I would like to see a rural community which made space for Travellers and Gypsies to live alongside them, and a more open and integrated dialogue between Travellers and Gypsies and settle communities. A place where every traveller child has a safe place to grow up, access to clean water, sanitation and a life free from discrimination and prejudice.

Amble Skuse

Many rural communities have a local church. The church always has the potential and in many cases acts as a catalyst for community action and community cohesion. Unlike suburban communities, characteristically atomised and fragmented into networks of common interest, the Church in rural communities remains an integral part of the whole of the community, where life is less compartmentalised. Research has recently revealed the extent of the Church’s contribution to rural life ranging from tourism to work with migrant workers, through to support structures and programmes for children and the elderly, the vulnerable and the isolated. At a national level the Arthur Rank Centre is a hub of information and rural expertise used by Governmant and the Church nationally when addressing issues affecting rural communities across the country. The Church is actively involved in economic, environmental and social issues, engaging with the increasing influence of globalisation. Small rural congregations often have an influence and role within the life of their community which belies their small congregations: they box above their weight. I believe it is sometimes difficult for people coming from a suburban environment to fully appreciate the many formal and informal ways in which this happens day by day in rural communities.

Rev David Herbert

Economically sustainable Market Towns brought about by communities working with their local authorities, government agencies and other partners, to identify where improvements and opportunities can be made and built on.

It should be a place where people can both work, live , visit and invest. A place that can offer jobs, affordable housing for those that work there and wish to live there. A place where the community can shop, without having to travel miles, with good local services. It should build on its heritage and its uniqueness which will hopefully encourage visitors and therefore lead to spending in the town.

It should also be a place where people are proud to live, a place with real community spirit and with a sense of belonging. It will be a diverse community, not just a place for rich commuters and the retired but a thriving mixed demographic that will continue to be sustainable.

Sarah Chalmers

I would like to see my community working together for the good of the whole community, rather than just for their organisation or sector of the community.

Local authorities (district and county) actually consulting with towns and parish councils rather than telling them what will happen.

Town and parish councils should be given help and support to protect their environment, their green spaces and their historic environment.

Rural communities should be allowed and encouraged to take ownership of successful project - which often the ‘big boys’ come along and take it over - as it allows them to tick boxes and gain kudos with government. The rural community is then left with the sense of pride in what they have achieved

More respect for volunteers working for the good of their community

More sustainable communities, greener communities

Investment

Real sense of community in rural areas  - people helping each other and accepting all social groupings.

Affordable housing to enable future generations of families to live in the same area that their predecessors did.

Sustainable communities that have their own facilities available, good use of multi-use buildings, mobile facilities and internet access / IT solutions. Use of local facilities and local produce.  Access to services and provision for all groups of people.

Communities  / individuals that invest in and are proud of the area in which they live

Inclusive

Landscape maintained, sustainable and eco-friendly techniques used in agriculture / farming

Better weather!

Cycleways from hamlets to towns. This would:

• improve fitness
• save on car journeys
• children would find it easier to get to clubs etc by themselves

Community centres for small villages and hamlets could provide, shop / pub / childcare etc; all is possible with the help of willing volunteers.

Local transport running regularly. If reliable would encourage people to travel by public transport.

Broadband connection to ALL rural communities to help with working from home; would also make home study attainable.

If each hamlet could encourage a farmer to give a little land for affordable housing, homes would be available for local people. However local councils need to be encouraged to give planning permission and not turn it down due to poor public transport.

Jean Pearson

City of Ely Perspective

A sparse but connected patchwork of diverse, thriving distinctive places. Places that provide homes and a sense of belonging for all parts of society.

Places where the availability of local employment is taken for granted and it’s the types of jobs people want to do and that pay well.

Places that have a widely recognised role and function, which complements urban areas.

Places where new developments add real value and are driven and supported by the local community

Tim Frenneaux

A land where people feel free to live thier lives:

• create businesses
• form hobby / interest groups
• access education and training
• to be active volunteers
• develop lasting and lively communities
• easy access to urban towns

David Smurthwaite

Youth: need to give youth an identity, sense of team spirit and belonging. Local sports and festivals must be sustained and developed be this cricket, bowls, football, scouts, guides etc. Youth is the future

Leisure: The countryside is not just about food production, it has immense leisure industry components. Not just pubs but village halls, schools, and local services including health. Walking-for-all and countryside access and footpaths should be linked to road, river and transport accessibility. Footpaths, like canals, need to be brought back into fuller use with some converted to cycleways, linking villages and towns. We have them, develop them.

If village locations are to be re-developed to meet the vision of work, live and play locally, then usable footpath links will be a vital component of this to link neighbouring villages.

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