I was born in rural North Norfolk 72 years ago and despite the war years enjoyed a wonderful, free childhood. Based on my lifelong experiences I would like to make the following comments in no particular order of importance.

1)    Maintain and encourage agriculture in such a way that it is productive of healthy food and is environmentally friendly.

2)    Taking my first comment into account give strong support to improving the habitats to our indigenous fauna and flora.  Neglect of that which is now common may result in it becoming endangered.

3)    Make it possible for the native country folk to live and work in the area  in which they were born.

4)    Support tourism and leisure activities in such a way that they are not harmful to the aims of any of my other comments.

5)    Encourage green energy programmes and don’t tolerate NIMBYism.

6)    Currently Central Government refuses to assist coastal District and Borough Councils from being able to execise controls over personal water craft(PWC) owners (jetskiers).  When I was a District Councillor for North Norfolk I worked for 8 years to try to introduce such measures.  Because of my insistence a working party was formed of which I was chairman.  The efforts of this working party were nobly supported by the Council’s Legal Department and the Coastal Issues Forum of which I was also Chairman for 4 years.  However, despite our efforts, none of the suggestions for bylaws, regulations etc that we submitted to Central Government were ever accepted.

The result of this, of course, is that a small percentage of jetskiers feel that they can “ play peacock” and “exhibit” their skills on bathing beaches, in waters near bird reserves and so on with a total disregard for people’s or wildlife’s need for a lack of disturbance.  I know that this issue caused great concern for the Warden at Blakeney Point National Trust Reserve that is home to one of the UK’s most important Tern nesting areas.  Funnily enough, in today’s Eastern Daily Press there is a report that the District Council only yesterday debated on how they were going to deal with the latest problems concerning this issue that has been brought to their attention by the frustrated public.

Simon, if Rural Britain:  a 2020 vision, could resolve that little problem, preferably before 2020, many people from many walks of life would be most grateful.

I congratulate you on your efforts so far.  May there be strength to the collective arm!

Dan Corbett

Market Towns

More jobs for people - less commuting

Greater range of jobs with new technologies coming into play. Develop enterprising approaches. Better involvement of business people in schools so young people can get a feel for opportunities for careers in their towns.

More activities and better awareness of existing activities to build social and community cohesion.

Build on distinctiveness - each town is different - work on developing strengths through environment and heritage  as well as social and community activity and action.

Develop a belief in quality - do the best at whatever you do; but do it differently if you can.

‘Exploit’ local assets - make what you have work for you. This could include environmental heritage or social assets. Consider new ways of using them. Do it well, do it differently, make it last - but do something rather than resting on your laurels

Mark Firth

a) Bring more business to rural towns

b) This will create better and more job opportunities

c) Increased salaries will mean more money spent in local shops / industries / businesses

d) Community Land Trust

e) Housing developments should be:

Small

Very well designed

Highest Eco credentials

f) More council housing to RENT only

g) Second home owners should pay 200% council tax

h) BBC Digital reception in:

Bishop’s Castle

South Shropshire

( No known date for future link up)

i) Plastic recycling on doorstep collection as well as paper / cardboard, glass etc

j) Salaries for work at present done freely by the ‘usual’ Town Councillors and voluntary community

k) Persuade locals to USE THEIR shops / farmers’ markets

Miranda Stanley

Bishop’s Castle

Thriving local communities where people from rural areas / market towns can live and work - not just traditional jobs but new sectors.

That rural residents and workers are able to remain in their towns / villages rather than be priced out by weekenders - a balance between new and established residents.

I would like to see more investment by private sector industry / business into local areas rather than bland business parks on the outskirts of towns; more diverse business

Local investment in rural facilities and services.

In a nutshell to preserve and enhance the attributes of rural towns and villages.

Fay Robinson

• Sustainable rural communities with equitable access to employment, services and opportunities
• An end to the view that certain types of economic activity are ‘inappropriate’ in rural areas
• Adoption and implementation of the recommendations of Matthew Taylor’s review in a timely and consistent manner
• Local people (especially people moving into rural areas) need to recognise that if they don’t USE local services, they should not be surprised if those services are not there for much longer, or when they disappear

Rural towns should become places where people can have all their everyday needs met and where the opportunities exist for the young to remain in their communities or return to straight from university.

The opportunities should encompass available housing, well paid jobs and social opportunities and activities. All this should give a diverse social mix which will promote the vibrancy of the community and provide a service and social hub for the more remote hinterland of the settlement. The economy will be strong and be able to withstand problems that may arise thereby improving sustainability and a pride in the local area.

Jacquie Boulton

More jobs

More homeworking

More recycling

Less travel to work

Better domestic architecture

Restore selected bits of the pre-Beeching rail network

Fewer labradors and 4×4s

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

Well used and thriving rural facilities such as shops, schools, community buildings open to all sections of the community.

Opportunities for rural communities to meet and contribute to the activity and future of their rural area.

Focus on promotion and use of local produce and services,

Availability of housing and employment opportunities, of a high quality, for local people.

Ability to use renewable energy for local use.

Simon Smith

Happy rural communities where people have choices – housing, employment and recreation

Strong social networks within communities, sharing and supporting

A strong local economy, valuing its own businesses, trades and skills

Strong networks externally – innovative ways to access the wider world, including services and retail

Today’s children having grown into adults who care about where they live and the environment

Rebecca Craven