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

1. Establish ONE local body to manage local issues; possibly Town / Parish Council
2. Provide it with more money, power, voice - throw out the book and rewrite it
3. It will attract better, more dynamic people who want things to develop
4. It can manage local change while having the chance to protect that which is valued - from a positive position

There is currently

1. Too much duplication of local activity / responsibility
2. Not enough influence to attract the right people
3. Too much ‘pussy-footing’ around with an eye on out-of-date, political accountability which is stagnant.

Where local Town / Parish government has worked, positive change happens (Kirkby Lonsdale)

Make the National Park ‘3rd Purpose’ mandatory.

Steve Finch

I want to see rural communities supported to make their own decisions about things which affect them locally and not centralised. Communities need support from organisations such as local community councils to advise them about what they can achieve i.e. through village halls, community shops, local innovative solutions to local problems. This is across the board whether it be education, social, housing or economic.

I want the countryside to be sustainable through new people and ideas coming in but not to the detriment of the landscape i.e. massive houses being built and beautiful countryside being concreted over. There needs to be a mixture of housing but done in a sympathetic way that enhances the area and not always the most cost-effective. The local culture and heritage should be preserved including church, hall, farms that are still working, schools that are still viable, and shops that are supported – a vibrant, real community.

Support needs to be given to Parish Councils and community groups, training about how to run projects effectively and innovatively. Volunteers and community activists should be encouraged and given any support needed.

I want to see wildlife supported, to still hear the birds sing and the swallows to have barns to nest in and any other animals to thrive.

I want the economies to be sustainable and better planning around buildings for rural businesses.

I want to see change for the better but not just for the sake of it which means joined up thinking across the statutory bodies and also the local voluntary and community sector.

Tina Chamberlain

A place where communities can live and work together in safe, pleasant surroundings. A place for young and old to socialise and support each other. Village events and village activities to involve the community. Active Parish Councils, active faith groups and do not exclude the youth. Affordable housing and local shops.

Every village to have a community foundation where monies raised can be invested and given back in grants to local projects / individuals. Flowers, gardens, walks, cycle routes – all is possible with vision and commitment

Bob Dyke

Charity Bank

[Personal view of village life]

• Much more power of decision (+ finances) vested in Parish Councils.

• More local food and products available locally. In particular funding invested so that Farmers’ Markets are better able to operate (e.g. cost of road closures)

• A sustainability plan for development conurbations – too much creeping development at present taking place.

• Increasing use and development of local walks and cycle paths and facilities to support them (Look at Napier NZ circular walk)

• Fuller preservation of local historical buildings – culture

• Events

• Rural affordable housing

• Much more power of decision (+ finances) vested in Parish Councils.

• More local food and products available locally. In particular funding invested so that Farmers’ Markets are better able to operate (e.g. cost of road closures)

• A sustainability plan for development conurbations – too much creeping development at present taking place.

• Increasing use and development of local walks and cycle paths and facilities to support them (Look at Napier NZ circular walk)

• Fuller preservation of local historical buildings – culture

• Events

• Rural affordable housing

More power at parish/town council level with direct link to community involvement.

The removal of council tax based on accommodation with a fair local tax in exchange.

An understanding that local traders can only pay local rent – encouragement to shop locally perhaps with different hours to the 9-5 principle.

Practically every item sold sourced locally – no more double packaging – environmentally friendly package – seasonal items etc.

Vast community compost schemes.

Waste reduced to 10% of todays.

Local Housing at reasonable prices for local people doing local work.

B. Syown

Ivybridge

Devon