free from hate crime
• Equality
• For everyone not just white
• Economic and social success
• Different but equal
• Freedom = enjoyment for all
• Rainbow
• Race equality impact assessments

Mohammed

Viable family farms; managed rural countryside

Greater communication to ‘joe public’ as to how farmers achieve this.

Fewer caravans in the rural areas

Increased rail network connections

More public conveniences in good condition

Continuous coastal footpath

Sustainable business for local employees

Greater participation / involvement by ethnic communities

Easy access for disabled people

Sunshine/ flowers / animals/ vibrant colours

Clean and tidy

Community spirit with a future

Sensible planning rules / regulations

Mel Towler

Regional Food Group

Yorkshire and Humber

Access to

Jobs

Services

Leisure

Industry

Transport

Retain - Rights to Ramble

Maintain beauty

Manage Tourism

Invest Infrastructure

Future

Technology

Equal Funding

Empathy to rural ways

Energy

Preservation of good

Local housing without over developing

Assistance in coping with inward migration of older communities – outward migration of skills base.

Andy McCarter

Design transport inter-connectivity that is viable by being flexible and demand responsive

Community spirit fostering by improvement of activities, services and facilities.

Measurement of demand, needs and desires at a lower level.

Better accessibility for all to green space especially nature reserves, tied to better education of all in wildlife and its role in eco-systems

Return to local crime control with local beat officers responsible to local community

Better access to emergency health services

Biggest aspiration: That people become less selfish and more concerned for fellow

travellers on the planet!

Jerry Stanford

Colne Connected

I would like to see rural Britain as a place to enjoy our natural and built heritage which is accessible and affordable to both resident and visitors. A place of thriving and diverse businesses enjoying the benefits of a strong community

A balance between preservation and innovation

Felicity Clayton

Accessible transport network, with public services that meet demand, strong community spirit

Vibrant cultural attractions, creativity

No rural poverty, isolation of elderly

Modern facilities, good shops

Protected landscape, wildlife

Activities for young people

Key service provision, IT broadband options

Higher wages, improved GVA

Affordable homes for local people

Attractive towns, maintain heritage

Good health services

E Sudlow

By 2020 I would like:

Local employment

Good Schools

Sustainability

Healthy Living – Local Health Facilities

Locally produced food

Good leisure facilities

Clean energy

Waste totally reduced

Cultural & Heritage activities

Access to countryside

Cheap transport

Doug Phillips