Horsted Keynes Village Plan 2009

FRONT COVER CONTENTS

 Page

Introduction to Horsted Keynes 1

Production of the Horsted Keynes Village Plan: What is it and why do we need it? 2

The Horsted Keynes Village Plan: Results and Action Plans 3

Education, Health, & Housing 4

Transport & Highways 6

Emergency & Other Services 8

Social & Entertainment 10

Information & Communications 10

Environment 12

Employment  14

Societies, Clubs & Organisations 14

Young People 16

Businesses 18

The Way Ahead 20

Acknowledgements Inside back cover

KEY TO ACTION PLANS Short term – less than six months Medium term – between six months and two years Long term – longer than two years Acronyms: VPAG – Village Plan Action Group HKPC – Horsted Keynes Parish Council WSCC – West County Council AirS – Action in rural Sussex

Front cover: Tapestry made by the Horsted Keynes W.I. INTRODUCTION TO HORSTED KEYNES

A village existed here in Saxon times – it was called Horsted. After the , William the Conqueror gave the Rape of Pevensey, in which Horsted lay, to his half brother, Robert de Mortain, and he in turn gave the Manor of Horsted to one of his henchmen, William de Cahaignes. The village became known as Horsted de Cahaignes, a name which over the centuries has evolved into the present Horsted Keynes. The people who lived in the Saxon village raised crops and kept cattle and to judge by the name of the village – Horsted meant ‘a place of horses’ – were renowned for breeding horses. Starting in the 13th and continuing into the 18th centuries, the village was at the centre of the Sussex iron industry, as the hammer ponds to the north-west testify. While some villagers still work on the land, the majority find employment in the nearby towns of , Crawley and . The railway came to Horsted Keynes in 1882 and trains ran until 1963. Since then, however, the has brought fame and many tourists to the village. The oldest building in Horsted Keynes is the church of St Giles, the main part of which was built in the 11th and 12th centuries by William de Cahaignes’ son, Ralf. A church existed on the site long before the Norman invasion and the present building incorporates a doorway from the Saxon building. Horsted Keynes has two public houses, the Green Man and the Crown, both situated on the village green. The Crown has been an inn for more than 250 years and the building itself dates back to around 1600. The village is fortunate in having three playing fields and football, and stoolball are regularly played. Other clubs flourish in the Village Hall and the Martindale Centre. Since World War II, in-filling has meant that the village has increased considerably in size and, with its mixture of architecture from Elizabethan to present day styles, it has considerable charm. Not surprisingly, many retired people enjoy the peace and quiet of Horsted Keynes and on the road to Birchgrove is the Abbeyfield retirement home, Westall House.

1 1 PRODUCTION OF THE HORSTED KEYNES VILLAGE PLAN: WHAT IS IT AND WHY DO WE NEED ONE?

The Government has stated that it wants each local community to take control of its destiny: to say what it wants to be done and to engage with others to enable it to happen. The creation of a Village Plan is an important part of the process which empowers a Parish Council by providing evidence of the wishes of the community it serves. Horsted Keynes Parish Council has contributed to the funding of the Horsted Keynes Village Plan and will receive the Plan itself.

Desires for action fall into one of three main categories:

. Matters on which it is possible for the Parish Council to take the necessary action, where appropriate giving a lead, even if it does not have the funds.

. Matters that are outside the powers of the Parish Council but on which it can make recommendations to the authorities that do have the powers.

. Matters on which it is possible for local people to take the necessary action themselves, given the appropriate support and funding.

Following advice from AirS, open meetings were held in the village to explain the process, to seek further members for the Village Plan Steering Group and to gain feedback about local concerns, as with other Plans. A questionnaire was then produced by the Steering Group and circulated to all households in the village. A total of 563 completed questionnaires was returned, one or more from 70% of occupied residences.

Horsted Keynes Parish Council is responsible for funding and receiving the Horsted Keynes Village Plan. However, as with other Plans elsewhere, it has been produced by an independent Steering Group, which has been responsible for consulting the community as part of the process.

Modified questionnaires were prepared and distributed to 11-18 year olds, local clubs and voluntary organisations, and to businesses. Consultation meetings were held with all classes at St Giles Primary School and with the Youth Club.

An analysis of the returned questionnaires was undertaken and all the comments were collated and brought together in a 70 page document called “Data Analysis for the Village Plan”. Copies of this have been distributed to a number of locations (St Giles Church, the post office, shop, council office, the Green Man and the British Legion) so anyone interested can see the results which formed the basis for the production of the Horsted Keynes Village Plan.

2 THE HORSTED KEYNES VILLAGE PLAN: RESULTS & ACTION PLANS

The responses to the questionnaires have shaped the following pages but in addition to that data many comments were made, formally and informally, to Steering Group members. Most parishioners appreciate and are thankful for the beautiful rural environment in which Horsted Keynes is located. However, some of the assets of the village may be so familiar that their contribution to the richness of village life may only be fully appreciated if they were to be lost. Examples are the village green, the school, the church, the pub, the bus service, the village shop, and the post office – only to mention some and in no particular order. If they are to be retained these facilities must be used: “use them or lose them”. Many people say they like the village as it is. Some older residents have fond memories of when there were more shops in the village, when more people worked locally and when there was a greater community spirit. The Parish is becoming a “dormitory” village, where people like to live and then travel to work in Haywards Heath, Gatwick, or elsewhere. The population of the Parish is ageing. Compared to statistics from the last census for Mid-Sussex , the proportion of Horsted Keynes residents responding to the questionnaire was 15% less in the 19-40 age group and 15% more in the over-60s. Longer term this is a matter that needs to be addressed. Concerns are expressed about the amount and speed of traffic through the village and about vandalism. For both areas, however, it will be easier to act sooner rather than wait for major problems to arise. A common request has been for the village to provide more facilities for younger people – the challenge is to find ways to respond to this.

3 Education, Health & Housing: Results

St Giles Church of primary school is seen as a major asset to the village by many parishioners. It is acknowledged that a vibrant local school helps attract young families and retain them within the Parish, providing there is suitable, affordable accommodation for them.

Although chiropody is the only health service provided within the Parish, the majority of parishioners appear not to have a problem in accessing the services of doctors, dentists, opticians and out-patient facilities. However, comments reflect that a small number could envisage having a problem when older, unable to drive or if the out-patients department were to be moved from Haywards Heath. Only a few people regret that a GP’s surgery is no longer available in the village.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. Nearly a third of respondents felt there was a need for adult education evening classes, with 40 people stating that they would be prepared to be involved. 2. The need for after school clubs and holiday play schemes was expressed and a small number felt that a breakfast club and after school clubs might help mothers return to work. It was thought by 13% that more registered childminders were needed. 3. Although there is a prescription collection service operating from the village, 13 people had difficulty accessing the service and one person was unaware of its existence. 4. There was an overwhelming, albeit cautious, support for a small development of affordable housing for local people and there were a wide range of comments and questions, demonstrating that many people wanted more information before supporting such a proposal.

4 Education, Health & Housing: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Adult Education (a) Seek a volunteer to VPAG Short term High Classes lead. (b) Investigate demand for Volunteer Parishioners Medium term Low specific subjects. (c) Look at alternative Volunteer Medium term Medium options. VPAG WSCC VPAG (d) Progress where Adult Education Medium term Low appropriate. providers 2. Childcare outside of (a) Seek a volunteer to VPAG Short term High school lead. Parishioners (b) Investigate feasibility Volunteer Medium term Medium of after school play VPAG schemes/ school clubs/ WSCC holiday activities. (c) Highlight need for VPAG Short term Medium more childminders in the village. 3. Prescription Service (a) Pass on comments to VPAG Short term High organisers. Prescription service organiser (b) Advertise service more VPAG Short term High widely. 4. Housing (a) Support a small HKPC Long term High ‘Affordable Housing’ MSDC Scheme, for parishioners. AirS (b) Explain the concept HKPC Short term Low more widely to villagers, VPAG including young people.

5 Transport & Highways: Results

Cars are the main form of transport for parishioners, with an average of two vehicles for each household completing the questionnaire. Nevertheless, Horsted Keynes is fortunate to be on a bus route, albeit with limitations.

The increase in through traffic in the village and the speed of some vehicles are widely perceived concerns.

The main points emerging from the responses were:

1. Nearly half the respondents thought they would use the bus service more if the frequency and route were improved.

2. If there were a voluntary transport service, nearly 50% said they would be willing to take part as a driver, predominantly on an occasional basis, and near 75% thought they might use such a facility.

3. Cars being parked in inappropriate places were perceived as a problem by over half the respondents.

4. Road maintenance was considered poor by three-quarters of respondents. Many thought increased attention to appropriate vehicle parking and to maintenance in critical places to hedges and verges would improve highway safety.

5. Over half considered speeding traffic a problem, particularly on some approach roads to the village.

6. Facilities for cyclists were thought to be inadequate by 15% of the respondents.

7. Most respondents considered facilities for pedestrians good or reasonable. A significant number highlighted shortcomings for pushchair and wheelchair users and the lack of a safe footpath to and from Westall House.

6 Transport & Highways: Action Plan

ISSUE ACTION LEAD/KEY PARTNERS TIMESCALE PRIORITY 1. Improve transport (a) Discuss survey results VPAG Short term High facilities with bus company and HKPC local authority to improve MSDC service at key times. Metrobus (b) Investigate alternative VPAG Medium term High modes of transport. AirS 2. Increase voluntary (a) Encourage car sharing. VPAG Short term, Medium transport service ongoing (b) Establish an expanded VPAG Medium term Medium voluntary car service. HKPC Voluntary group 3. Car parking (a) Encourage use of VPAG Short term High individual driveways, HKPC garages and existing car MSDC parks. Police (b) Regulate parking and HKPC Medium term, High discourage it on grass VPAG ongoing verges, on the Green and MSDC on pavements. Police 4. Safety – road (a) Road surfaces –  maintenance see Environmental. (b) Ensure hedges are cut VPAG Short term Medium back to allow access and HKPC visibility. 5. Safety – speeding Reduce speeding and HKPC Medium term High traffic through traffic. VPAG WSCC Police 6. Facilities for cyclists (a) Provide parking VPAG Medium term Low facilities in appropriate HKPC places for bicycles. (b) Investigate provision HKPC Long term Low of cycle paths and where VPAG appropriate install WSCC 7. Improve pedestrian (a) Encourage safe use of VPAG Medium term High facilities roads. Police (b) Investigate providing VPAG Short term Medium a walkway from Westall HKPC House to the village. (c) Investigate and VPAG Short term Medium facilitate smooth/easy HKPC access for wheel/ pushchair users on pavements within the village.

7 Emergency & Other Services: Results

Thankfully Horsted Keynes is an area of relatively low crime and anti-social behaviour.  Continuing vigilance and attention to the changing needs of residents, particularly the younger ones, will be needed to maintain this situation.

The village is fortunate in continuing to have a village shop, which 94% of respondents thought was important. Other facilities are also important to village life and will only remain if they are well supported.

The main points emerging from the responses were:

1. Concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour focused on theft and vandalism, with over a third of respondents mentioning these. Around the same number would like to see more consultation between the police and residents and an improved police presence. The majority of respondents to this question were dissatisfied with the role of the community police officer, with many dozens of comments querying the existence of this person.

2. In response to the question about whether people felt safe in Horsted Keynes, only very few said they felt unsafe. A number thought street lighting would help but this suggestion also prompted a very negative reaction from the majority, who were strongly against it.

3. Over half the respondents felt that it was important to provide more activities in the village for young people.

4. Nuisance created by dogs, noise and bonfires were all mentioned by a fifth of respondents. However, a quarter had no concerns at all.

5. The shop emerged as the single most important facility in the village with majority of the respondents (94%) identifying it as such. High scores were achieved for the recreation ground (88%), the cricket pitch (80%) and the public house (77%), churches (77%) and the post office (77%). Other facilities such as the mobile library, the school, the British Legion and Constance Wood were also noted by many respondents as important.

8 Emergency & Other Services: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Crime and anti- (a) Investigate steps to VPAG Medium term, High social behaviour maintain a low theft/ HKPC ongoing vandalism rate in the Neighbourhood Watch  parish. Police (b) Improve Police Short term High communication between Parishioners Ongoing police and residents. (c) Ensure community Police Medium term Medium police officer is more Ongoing visible. 2. Street Lighting See Environment section 3. Facilities and Investigate & seek to HKPC Medium term, Medium activities for young provide more & enhanced VPAG ongoing people facilities/activities Volunteers 4. Nuisance by dogs, Highlight issues through  VPAG Short term, High noise, bonfires communication, HKPC ongoing promoting neighbourliness. 5. Support local (a) Support local VPAG Short term, Medium services, facilities businesses. HKPC ongoing and activities MSDC (b) Promote outdoor VPAG Medium term, Medium sports facilities Volunteer ongoing WSCC (c) Encourage & promote VPAG Short term, High local services HKPC ongoing

9 Social & Entertainment: Results

The number, wide variety and strength of the social organisations and activities available in the village are appreciated by residents of Horsted Keynes.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. A lot of people showed an interest in all the activities listed. Beyond what is already available, there was firm support (over 40%) for cinema screening and badminton and a limited interest (around 30%) for rambling and book clubs. In addition 40 people stated they would be prepared to help run activities. 2. Most people responding to the question about the Martindale and Village Hall selected “good” or “very good” for the facilities, availability and pricing. However, a third felt that they would not be fit for the future. This question stimulated much comment with remarks being made that the Martindale was dark and shabby. The Village Hall was commended for being generally attractive and fit for its current role. 3. There was some reservation about creating a new hall, which might become too expensive for local use, although people felt it might benefit the village. The general preference was for upgrading the existing facilities, thus allowing more flexibility with two locations. The suggestion was put forward that better use could be made of the primary school hall out of school hours.

Information & Communications: Results

People now expect quicker and better communications than decades ago and are less dependent upon informal word of mouth – although from comments received this is still important. The Parish magazine (P&P) appears to be widely read and appreciated and is likely for some time to be the best vehicle to facilitate better communications.

The main points emerging from the responses were:

1. A majority of respondents were of the opinion that information about “what’s on” was reasonable or good. Most (90%) said they learnt about activities and events from the parish magazine, with many (70%) using posters around the village. Over half had never used the Horsted Keynes website and only 23 people used it more than 5 times a month. 2. Although the majority thought the Parish Council publicised itself reasonably or very well, a significant minority were unhappy with the level of communication it provided. 3. The majority of respondents voiced concern at the level of mobile phone reception, with significant minorities having concerns with radio, broadband and digital TV reception.

10 Social & Entertainment: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. New activities for Seek volunteers for a HKPC Short term High adults one-off meeting for those VPAG interested in leading activities. 2. Hall facilities Establish a group to VPAG Short term High review hall facilities 3. Future development Investigate how they VPAG Medium term Medium of halls might be made fit to meet PCC, School future requirements. Village Hall Committee Martindale Committee

Information & Communications: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Improve Parish (a) Encourage greater VPAG Short term Medium communications use of P&P for communications (b) Explore increasing use Local Business Forum Medium term Medium of the village website 2. Improve Raise awareness of Parish HKPC Short term High communications Council discussions and to/from Parish decisions Council 3. Mobile phone, Work with providers to VPAG Long term High digital TV, radio achieve improvements Service providers and broadband MSDC reception HKPC

11 Environment: Results

Most people appreciate the village as it is now and feel the quality of the countryside around Horsted Keynes to be very important. The environmental services for the village are largely recognised as good or reasonable, as are the appearance of the village green, recreation ground and cricket field.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. A majority of respondents thought that the lighting in the village was good or reasonable. However, a significant minority thought it was poor. 2. The majority of respondents felt that road maintenance was inadequate, with potholes on Cinder Hill and poor road surfaces near Ludwell Grange being specifically identified. 3. On the power supply, although a majority felt that it was good or reasonable, a significant number (42%) felt that it was poor. The village has three independent power circuits which may account for the result. 4. The majority of people felt that reducing the number of trees would not be good for the village. In particular they considered single trees should be preserved. Half the respondents felt more trees would be an improvement while a quarter felt this would not be the case. 5. Regarding Constance Wood field, some people queried why bonfires and rubbish dumped beyond garden boundaries were permitted there. 6. A large majority of respondents felt that looking after woodlands could improve the village environment. It was thought that hedges supported and encouraged wildlife, though they should be trimmed where needed for better road visibility and pedestrian use. 7. A large majority of respondents felt there were no problems with the footpaths and about a third of respondents were willing to help maintain them. Individual comments were made that some footpaths were difficult to use in wet weather, were overgrown and should have better access for wheelchairs and buggies. 8. Most respondents felt it was worth removing litter, maintaining the verges, stopping parking on the grass verges, signposting paths and bridleways, and repairing gates, finger posts, stiles and bridges, in order to make the countryside more attractive and user-friendly.

12 Environment: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Lighting within the (a) Identify points where VPAG Medium term Medium village lighting is an issue. Neighbourhood Watch (b) Investigate solutions HKPC Long term Medium tailored to the location. Neighbourhood Watch 2. Road surfaces (a) Publicise contacts for HKPC Short term, High reporting problems. WSCC ongoing Parishioners (b) Regular review of HKPC Long term, Medium responses. VPAG ongoing 3. Electricity Supply Improve continuity VPAG Medium term High of supply to all parts HKPC of the village through EdF discussions with EdF. 4. Managing the Conduct a survey of Interested Volunteer Long term Medium countryside: the trees in the village VPAG – Trees and determine if any HKPC additional planting would be appropriate. 5. Managing the See Emergency & Other VPAG Medium term Medium countryside: Services and clarify HKPC – Bonfires & position regarding use of Constance Wood Constance Wood 6 Managing the Maintain hedges VPAG Medium term Medium countryside: HKPC – Hedges 7. Footpaths and (a) Set up environmental VPAG Medium term Low pavements groups for projects HKPC including country WSCC footpath maintenance. Volunteers (b) Maintain and improve VPAG Long term Medium pavements with particular HKPC regard to pushchair and WSCC wheelchair access. Volunteers 8. Caring for the (a) Establish VPAG Medium term, Low Environment environmental groups for HKPC ongoing specific projects such as WSCC footpath maintenance. (b) Encourage everyone VPAG Medium term Medium to look after the village HKPC

13 Employment: Results

Over the last half century the village has changed from essentially offering local employment to its inhabitants, to most now travelling outside the Parish to find work. More local employment could help to retain the community spirit, local services and facilities and would slow down the process of Horsted Keynes becoming a “dormitory” village.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. Some 9% of respondents work in Horsted Keynes, with those working from home generally satisfied with their working environment. 2. A large majority of respondents favoured encouraging small local businesses, although a few were concerned that increased employment could result in more pollution, traffic and noise. 3. It was felt that any development should be located in an appropriate location and on a scale in keeping with a small rural village. Future development should not impact on the existing residential footprint.

Societies, Clubs and Organisations: Results

The village supports a significant number of clubs and societies. Of the 26 identified, 24 responded to the special questionnaire. These respondents confirmed that these clubs are viable, financially sound and well attended. General satisfaction is also expressed with the present premises and facilities with no strong opinion in favour of the provision of enhanced facilities.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. There is a need to promote recruitment in order to retain activity levels. 2. The Glebe Allotments Society expressed concern about the waiting list for allotments. 3. Concern was expressed by a number of clubs about the quality of the mobile phone reception, especially on health and safety grounds.

14 Employment: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Business forum Recruit volunteer to set VPAG Short term High up local business forum. HKPC 2. Additional facilities (a) Investigate availability Local business forum Medium term Low of more facilities for small local businesses. (b) Promote availability Local business forum Medium term Medium of local products and services through the P&P and village website and encourage use by parishioners. 3. Improved services Improve services for local Local business forum Long term Low employers and home VPAG workers (see sections on Information and Communications, and Environment).

Societies, Clubs and Organisations: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Promote Bring club representatives HKPC Short term Medium recruitment of together to brainstorm VPAG membership ways of advertising Club organisers societies. 2. Glebe Allotments Investigate additional VPAG Long term Low allotment sites. Allotment Committee HKPC MSDC 3. Mobile phone See Information and reception Communications section.

15 Young People: Results

Young people between the ages of 11 and 18 received individual questionnaires. They value life in a small community, though they would like additional facilities to be provided.

The views of children between the ages of 5 and 11 were gathered during discussions at St Giles School. The children are very positive about living in a quiet, rural community where they know people and where everyone is friendly. They value very strongly the school, recreation ground and shop.

The main points emerging from the responses were: 1. Many were very keen to see more sporting facilities and activities in the village. Suggestions included rugby, more cricket, and football for girls. Some young people simply wanted to see better facilities in the recreation ground. 2. Nearly a third of respondents attended the youth club but a number of young people were looking for a wider range of activities. Suggestions included more sports, table tennis, music, paintball and pool/snooker. 3. Over two thirds of the respondents used the bus service and most of those felt that they would make use of an increased service at weekends if it were available. 4. Just over half the young people felt that they would read a youth section in the P&P if it was introduced. 5. The respondents were strongly against the idea of new housing in Horsted Keynes. They felt any increase in the number of houses would detract from their enjoyment of living in a small, quiet village. 6. The majority of young people felt safe throughout the village. However, there were a couple of comments about feeling unsafe in unlit passageways. 7. The children of St Giles School were concerned about litter and graffiti as well as speeding cars. They would like to see a “lollipop” lady or a pedestrian crossing. They also wanted more equipment in the recreation ground and for the public houses to be more welcoming to families.

16 Young People: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS 1. Increase sporting Seek people with VPAG Short term High activities experience/interest to set Volunteers up new groups.

2. Youth Club Pass on comments VPAG Short term Medium and suggestions from HK Crew Staff the survey to HK Crew and Management Staff and Management Committee Committee to seek Young People changes.

3. Bus service See Highways and Transport section.

4. Youth section in P&P Advertise possibility in the VPAG Short term High P&P and seek volunteer to Young People organise.

5. Housing See Education, Health & Housing section.

6. Safety Identify areas of See Environment Medium term High concern, investigate and if appropriate install lighting.

7. St Giles School

– Litter (a) See Environment

– Speeding cars (b) See Transport & Highways

– Recreational (c) Seek ideas for VPAG Medium term Medium equipment equipment, suitable HKPC locations and funding.

17 Businesses: Results

Of the 40 commercial concerns that had been identified, many of them small businesses run from home, 31 responded to the commercial questionnaire. These businesses cover a wide range of activities, with many of them serving the local community.

The main points emerging from the responses were:

1. Almost all commercial concerns responding to the questionnaire had found suitable premises but 20% felt they would need new premises within the next two years. There was some interest in shared office facilities.

2. The P&P was considered to be a well-used source of information and a useful place to advertise. The village website was not used extensively.

3. A directory of local services would be of interest to around two thirds of respondents.

4. Poor mobile phone reception was felt to be a major problem for 68% of businesses. Poor electrical supply affected 42% and just under a third were affected by slow broadband speeds and lack of public transport. The poor state of the roads was mentioned by a number of businesses.

18 Businesses: Action Plan

LEAD/KEY ISSUE ACTION TIMESCALE PRIORITY PARTNERS

1. Availability of Investigate need for Local Business Forum Long Term Low commercial additional commercial MSDC property premises and shared AirS office facilities

2. Advertising local Encourage use of village Local Business Forum Short term Medium services website Webmaster

3. Directory of local Publish directory of local Local Business Forum Medium term Medium services services

4. Improve utilities:

– Mobile phone (a) See Information & reception/ Communications broadband speeds.

– Electrical supply (b) See Environment

– Public transport (c) See Transport & Highways

– Road maintenance (d) See Environment

19 THE WAY AHEAD

The task of the Steering Group has been to listen to the people of Horsted Keynes Parish and then to set out, in the form of this Village Plan, the wishes, visions and hopes expressed for the future of the community. The overwhelming response to the questionnaires indicates the strong support for the process and the desire to contribute to specific issues raised with a view to securing appropriate action.

The Parish Council has agreed to study carefully this report and to help to bring about change. Furthermore, the Parish Council has agreed to give its overall views on the Plan via the Parish magazine, the “P & P”, which is delivered to every household in the Parish. With the production and circulation of the Village Plan the Steering Group considers its task largely done.

However, the work to change and improve in line with residents’ wishes is only about to start! It is proposed the Steering Group is replaced by a Village Plan Action Group (VPAG). This is likely to include several working parties and individuals dealing with areas identified in this Village Plan. Anyone who wishes to participate in a specific issue and is willing to volunteer some time please contact:

Sue Stewart 790930 Jon Martin 790693 Lynne Mulcare 790626

It is almost certain that some of the things which some people would like to see done will not be achievable. Some things may take a long time. But at the very least, with the Village Plan in its possession, the Parish Council will now be in a position to develop its policies and take action on the basis of a clear mandate from the majority of people of Horsted Keynes.

20 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The processes of consulting parishioners and producing the Horsted Keynes Village Plan were managed by a volunteer Steering Group comprising:

Margaret Davey OBE Jon Martin Billy & Kerry Dye Lynne Mulcare Mary Elston Paul & Jac Scott Andy Jones Sue Stewart Jon Kench Jill Thomas

The following also contributed in various ways:

Linda Allen Diane Martin Mike Barrett Mary Mitchell-Gogay Katie George Hilary Nicholson Joanna Francis Geoff Pink Terry Grover Barry Reed Tony Harrison Beth Reed David Jenkins Clare Robinson Deborah Kench Robbie Robinson Andy King Colin Sainter Deirdre Kirk Reg Stewart Mike Kirk Sally Walker Michael Legat Laura Willis Ann Lock David Wilson Barbara Lowe

The Steering Group would also like to record its thanks to:

. Mark McTaggart and Faustina Bayo of Action in rural Sussex and to Michael Davies and Rodney Saunders, respectively Chairmen of Lindfield and Action Plan Steering Groups, for their support and guidance.

. Horsted Keynes Parish Council for their encouragement and funding for the production of the Village Plan.

. Action in Rural Sussex for a Social Inclusion Fund Grant. County Council for a Local Community Fund Grant. West Sussex County Council for a Parish Initiatives Fund Grant.

. Finally, the Steering Group would like to express their sincere thanks to all who have, in various ways, contributed to the production of this Plan. Not least among these are the parishioners of Horsted Keynes who have participated in the process by attending consultation meetings, writing letters to express their views, and particularly to the very many who completed and returned the lengthy questionnaires. Published by the Horsted Keynes Village Plan Steering Group Printed by The Danewood Press Ltd, Chelwood Gate. 01825 740302