How Was the Parish Plan Produced? Pagepage 4 3

Grinshill Parish Plan 2013

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31 Contents

What is a Parish Plan? PagePage 4 3.

So why produce a Parish Plan? PagePage 4 3.

How was the Parish Plan produced? PagePage 4 3.

Who are the residents of Grinshill? PagePage 5 4.

The History of Grinshill. PagePage 6 5.

Internet. PagePage 8 7.

Public Telephone Boxes. PagePage 9 8.

All Saints’ Church PagePage9. 10

Community Activities PagePage 12 11.

The Village Hall PagePage 14 13.

Housing PagePage 16 15.

Tourism PagePage 20 19.

Roads and Transport PagePage 21 20.

Environment PagePage 22 21.

Crime and Safety PagePage 24 23.

How would you like to see the village develop PagePage 25 24.

Action Plan PagePage 27 26.

Volunteers PagePage 28 27

Initial Parish Council Response to Action Plan. PagePage 29 28

Parish Map Page 31 - 2 -

2 3 What is a Parish Plan? The Shropshire Community Council has provided grants to villages such as ours to write a Parish Plan to set out what villagers think about their community and how it might be preserved and improved for future generations. It allows people living in the village to have their say about issues which affect their lives and give better information on their views to elected representatives and decision makers, as members of the community themselves would like to see it. It looks at the positive and negative aspects of the area by identifying what the inhabitants want to protect, make improvements to and ideas for new facilities and services. So why produce a Parish Plan? Producing a well considered and thorough Parish Plan is important for a number of factors:  It gathers evidence to help influence and inform local service providers, policies and decisions  It increases voluntary action and involvement in community projects  It reinvigorates local democracy to stimulating interest in local issues

How was the Parish Plan produced?  After an approach by Shropshire Council, the Grinshill Parish Council held a public meeting to determine support for developing a Parish Plan  From the meeting a group of volunteers were identified to work on the Parish Plan  A questionnaire was created and delivered to every person on the Electoral Register in Grinshill Parish.  43% of villagers responded to the questionnaire. There was however some confusion on whether each member of the household should reply or just one reply per household.  All responses were collated, analysed and used to produce this Parish Plan

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4 5 What is a Parish Plan?  The Parish Plan is therefore a summary of the views, thoughts and The Shropshire Community Council has provided grants to villages such as concerns of the inhabitants of Grinshill, and once adopted by the ours to write a Parish Plan to set out what villagers think about their Parish Council will form the basis of decisions affecting the village for community and how it might be preserved and improved for future the near and mid term future. generations. It allows people living in the village to have their say about issues which affect their lives and give better information on their views to elected representatives and decision makers, as members of the community Who are the residents of Grinshill? themselves would like to see it. Of those who responded to the Grinshill Parish Plan Questionnaire, 68% of It looks at the positive and negative aspects of the area by identifying what residents in 2011 can be seen as having lived in the Parish for over 11 years, the inhabitants want to protect, make improvements to and ideas for new with 44% having lived in the village for over 20 years. facilities and services. Also 67% of respondents’ households have either two or three occupants, So why produce a Parish Plan? with 60% being between 36 and 69 years of age.

Producing a well considered and thorough Parish Plan is important for a number of factors: Where do you live How long have you lived in the Parish

 It gathers evidence to help influence and inform local service 35 40 providers, policies and decisions 30 35  It increases voluntary action and involvement in community projects 25 30 25  It reinvigorates local democracy to stimulating interest in local issues 20 20 15 15 10 10 How was the Parish Plan produced? 5 5 0  After an approach by Shropshire Council, the Grinshill Parish Council 0 Less 1-5 6-10 11-20 over Hi gh Sansaw Sandy The Hill Other than 1 years years years 20 held a public meeting to determine support for developing a Parish Street Heath Lane year Plan

 From the meeting a group of volunteers were identified to work on the Parish Plan Age group in your household How many people in your household

 A questionnaire was created and delivered to every person on the 70 35 Electoral Register in Grinshill Parish. 60 30 50  43% of villagers responded to the questionnaire. There was however 25 40 20 some confusion on whether each member of the household should 30 reply or just one reply per household. 20 15  All responses were collated, analysed and used to produce this Parish 10 10 0 Plan 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 0-15 years 80 + years - 3 - 16-18 years19-25 years26-35 years36-55 years56-69 years70-79 years person people people people people - 4 -

4 5 The history of Grinshill GRINSHILL is a village 7 miles from Shrewsbury, and 4 from Wem. It lies off the A49 under the shelter of Grinshill Hill. Grinshill Hill is one of several isolated escarpments which rise above the North Shropshire Plain, and is formed of Triassic sandstones and marls, originally laid down some 200 million years ago.

When we look at Grinshill today it is difficult to imagine that in the late 19th century it was regarded as the building yard of the West Midlands.

Today some of the original quarries are overgrown and un-worked, but the hill is a very popular spot for those looking for a gentle uphill walk on a sunny afternoon with rewarding views if you make it to the top.

It was from these quarries that the first recorded footprints of a lizard-like creature (much later named Rhynchosauroides) were found in the Tarporley - 5 -

6 7 The history of Grinshill Siltstones in 1838. It is hard today to imagine the cultural context in which such finds were made and to realize the excitement, fear and religious GRINSHILL is a village 7 miles from Shrewsbury, and 4 from Wem. It lies off intolerance with which these fossils were received the A49 under the shelter of Grinshill Hill. Grinshill Hill is one of several isolated escarpments which rise above the North Shropshire Plain, and is formed of Triassic sandstones and marls, originally laid down some 200 million years ago.

The area has been quarried extensively, principally for the pale Grinshill Sandstones, which was used for Lord Hill’s Column (1814-1816), and many local buildings and bridges in the Shrewsbury area. These included The Royal Salop Infirmary (1826-1830), the old Shire Hall (1836-1837), the Music Hall (1836-1837) the English Bridge in 1769- 1774, the Severn Bridge at Early in the 20th century, circa 1909, the health problems of the men at Atcham in 1768-1771, the Grinshill had been drawn to the attention of Dr J. Wheatley, the County Tern Bridge at Atcham (1777- Medical Officer of Health, his informant was Dr Irwin Browne Richardson, 1780) and the Welsh Bridge physician, surgeon, medical officer and public vaccinator for Shrewsbury and (1791-1795). Several Wem Union, and visiting physician to the Rodin Convalescent Home, sited at churches in Shrewsbury the Stone Grange, Grinshill (the former country schoolhouse of Shrewsbury including the new St Chad’s Free Grammar School), where he lived from 1909 to 1926. Dr Richardson had following the collapse of the noted a mason was 12 times more likely to die of “lithosis” than male adults old St Chad’s. (1790-2) as well elsewhere. as many older houses in Grinshill and Clive villages. No doubt both the quarrymen and the villagers, for at least nine centuries, would have referred to the illness as “quarryman's asthma” or “stonemason's When we look at Grinshill disease”. today it is difficult to imagine that in the late 19th century it In proposing remedies which would mitigate the worst effects of stone dust, was regarded as the building yard of the West Midlands. members of the Royal Commission generally thought that the best safety measures open to management and workers alike was to work in the open on Today some of the original quarries are overgrown and un-worked, but the moist or damp stone to keep the dust down wherever it was likely to arise. hill is a very popular spot for those looking for a gentle uphill walk on a sunny afternoon with rewarding views if you make it to the top. Dr Wheatley's report to the Royal Commission on Metalliferous Mines and Quarries in 1912 revealed that most of the stonemasons and quarrymen It was from these quarries that the first recorded footprints of a lizard-like belonged to the splendidly-titled Rock of Refuge Lodge of the Independent creature (much later named Rhynchosauroides) were found in the Tarporley Order of Oddfellows, Grinshill. - 5 - - 6 -

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The Oddfellows evolved from the medieval Trade Guilds and began in the City of London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and established local groups across England and Wales. It was the Manchester Unity, which was to become the basis of the ‘The Oddfellows’ of today.

Its Rock of Refuge Lodge at Grinshill appears in a list of Friendly Societies in Shropshire in the 1850s. Records held in its Manchester office, show that the Grinshill Rock of Refuge Lodge in 1847-8 met every other Monday (Chairman Thomas Brockton) in the Elephant and Castle. In 1878 The Rock of Refuge was part of the Grinshill District which comprised four Lodges and 538 members. The Rock of Refuge still met at the Elephant and Castle but now on every fourth Saturday under the aegis of George Owen.

By 1921 the Grinshill Lodge boasted 237 adult members, and £4794 of funds. Its members met in the Schoolroom again every fourth Saturday under the leadership of Samuel Jones of 2 Hillside.

Internet With fast and efficient availability of the internet becoming a necessity for both social and professional home use, the results of the Grinshill Parish Questionnaire reflected the trends being experienced across the country.

With just under half of those who answered this section of the questionnaire

Do you have access to the internet at home 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

I have access to internet I do not have access to internet Is this for personal us Is this for work I Chose not to have internet I am content with speed I am not content with speed

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The Oddfellows evolved from the medieval Trade Guilds and began in the City indicating that they used the internet for home working, there was a general of London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries and established local concern with regards to the overall speed of the internet availability within groups across England and Wales. It was the Manchester Unity, which was to the Parish. This was reflected in over half of those responding indicating that become the basis of the ‘The Oddfellows’ of today. the speed available was too slow.

Its Rock of Refuge Lodge at Grinshill appears in a list of Friendly Societies in ACTION:PARISH COUNCIL AND SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL TO LIAISE WITH Shropshire in the 1850s. Records held in its Manchester office, show that the LOCAL SERVICE PROVIDERS WITH REGARDS TO INTERNET PERFORMANCE Grinshill Rock of Refuge Lodge in 1847-8 met every other Monday (Chairman Thomas Brockton) in the Elephant and Castle. In 1878 The Rock of Refuge Public Telephones Boxes was part of the Grinshill District which comprised four Lodges and 538 With two public telephone boxes situated within the Parish boundary, the members. The Rock of Refuge still met at the Elephant and Castle but now on overwhelming response from the questionnaire was that both should be every fourth Saturday under the aegis of George Owen. retained with 60 respondents voting in favour of keeping the telephone boxes

with 17 against. By 1921 the Grinshill Lodge boasted 237 adult members, and £4794 of funds.

Its members met in the Schoolroom again every fourth Saturday under the The only consistent anecdotal comment regarding the public telephone box leadership of Samuel Jones of 2 Hillside. situated on the High Street is that it should be painted.

With just under half of those who answered this section of the questionnaire

Do you have access to the internet at home 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

I have access to internet I do not have access to internet Is this for personal us Is this for work I Chose not to have internet I am content with speed I am not content with speed HighHigh Street, Street.Grinshill Grinshill showing showing one one of of the the telephone telephone boxes boxes..

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ACTION: o PARISH COUNCIL TO CONTACT BT AND REQUEST THAT THEY PAINT THE TELEPHONE BOX SITUATED IN HIGH STREET OR ALLOW VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS TO PAINT IT. o A SUB COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED OF INTERESTED VILLAGERS TO DECIDE IF THE TELEPHONE BOXES SHOULD BE PURCHASED AND THEIR FUTURE USE IF BT PLAN TO REMOVE ANY ONE OF THEM.. All Saints’ Church The Church at Grinshill was originally one of the chapels of Shawbury (Acton Reynald, Moreton Corbet, and Great Wytheford were the others), and passed with the mother church to the Canons of Haughmond. Bishop Roger de Clinton (1130- 1148) mentions that he had himself consecrated the chapels and cemeteries at three of the four chapelries, but not at Grinshill, thus dating the Church there as before 1130.

The possession of a cemetery was an important feature, as it gave independent status. The present Church was built, with the exception of the west wall, in 1839-40, the south wall being on the old foundations. It is dedicated to All Saints’.

Unfortunately, when the present church was built in 1839-40, by the architect and quarry owner J. Carline junior, red sandstone was used which does not have the durable quality of the white. Extensive repairs to the tower were - 9 -

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ACTION: undertaken in 2011 and further repairs to the fabric of the church are o PARISH COUNCIL TO CONTACT BT AND REQUEST THAT THEY PAINT required. THE TELEPHONE BOX SITUATED IN HIGH STREET OR ALLOW VILLAGE VOLUNTEERS TO PAINT IT. The Rev. John Wright sisters’ were responsible for the carving of the reredos, altar, reading desk, Litany desk and the ends of the pews in the 1890s. The o A SUB COMMITTEE SHOULD BE FORMED OF INTERESTED VILLAGERS screen was carved by six parishioners to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond TO DECIDE IF THE TELEPHONE BOXES SHOULD BE PURCHASED AND Jubilee in 1897. THEIR FUTURE USE IF BT PLAN TO REMOVE ANY ONE OF THEM.. The parish was united with Clive in June 1967 and together with Astley and Hadnall became a united benefice in May 1982. Much of the above All Saints’ Church information comes from the Registers of Grinshill 1592-1812 published by The Church at Grinshill was the Shropshire Parish Register Society and from later research done by originally one of the chapels of Mr.C.A.Harley of the Clive in 1974 on the parish registers from 1838-1938. A Shawbury (Acton Reynald, more detailed history of All Saints’ Church can be found in the church. Moreton Corbet, and Great Wytheford were the others), and For those replying to the questionnaire 95% of the 80 respondents’ felt that passed with the mother church the Church was an asset to the village, 87% that it was a place of worship and to the Canons of Haughmond. a place of quiet reflection and spiritual renewal. 98% considered the Church Bishop Roger de Clinton (1130- as an attractive building and churchyard for residents and visitors alike. 1148) mentions that he had himself consecrated the chapels The respondents would like to see more use of the Church for community and cemeteries at three of the activities and the suggested comments ranged from four chapelries, but not at Grinshill, thus dating the Church there as before “Get together in the Church for concerts, choir, flower festivals etc with 1130. food and drink” to The possession of a cemetery was an important feature, as it gave independent status. The “The Church already makes extra efforts on special festive occasions. To present Church was built, with the exception of enable these to continue villagers need to realize the church needs the west wall, in 1839-40, the south wall being regular attendance to meet its financial commitments. Without Church on the old foundations. It is dedicated to All events there would be very little special activity within the community.” Saints’. Would you be able to support Would you be willing to support Would you be willing to help the Church organising the Church fundraising keep the churchyard tidy and Unfortunately, when the present church was community events attractive built in 1839-40, by the architect and quarry 17 18 owner J. Carline junior, red sandstone was used 17 which does not have the durable quality of the white. Extensive repairs to the tower were 32 38 49

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10 11 Concerning the question about whether Grinshill residents would be willing to offer support for organizing community events in the Church, 65% of the 49 respondents who answered this question said yes.

Similarly 67% of the 53 respondents who answered this question said they would assist with fund-raising (the Church requires over £15,000 to complete the current renovations).

With regard to volunteers for keeping the churchyard tidy and attractive 18 of the 67 respondents who answered this question were prepared to get involved.

ACTION: o FOR THOSE ABLE TO ASSIST EITHER WITH CHURCH FUND RAISING, ORGANISING EVENTS OR KEEPING THE CHURCHYARD TIDY AND ATTRACTIVE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER JOHN CLAYTON ON 01939 220360 OR ANNIE WYCHERLEY ON 01939 220317.

Community Activities. The Grinshill Parish community has available a number of facilities and clubs within the Parish boundary like the village hall, Acton Reynald Cricket Club, The Inn at Grinshill and in conjunction with Clive there are several others like the WI, the Local History Group and Clive Players etc.

It is clear from the responses to the questions asked that a large number of residents would welcome new sports and recreational facilities in the village.

I would welcome a children's play facility.

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Disagree Agree - 11 -

12 13 Concerning the question about whether Grinshill residents would be willing I would welcome an all weather to offer support for organizing community events in the Church, 65% of the tennis court, incorporating 49 respondents who answered this question said yes. netball and 5 aside football

Similarly 67% of the 53 respondents who answered this question said they 40 would assist with fund-raising (the Church requires over £15,000 to complete 35 30 the current renovations). 25 20 With regard to volunteers for keeping the churchyard tidy and attractive 18 15 of the 67 respondents who answered this question were prepared to get 10 5 involved. 0 Disagree Agree ACTION: These would range from a children’s play area where 32 respondents were in favour o FOR THOSE ABLE TO ASSIST EITHER WITH CHURCH FUND RAISING, I would support the development ORGANISING EVENTS OR KEEPING THE CHURCHYARD TIDY AND with 18 against. In the case of improved of the ARCC into a Community ATTRACTIVE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER JOHN sports facilities an all weather tennis court Hub CLAYTON ON 01939 220360 OR ANNIE WYCHERLEY ON 01939 incorporating netball and 5 aside football was 220317. the most popular with 36 respondents in 60 favour with 18 against. 50 Community Activities. 40 At the time when the questionnaire was being 30 The Grinshill Parish community has available a number of facilities and clubs circulated, there were suggestions that the 20 within the Parish boundary like the village hall, Acton Reynald Cricket Club, Acton Reynald Cricket Club be developed as a 10 The Inn at Grinshill and in conjunction with Clive there are several others like community hub to incorporate the village hall 0 the WI, the Local History Group and Clive Players etc. and the above facilities. Disagree Agr ee

It is clear from the responses to the questions asked that a large number of This was very well received with 53 respondents in favour with 11 against. residents would welcome new sports and recreational facilities in the village.

ACTION; I would welcome a children's play facility. o THE PARISH COUNCIL TO UNDERTAKE A FEASABILITY STUDY OF SETTING UP A CHILDRENS PLAY AREA IN THE VILLAGE, HOW IT 35 WOULD BE MAINTAINED AND THE NUMBER OF POTENTIAL USERS. 30 25 o THE PARISH COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A 20 NEW COMMUNITY FACILITY AND WAYS OF FUNDING IT. 15 10 5 0 Disagree Agree - 11 - - 12 -

12 13 The Village Hall Opened originally as the village school, but as the United School at Clive became established the Grinshill School was relegated to become the Sunday school. It is now used as the Grinshill Village Hall and has served Grinshill well as a social and meeting place, with a grant secured in 2000 being put to use in refurbishing the facility for future generations. The Village Hall, Grinshill

Today the Village Hall provides a very well appointed resource for all of the residents, for private hire, community meetings, or a range of social, educational or well-being scheduled events.

This was reflected within the questionnaire results with residents viewing the Village Hall as an asset and strongly agreeing that more events should be hosted at the Village Hall and in the Village and that these would be supported. Further that a Parish Website would be a useful addition.

Specific activities respondents would like to see held at Village Hall

Book Club

Exercise classes Mobile library Walking Local History Adult education Wine Tasting

Dance classes Organised visits Live music events

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

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14 15 The Village Hall Further anecdotal feedback with regards to the Village Hall related to the condition of the connecting road. A number of response highlighted that the Opened originally as the village road requires attention to provide suitable access to the facility. school, but as the United School at Clive became established the ACTION: Grinshill School was relegated o PARISH COUNCIL CONTACT SANSAW ESTATE WITH REGARDS TO to become the Sunday school. It REPAIRING THE LANES APPROACHING THE VILLAGE HALL is now used as the Grinshill Village Hall and has served o VILLAGE HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO SEE WHAT ADDITIONAL Grinshill well as a social and ACTIVITIES CAN BE HELD. meeting place, with a grant secured in 2000 being put to use in refurbishing the facility for future generations. The Village Hall, Grinshill

Today the Village Hall provides a very well appointed resource for all of the residents, for private hire, community meetings, or a range of social, educational or well-being scheduled events.

Specific activities respondents would like to see held at Village Hall

Book Club

Exercise classes Mobile library Walking Local History Adult education Wine Tasting Dance classes Organised visits The North Shropshire Hunt leaving The Inn at Grinshill, Live music events Boxing Day 2010. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

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14 15 Housing Planning control for housing development in the Grinshill Parish is the responsibility of Shropshire Council, which is required to consult with the Parish Council and directly affected residents when considering all planning applications.

The Parish Council in their role look to ensure that all planning consents within the Parish boundary are both appropriate and in keeping with the spirit and character of the village.

With the exception of a few single dwelling additions there has been little significant development within the village in the last 20 years.

The questionnaire asked 7 questions on housing to assess the residents view on future possible developments and how they would like to see the character of Grinshill village develop in the future.

The responses to the questions are shown in the charts.

The first question referred to the possibility of new housing development in the Parish and it is clear that a small majority of respondents are against any further housing development in the Parish

With regard to the second question of possible green field development there was an overwhelming majority against this.

There should be no further There should be no housing development in the development on green field sites Parish

60 40 35 50 30 40 25 30 20 15 20 10 10 5 0 0 Disagree Agree Disagree Agree - 15 -

16 17 Housing The third question referred to development of low cost housing and it can be seen that there is a majority against low cost housing being permitted in the Planning control for housing development in the Grinshill Parish is the Parish. responsibility of Shropshire Council, which is required to consult with the Parish Council and directly affected residents when considering all planning Development of low cost Further development would applications. housing should be permitted create unacceptable levels of noise and traffic The Parish Council in their role look to ensure that all planning consents 40 within the Parish boundary are both appropriate and in keeping with the 50 spirit and character of the village. 30 40

20 30 With the exception of a few single dwelling additions there has been little 20 significant development within the village in the last 20 years. 10 10 0 0 The questionnaire asked 7 questions on housing to assess the residents view Disagree Agree Disagree Agree on future possible developments and how they would like to see the character of Grinshill village develop in the future. The fourth question related to any further development creating unacceptable levels of noise and traffic. In this case a large majority of The responses to the questions are shown in the charts. respondents showed a concern that any further development would create unacceptable noise and traffic levels. The first question referred to the possibility of new housing development in the Parish and it is clear that a small majority of respondents are against any The fifth question asked for the residents view on whether housing further housing development in the Parish development of all kinds should be encouraged. Again there is a clear majority against, indicating that the respondents wish to discourage any With regard to the second question of possible green field development there future development in the Parish. was an overwhelming majority against this. The sixth question sought the views of residents on light pollution from street

There should be no further There should be no Further housing development of Light pollution in the Parish housing development in the development on green field sites all kinds should be encouraged should be discouraged Parish

60 50 60 40 50 35 50 40 30 40 40 30 25 30 30 20 20 15 20 20 10 10 10 10 5 0 0 0 0 Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree Disagree Agree - 15 - - 16 -

16 17 or external lights etc. in the Parish. The response to this was an overwhelming majority against anything occurring in the Parish which would create light pollution as the respondents clearly enjoyed the dark nights and ability to see the stars

The final question related to the village conservation area and The village conservation status should be maintained whether the residents thought this was important and should be maintained. The response to this was 70 an overwhelming majority that it 60 should be maintained to ensure the 50 character of the village is protected. 40

This sense of feeling is reflected in 30 the responses from the Parish Plan 20 Questionnaire. Of those providing 10 feedback, although there was mixed 0 opinion on the degree of further Disagree Agree housing development that should be allowed within the Grinshill Parish boundary, the overwhelming majority felt that there should be no development on the current green field sites and the villages conservation status must be maintained.

The feedback from 15 respondents included; o I would like to see the balance that already exists, maintained, without intrusive development and increase in visitor/activities. o Don't change a thing. It’s beautiful and perfect in every way. o I would like to see the village remain exactly as it is o Any further housing development should be within the bounds of the village and not green field. Low cost housing in affluent villages rarely works. o I would support individual buildings on appropriate sites, but not major developments.

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18 19 or external lights etc. in the Parish. The response to this was an overwhelming ACTION: THE VIEWS OF THE GRINSHILL RESIDENTS TO BE TAKEN INTO majority against anything occurring in the Parish which would create light CONSIDERATION BY BOTH THE PARISH COUNCIL AND SHROPSHIRE pollution as the respondents clearly enjoyed the dark nights and ability to see COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT: the stars o TO RETAIN THE CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE VILLAGE The final question related to the village conservation area and The village conservation status should be maintained o AGAINST GREEN FIELD HOUSING DEVELOPMENT whether the residents thought this was important and should be maintained. The response to this was 70 an overwhelming majority that it 60 should be maintained to ensure the 50 character of the village is protected. 40

The feedback from 15 respondents included; o I would like to see the balance that already exists, maintained, without intrusive development and increase in visitor/activities. o Don't change a thing. It’s beautiful and perfect in every way. o I would like to see the village remain exactly as it is o Any further housing development should be within the bounds of the Merry Lane, Sansaw Heath village and not green field. Low cost housing in affluent villages rarely works. o I would support individual buildings on appropriate sites, but not major developments. - 17 - - 18 -

18 19 Tourism Grinshill benefits from a number of assets within the Parish boundary which attract visitors.

The major attractions are Grinshill, Corbet Wood and the surrounding area which attracts a large array of walkers and family groups.

There is also a first class village pub, The Inn at Grinshill, which provides a high standard of accommodation, food and beverages, and is attune to the requirements of walkers, and dogs are also welcome. There are also several self catering holiday homes situated both in the village and in the Parish.

The results of the Tourism section in the Parish Plan Questionnaire gave the overall feedback concerning whether the village would benefit from increased tourism visits as mixed, with almost an exact split of opinion on whether tourism should be promoted or not. The Parish Council should work with the Tourist Board to promote There was a slight majority in favour of Grinshill the Parish Council working with Shropshire Tourism Board to promote 35 the village as a county tourism 30 attraction. 25

20 Once again the response from those replying to the questionnaire reflected 15 mixed opinion as to whether Corbet 10 Wood should be developed further. 5 0 Disagree Agree Despite these mixed responses the majority of those responding to the questionnaire felt that the existing road infrastructure and parking was not sufficient to accommodate increased tourism to the area.

ACTION; PARISH COUNCIL TO EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE TOURIST BOARD TO PROMOTE GRINSHILL.

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20 21 Tourism Roads and Transport Grinshill benefits from a number of assets within the Parish boundary which With the withdrawal of the village bus service in 2009 the transport options attract visitors. within the Parish are limited. Although there is a bus stop available to the village north bound on the A49, Grinshill is now restricted to the Shropshire The major attractions are Grinshill, Corbet Wood and the surrounding area which Link, the railway station at Yorton and car travel. attracts a large array of walkers and family groups. As part of the anecdotal feedback received from the Parish Plan

Questionnaire, the impact of these limited transport options for the more There is also a first class village pub, The Inn at Grinshill, which provides a high senior residents of the village have been highlighted. Especially when standard of accommodation, food and beverages, and is attune to the residents become too elderly to drive requirements of walkers, and dogs are also welcome. There are also several self themselves, with the lack of bus service, Village speed limits should be catering holiday homes situated both in the village and in the Parish. the Shropshire Link proves an extended. inconsistent and impractical alternative. The results of the Tourism section in the Parish Plan Questionnaire gave the In response to this issue a number of 35 overall feedback concerning whether the village would benefit from increased questionnaire returns called for the tourism visits as mixed, with almost an exact split of opinion on whether tourism introduction of a car sharing scheme. 30 should be promoted or not. 25 The Parish Council should work 20 with the Tourist Board to promote Further feedback from the questionnaire There was a slight majority in favour of Grinshill was focused on the recent speed limits 15 the Parish Council working with that have been introduced through the 10 Shropshire Tourism Board to promote village. Although responses were mixed 5 35 the village as a county tourism as to whether the speed limits should be 0 30 attraction. extended, there was strong anecdotal Disagree Agree 25 feedback that the 30mph limit was not 20 Once again the response from those being adhered to. HGVs should be restricted 15 replying to the questionnaire reflected through the village. mixed opinion as to whether Corbet 10 Regarding the suitability of the type of Wood should be developed further. 5 vehicles that came through the village, 0 the majority felt that the farm vehicles 80 Disagree Agree Despite these mixed responses the were suitable and should not be 60 restricted, however HGVs coming majority of those responding to the questionnaire felt that the existing road though the village should be restricted. 40 infrastructure and parking was not sufficient to accommodate increased tourism to the area. Finally, two points expressed in the 20 questionnaire were that firstly the ACTION; PARISH COUNCIL TO EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH THE 0 majority felt that the current roadside Disagree Agree TOURIST BOARD TO PROMOTE GRINSHILL. drainage was not suitable to cope with

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20 21 the amount of surface water occasionally coming down from the hill, and secondly that overwhelmingly the village did not want the introduction of street lighting.

ACTION:  SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL TO BE APPROACHED REGARDING THE IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD SIDE DRAINAGE IN THE VILLAGE AND THE LIMITATION OF CERTAIN HGV VEHICLES

THE PARISH COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE SETTING UP A CAR SHARING SCHEME.

Environment Included within the Parish Plan Questionnaire, was a series of questions relating to the environment.

The questions related to whether the house keeping jobs within the Parish such as grass cutting, hedgerow cutting , verge tidying, litter picking, gullying were undertaken to an acceptable standard. In all cases the respondents agreed the work was undertaken to a satisfactory standard.

A similar question was asked about the Village Hall and Church yard maintenance where the work is undertaken by volunteers. Again the respondents agreed this was very satisfactory.

An overwhelming majority of Would you object to fenced respondents thought that the Shropshire grazing area on hill. Council rubbish collection service was very good. 25 The Shropshire Council Countryside Dept 20 asked if the questionnaire could include 15 the question on how the heath land on 10 Grinshill is maintained to support valuable native wildlife and whether we 5 would object to the establishment of a 0 dedicated fenced grazing to the north- Would Would not object object west of The Cliff towards Clive. - 21 -

22 23 The questionnaire also asked how as a Parish we can help with efforts needed to sustain our local environment. For this question the majority favoured an increase in the Parish rate to fund improved services, although a significant minority felt that they would be able to assist as volunteers.

Help with environmental services

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 willing to assist an increase in the Parish Rate to fund improved services

ACTION:  THE PARISH COUNCIL TO CONSIDER IF A PARISH RATE INCREASE COULD BE EFFECTIVELY USED TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES ENJOYED BY THE PARISHIONERS  FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANY COMMUNITY LED INITIATIVES, PLEASE CONTACT THE PARISH CLERK ON 01939 200637 OR A PARISH COUNCILLOR.  THE PARISH COUNCIL TO COMMUNICATE THE RESPONDENTS VIEWS ON FENCED GRAZING ON THE HILL TO SC COUNTRYSIDE DEPT - 22 -

22 23 Crime and Safety Fortunately due to both the sense of community prevalent in Grinshill Grinshill is a safe place to Parish and the rural situation of the live. village, the historic levels of crime and disorder are low. This has been 100 reflected in the returns of the Parish 80 Plan Questionnaire with the vast 60 majority feeling safe both in the Parish 40 and their own homes. Only a few 20 residents felt that crime was a concern 0 in the Parish, with only a small number Disagree Agree of respondents having been affected by crime in the last five years. I feel safe in my home

Regarding the types of crime that residents expressed concern with, 80 speeding was by far the greatest 60 concern. 40

Despite this perceived lack of crime in 20 the parish the responses to the 0 questionnaire did show that a Disagree Agree Neighbourhood Watch scheme would be well supported and that more local policing in the Parish was required. I will be willing to participate in a Neighbourhood Watch ACTION: scheme  REVIEW ESTABLISHING A VILLAGE NEIGHBOURHOOD 50 WATCH SCHEME 40 30

20 10 0 Disagree Agree

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24 25 Crime and Safety How would you like to see village develop over the Fortunately due to both the sense of next five years. community prevalent in Grinshill Grinshill is a safe place to Parish and the rural situation of the live. The final question asked the respondents to comment on how they would like village, the historic levels of crime and to see the village develop over the next five years. There were 44 responses disorder are low. This has been 100 to the question with a total of 61 comments which ranged from: reflected in the returns of the Parish 80 Plan Questionnaire with the vast 60 o Like the village as it is. majority feeling safe both in the Parish 40 o I enjoy living in Sansaw Heath, stay as it is. and their own homes. Only a few 20 residents felt that crime was a concern 0 o Truly affordable housing for local people or plots of land made in the Parish, with only a small number Disagree Agree available to build individual affordable house on. of respondents having been affected by o More well planned and pleasant houses would encourage Grinshill to crime in the last five years. I feel safe in my home become a little livelier. Therefore more social facilities would Regarding the types of crime that automatically happen. residents expressed concern with, 80 All the comments have been assessed and put into general categories and the speeding was by far the greatest 60 top six categories are shown on the chart below, which account for concern. 40 approximately 75% of all these comments. The remaining comments were all

one offs Despite this perceived lack of crime in 20 the parish the responses to the 0 questionnaire did show that a Disagree Agree Neighbourhood Watch scheme would How would you like to see the village develop over the be well supported and that more local next five years. policing in the Parish was required. I will be willing to participate in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme ACTION: Control speeding  REVIEW ESTABLISHING A Restore bus service VILLAGE NEIGHBOURHOOD 50 Take needs of young families more into account Affordable housing, additional hsg WATCH SCHEME 40 Better community facilities/community involvement 30 Very controlled progress without affecting its charm 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 20 10 0 Disagree Agree These comments and the general response to the questionnaire clearly shows - 23 - - 24 -

24 25 a strong desire by the respondents to retain the character and spirit of our rural community and concern that any greenfield development would change the area and risk losing for ever the very things the respondents treasure most, the charm of Grinshill Village and Parish.

A view of Grinshill

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26 27 a strong desire by the respondents to retain the character and spirit of our Action Plan rural community and concern that any greenfield development would change the area and risk losing for ever the very things the respondents treasure most, the charm of Grinshill Village and Parish. Objective Action By whom

Parish

To liaise with BT and other Council and Improve internet speed service providers Shropshire

Council

Request BT paint telephone boxes or allow volunteers to paint them Keep Telephone Boxes Parish

operational and in good Council and Form Committee to decide order. volunteers policy towards telephone boxes and possible purchase To set up a fund raising Maintain Church for future Volunteers committee and churchyard generations required maintenance group. Undertake feasibility study of need, setting up Parish Children’s play area and maintenance of a play Council area To consult with Sansaw Improve surface of lanes to Parish Estate regarding repairing Village Hall Council the lanes. Village Hall Introduce new activities To see what additional Management within the village events can be held Committee Parish Any future development to Council and Parish Design Statement* be sympathetic to the Shropshire to be written based on the A view of Grinshill village and within the Council to Parish Plan village building boundary. note findings. * A Village design statement (VDS) is a practical tool to help decisions on design and development; it will provide a clear statement of the character of a village against which planning applications may be assessed. - 25 - - 26 -

26 27 To explore potential benefits of working Tourism Parish Council with the Tourist Board to promote Grinshill Request that Improve road side Shropshire Council Parish Council drainage in village improve drainage Request that Restrict HGV vehicles in Shropshire Council Parish Council village investigates Investigate whether a Parish Rate increase would enable local Improve parish services Parish Council services to be improved or whether volunteer groups could assist. Communicate Fenced grazing on hill respondents views to Parish Council Shropshire Council Re-establish Village neighbourhood Volunteers neighbourhood watch watch required team Investigate whether there is sufficient Car sharing scheme. demand to establish Parish Council and run a car sharing scheme

Volunteers You will see that we think several of the above actions can best be implemented by groups of volunteers. Please contact the Parish Clerk (01939 200637) if you would like to be involved in any of the above tasks.

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28 29 To explore potential Initial Parish Council Response to Action Plan. benefits of working Tourism Parish Council with the Tourist Board The Parish Council have adopted the Parish Plan and are planning a “Drop in to promote Grinshill Session” to be held on Saturday 13th October at Grinshill Village Hall when Request that Improve road side the Council will be available to discuss the Parish Plan with Parishioners. It is Shropshire Council Parish Council drainage in village intended that the Parish Plan will be a living document with regular reviews, improve drainage the first of which will commence in 2 years time. Any comments made at the Request that Restrict HGV vehicles in “Drop in Session” will be noted and considered at the next review. Shropshire Council Parish Council village investigates The current position or proposed action on the Parish Plan actions are;- Investigate whether a Parish Rate increase would enable local Improved Internet Speed. Action is already being discussed with Improve parish services Parish Council services to be improved Shropshire Council who is waiting funding to become available to improve or whether volunteer speeds in rural areas. The Parish Council will progress this on a regular basis. groups could assist. Communicate Children’s Play Area. A feasibility study of the need for a play area, it’s Fenced grazing on hill respondents views to Parish Council setting up, maintenance and cost will be initiated at the next Parish Council Shropshire Council Meeting with the assistance of Sue Thomas, Shropshire Community Council Re-establish and volunteers. Village neighbourhood Volunteers neighbourhood watch watch required team Improved Surface of Lanes to Village Hall. As these are both restricted Investigate whether by ways Shropshire Council are unlikely to be able to assist. A site meeting there is sufficient will therefore be organised with Sansaw Estate. Car sharing scheme. demand to establish Parish Council and run a car sharing scheme New Activities within Village. The Village Hall Management Committee will be asked to see what additional events can be introduced.

Future Developments to be Sympathetic to Village and within Volunteers Village Building Boundary. The Parish Council opted in June 2010 for Grinshill to “Stand Alone as a Village” in the Shropshire Council “Site You will see that we think several of the above actions can best be Allocations and Management of Development Document” which means the implemented by groups of volunteers. existing building boundary remains unaltered Please contact the Parish Clerk (01939 200637) if you would like to be . involved in any of the above tasks. Tourism. The Parish Council will hold meetings with the Tourist Board to assess the benefits this will bring to Grinshill in the next six months.

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28 29 Improved Road Side Drainage and Restrict HGVs. Site meetings will be held this year with Shropshire Council Highways Department to discuss both these concerns and establish if improvements can be made.

Improved Parish Services. The Parish Council will seek views on which services need to be improved at the “Drop in Session” and then consider if an increase in the local precept could bring about an improvement or whether it would be a Shropshire Council responsibility. An initial discussion will be held with our County Councillor.

Fenced Grazing on Hill. The Parish Council will report the result of the grazing question to Shropshire Council Countryside Department in the next four weeks.

Volunteers. Several of the other objectives contained in the Parish Plan like “Keep Telephone Box, Maintain Church for Future Generations, Village Neighbourhood Watch and Car Sharing Scheme” need volunteers to work with the Parish Council to develop and implement proposals to meet these objectives.

Therefore at the “Drop in Session” there will be the opportunity for people to volunteer to become members of these teams.

Please put yourself forward so that these objectives can be fully assessed and where possible implemented.

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