• people power
• vitality
• sunshine
• celebration of heritage / buildings / customs/ language
• renewable energy for local use - water / wind
• information
• innovative solutions for problems
• local communication
• keep large town / city / county councils out of decision making - local solutions for local problems
• one off housing where needed and wanted - no new estates
• diversity of business
• good public transport and new transport ideas
• money for power saving (not cavity wall insulation when there are no cavities to fill)
• money for all weather tourist attractions
• local services no 50 miles away
• jobs for local graduates to return to their roots
• no pollution

Ann Sandell

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

Fuller use of existing community assets in more innovative and inclusive ways e.g. church buildings, community halls, open spaces, schools.

More diversity of service provision by rural businesses e.g. farms, shops, pub

Greater focus on stocking and growing local food with better links between farms, local residents, catering and accommodation establishments.

Open days and promotional events of local attractions, private gardens, shops, churches, schools as a local celebration and as an impetus for visitors to enjoy rural assets and communities.

More collection, archiving and presentation of local memories, hopes for the future and conversations between generations.

Improved networks of community-based and public transport that meet and generate local need to travel

Release of small pockets of land for affordable local housing.

Tony Atkinson

I would like Rural Britain to be seen as a multicultural mix of diverse, prosperous and innovative communities offering a vast range of work, social and leisure opportunities, incorporating cultural and historical offers. Services in vast rural areas need lateral thinking in order to be innovative and provide what local people need.

I would like to roam and visit places where my heart soars with joy from glorious vistas and views. I would like my mind to be stimulated by new and exciting opportunities that galvanize all the unique selling points rural villages and towns have to offer.

I would like to witness commitment from current and future governments in specific investment in rural initiatives and lifestyle. I would love attractive and affordable housing for everyone.

Leigh Johnson

I want better access

For people to have access to:

decent jobs, sports and leisure facilities, transport, advice and support. The housing they need at that stage – young and old, single and family

For communities to have access to:

the commitment, ideas, enthusiasm, innovation of people living in them

ideas – from other places

support – often only needs to be modest, to kickstart projects i.e. funds, knowledge, from councils, government, funders – all can enable things to happen

To be listened to – for local views to be valued and recognized by policy makers and powers-that-be via community plans etc

Glenys Sykes