Harlington Village Plan Is the Blueprint for the Future of Our Village

Harlington Village Past, Present and Future

The Village Plan of Harlington in Bedfordshire

Contents

1. A Vision for Harlington

2. Introduction What is the Village Plan and what is its purpose Geographical area covered How the Village Plan was produced

3. A Brief History of the Village

4. Planning & Development The Village layout and its buildings Conservation area Planning & Development

5. Environment The Landscape setting Natural history Conserving & enhancing the environment

6. Living & Working in the Village Demographics Public Buildings Community & Leisure Education Health Crime & Safety Young People Communications Government

7. Transport Public transport Traffic Footpaths

Appendices Survey results The Action Plan Conservation area detail Acknowledgements

The Harlington Village Plan is the blueprint for the future of our village. It states where we are now, what we value about the village and our lives here, where we want to get to and what needs to be addressed, improved or preserved and how our vision can be achieved.

1. A V ISION FOR H ARLINGTON

The preparation of the Village Plan has been driven by a Steering Group but has only happened because of the contribution of a very large team of volunteers aged from 14 to 85. The number of people who have so willingly agreed to help, and the way people have worked in partnership to prepare the Village Plan, is typical of the community spirit that makes Harlington special.

2. Introduction

What is the Village Plan and what is its Purpose?

The Village Plan is a statement of how we see ourselves developing over the next few years: • Reflecting the views of all sections of the community • Identifying which features and local characteristics people value • Identifying local problems and opportunities • Spelling out how residents want the community to develop in the future • Preparing a plan of action to achieve this vision

So the Village Plan sets out a picture of where we’re at now; a broad vision of how we want, or don’t want, Harlington to develop and identifies the action needed to achieve it.

As part of the Government’s agenda the Village Plan has the potential to influence a wide range of organisations and processes which affect the lives of rural communities. The Village Plan should complement and help deliver local planning policies, but cannot override adopted planning policy. The Village Plan should influence local strategies and inform how local services are managed and delivered.

Geographical area covered

The rural village of Harlington lies in the south of the Mid Bedfordshire District of the County of Bedfordshire, approximately 38 miles NNW of London and 12 miles S of the County town of Bedford. In the immediate vicinity the small villages of Sundon, Sharpenhoe and Westoning lie to the south, east and north respectively. The larger community of Toddington lies 2.5 miles to the south west. The map below shows this relationship and the boundary of the civil Parish.

Chronology of events

April 2005 Parish Council held public meeting to gauge interest in the idea of a Parish Plan; Resident offers to organise first meeting

July 2005 Public meeting organised by resident to set up Parish Plan team - 90 people attend Name changed to Harlington Village Plan 6 steering group members appointed 64 residents volunteer to help with Village Plan September 2005 Steering group appoints officers Steering group plans consultation events Webpage set up on www.harlington.net Agreed to provide monthly updates in Contact magazine and on website. Grant application submitted November 2005 Grants approved for £2448 from Defra, £300 from Harlington Parish Council 1st consultation: questionnaire distributed to all residents of all ages to find out main likes and dislikes about the village; and suggestions for improvement December 2005 288 forms returned st Results of 1 consultation published

nd January 2006 2 consultation: series of public road shows held (2 in the Har- lington Village Hall on different Saturdays; 1 in Harlington Upper School; 1 in Harlington Lower School) 600 residents and students took part All invited to place mini-flags in a large table sized map of Har- lington indicating what needs improving and where nd April 2006 Results of 2 consultation published

May 2006 Local ‘Save Our Schools’ action group set up with support from HVP steering group as part of wider county campaign to stop change from three tier to two tier education system

June 2006 Public meeting held by HVP steering group about two key issues: the Save our Schools campaign and the proposal to build a football stadium at Junction 12 adjacent to Harlington 250-300 attended; Nadine Dorries MP attended

July 2006 ‘Save Our Schools’ campaign successful and three tier education system is retained. (Harlington group was one of the most active in the campaign and played a key role in its success)

rd October 2006 3 consultation: action plan part of Village Plan published in draft and distributed to every household for feedback

rd December 2006 Results of 3 consultation collated

January 2007 Public meeting held by HVP steering group to set up an action group to campaign against the development of Junction 12 for commercial warehousing and a football stadium 110 people sign up as volunteers for the campaign (later called CaSH) 18 people join the steering group

February 2007 Campaign for Sustainable Harlington (CaSH) set up with support from HVP Steering Group. CaSH steering group officers appointed CaSH action plan agreed Agreed that CaSH will run independently of the HVP steering group although there will be close liaison between both steering groups

March 2007 Action plan section of Village Plan revised as a result of feed- rd back from 3 consultation exercise

April 2007 Commenced writing of full Village Plan document

April 2008 Harlington Village Plan document completed

June 2008 Harlington Village Plan published and summary distributed to all residents with full version available on request

3. A Brief History of Harlington

The village of Harlington is located around a hill just to the north of the easternmost outcrop of the Chiltern Hills, between Luton and Bedford. “Hill of Herela’s People”- was founded at some time after 500 A.D. by Anglo-Saxon settlers, and by the 9 th century Harlington had become a border town on the line of the local Danelaw boundary, which ran in a straight line from the source of the River Lea in Leagrave up to Bedford.

At the time of Domesday in 1086, the Manor, formerly held by 4 Anglo-Saxon thanes, was taken over by Nigel D’Albini. The records show 12 village families, 6 smallholders and 10 slaves. Land was adequate for 10 ploughs, with meadow for a further 4. There was also sufficient woodland for 400 pigs, 1 ram and a pack load of oats. The value of the village was £10 (£4 in 1066, £9 in 1041). The Church of St. Mary was established on the highest point in the village by 1181, when the first incumbent, Phillipus, is recorded.

A large moated Manor or Stewards House was built at Upper East End in the late 13 th / early 14 th century. Most of the development in medieval Harlington centred on the Church and down Sundon Road. In 1349 the Black Death came to Harlington and over 25% of the village, including Richard the Vicar, perished.

John Benet, a famous chronicler, was Vicar of Harlington from 1443 –1471. Harlington’s longest surviving aristocracy, the Astry’s, came to the village in 1494 and remained until the beginning of the 19 th century. Today’s Manor House, at the crossroads, was built around 1500. In 1660, Sir Francis Wingate had John Bunyan arrested for preaching at Lower Samshill.; he was held overnight at the Manor House and brought before Wingate on November 13 th , who sent him to Bedford for trial. By 1671 the population of Harlington stood at 302. The first map of Harlington was drawn sometime between 1722 and 1739.

The village underwent significant changes during the 19 th century: enclosure took place in 1808, and the first Methodist Chapel was built in 1836 in Sundon Road. A National School was built in Church Road in 1859 and extended in 1873, 1896 and 1900. The railway arrived in 1868 and brought some prosperity to Harlington, offsetting the agricultural decline. Housing conditions in the village, however, remained poor with some cottages “little better than inferior stables and lofts“, according to visiting commissioners in 1893. Industry came to the village in 1894 with the opening of Forders Brickworks, which operated until 1906.

The population of the village steadily increased until 1960, but it was during the next 20 years that the village underwent rapid growth. During the 1960’s the “Model Village” housing development in Lincoln Way / Monmouth Road area was followed by Glebe

Gardens and the area around Robinson Crescent. In response to this, the Lower School was built in 1965 and in 1974/5, the Upper School. The Park Leys estate was built between 1976 and 1978. In this period the population rose from 862 in 1962 to 2440 by 1981. Today there are approximately 2800 people living in Harlington, occupying around 940 properties.

The village currently sustains 2 pubs, a doctors’ surgery and a Village Hall; the original school is now the Parish Hall. The village acquired a public open space, Bury Orchard, in the 1960’s, and there is a playing field and a scout hut. The biggest employer in the village is the Upper School which, after recent improvements and extensions, now has places for 1200 pupils; serving a wide catchment outside the village. There are a few shops and small businesses, but no other major employers operating within the village. The proximity of the railway and the M1 motorway have had a significant influence in turning this rural community into what has today become a thriving dormitory village.

Land use

In the past most people in the village would have been employed in farming. As the number of farm employees has decreased due to mechanisation, travel has improved making commuting for employment in other areas more acceptable.

Two of the remaining farms now have workshops for light industry in barns. In the recent past there has been much set aside land around the village.

4. Planning and Development

The Village layout and its building

5. The Environment Vision: The village retains its rural atmosphere, is clean, tidy and safe and remains a place where people want to live

Harlington is pleasant, peaceful and has a rural atmosphere. It is fortunate to be surrounded by Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are qualities highly valued by residents.

The village is kept looking clean, tidy and attractive by a team of litter pickers volunteering once a month, an active Harlington in Bloom committee, community groups, businesses and residents taking a pride in their properties and gardens.

However there are certain hot spots where improvements are needed. The importance of environmental issues was reflected in the consultation and was one of the most commented on topics.

Geographical setting of Harlington:

Harlington is one of the most southerly parishes in Mid Bedfordshire, covering an area of 713 hectares with roughly 2,260 residents. It is a hill top village in a rural setting, centred on a church and village green, both of which are key features of the village. The village began as a scattered collection of ends that has now agglomerated into the modern settlement seen today. In more recent years the housing has extended beyond the ridge onto the slopes towards the vale.

The village is situated about 1.5 miles from junction 12 of the M1, 7 miles north of Luton and 10 miles south of Bedford. A distinct avenue of beech trees neatly trimmed beech hedges and white gates mark the entrance to Harlington on the approach from Sundon Road.

There is a railway station in the west of the village and the railway line runs along the western side of the settlement. This station connects the village to Flitwick, Bedford, Lu- ton, Luton airport parkway, St Albans, London, Gatwick airport and Brighton.

The geology of the area is interesting, comprising of Gault clay (lower cretaceous), over- lain by lower chalk (upper cretaceous), then glacial till and a small patch of glacial sand and gravel (quaternary). There are also small areas of made and worked ground in the parish. All of these features can be seen on the geological map.

Natural environment of Harlington:

The village is situated on a ridge that runs South-west to North-east forming a distinct backdrop to the Barton-le-clay vale that lies immediately to the south. The south facing slope immediately south of Harlington falls within the Chilterns AONB. This distinct differ- ence between the ridge and the vale is an important landscape characteristic of the parish and creates commanding views from the village across the low-lying flat landscape and beyond to the sinuous chalk escarpment. The majority of the land surrounding Har- lington is unsettled with a strong rural agricultural character. The land use is generally a mix of arable and pastoral which has created a predominantly open landscape with limited areas of woodland. The agricultural land has frequent hedgerows, hedgerow

11 trees and seasonally wet ditches. All of which provide valuable habitats for wildlife. There are scattered small copses and areas of woodland, some ancient in origin with smaller areas of scrub. Accounts indicate reasonable survival of woodland into the medieval period and Higham Bury, Portobello Wood and Samshill Farms (with ridge and furrow) demonstrate the history of exploitation of former wooded areas.

The village has a large village green, which hosts a pond. The pond originates from a small, old gravel pit that was flooded when work at the site ceased. Following years of neglect it was subject to major restoration work in the mid 1980s. The pond is a valuable asset to the village and is of County importance. An ecological report on the pond states that it is of considerable biodiversity importance. It meets the County Wildlife Site selection guidelines as a water body greater than 0.05 ha in size supporting at least 18 wetland indicators including 2 strong indicators. The pond also meets the guidelines for vascular plants, supporting two species (cyperus sedge and greater spearwort) that are rare in the county, though the greater spearwort may have originally been introduced. It is also thought to support a population of great crested newts, a species of European importance. The report also ascertained that the water quality appeared to be good and is sourced from springs at its southern end. The pond is surrounded by dense ruderal vegetation, scrub and trees that provide good cover around the pond for amphibians and other species.

A management plan has been produced to enhance and maintain the pond area so it can continue to be enjoyed by the village. The necessary work will be carried out annually by volunteers from the village and members of the Greensand Trust.

Harlington Parish contains four chalk springs and associated streams, arising from a chalk aquifer where porous chalk meets the underlying impervious chalk marl. They join up in the parish and then flow north to join the Flit at Shefford. These chalk springs typically have a consistent flow of clear, well oxygenated, mineral rich, alkaline water, with a constant temperature of roughly 10ºC. The purity of the spring water has led to it being bottled elsewhere in the Chilterns as expensive drinking water.

On the southern edge of the parish is Sundon Hills Site of Special Scientific Interest. Sundon Hills covers areas of unimproved calcareous grassland dominated by sheep’s fescue. Its notable species are Chilterns gentian, musk orchid, man orchid, woolly thistle, great pignut and large thyme. The area also illustrates the natural process of succession with the transition from grassland to scrub species that include hawthorn, wayfaring tree, buckthorn, dogwood and hazel. This is followed by scrub merging into mature beech woodland. In the deep shade orchids uncommon in the county are found including white helleborine, fly orchid and green-flowered helleborine. The wood also contains many woodland herbs and grasses including dogs mercury and wood false brome. Many of the plants at Sundon Hills are now uncommon in the county and nationally this type of habitat has declined in extent and quality due to changes in agricultural practices.

Conserving and enhancing the environment:

As part of the Chalk Arc sponsored ‘Living Networks’ project, a Green Infrastructure Plan for Harlington was produced. The workshops for this were well attended emphasising how valued the green spaces and countryside in and around the village are. To implement the plan six Focus Groups were formed each dealing with a different aspect of Harlington’s green infrastructure. The groups are as follows:

Rights of Way – looking into establishing new permissive paths (for example to Bunyan’s oak), upgrading footpaths to cycleways/bridleways and possibly improving path surfaces. This group has now joined with the existing P3 group (People Projects Partnership, or Paths Parish Partnership as it was formerly known) so will also help monitor and maintain the rights of way network in the parish.

The Bottoms – looking into resolving the problem of speeding traffic and fly tipping so this road can become more pleasant and safer to use.

Woodlands – surveying existing areas of woodland and hedgerows to investigate improved management so they are more valuable to wildlife. Looking into possibilities for extensions.

Village Pond – producing a management plan for the pond and carrying out practical tasks to enhance and maintain it.

Landscape – studying possible extensions to the Chilterns AONB and protecting the dis- tinctive landscape of Harlington.

Chalk Springs – investigating the current condition of the chalk springs. Improving and preserving these habitats where possible.

These groups consist of dedicated volunteers working in partnership with the Greensand Trust and Bedfordshire County Council. New volunteers are welcome to join any of these groups.

Part 1 - The Locality

A. Physical nature and environment

Topography

The village is built on a low but prominent ridge at the foot of the last remnant of the Chiltern Hills just as the landscape levels to the Midland plain. The Chiltern Hills are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Countryside Commission, the smallest of only 37 such areas in England. The Escarpment and its valley are also designated an Area of Great Landscape Value by the County Council. The protected areas of Sharpenhoe Clappers and Sundon Hills are part of the Area and are close by.

From the cross-roads at the centre of the village, the south east quadrant is taken up by an area known as Bury Orchard and New Grounds. This land was given to the village in the 1960s and a charitable trust set up, Harlington Parish Land Trustees, which delegates the management of this land to the Parish Council (Bury Orchard), Harlington Sports Association (New Grounds) and the Village Hall Management Committee (the Village Hall and its immediate surroundings).

Background to development

The village has been built up and added to through the centuries. The oldest part of the village is a Conservation Area built dominated by the Grade 1 listed church of St. Mary the Virgin which dates from 1100. 13

At the cross roads stands Harlington Manor, formerly Harlington House, still privately owned but with decreased lands. Parts of the ground were sold and then had a private swimming pool and tea room and a doctor’s surgery, on two separate parcels of land.

Harlington was originally predominantly a farming village with a small local brick works, one of a great number in the area in the 19th century.

Some of the farm houses, labourers cottages and the forge can still be seen as tastefully renovated houses. In the 19th century a church school and new vicarage were added. Between the two world wars a small amount of growth took place which becomes insignificant when compared with the 1960’s explosion.

The village grew in size to five times its immediate post war size by the building of an estate named the Model Village which added houses and shops on an open plan site, in keeping with the village’s rural aspect. Since then two more small developments have been added but any further major growth is in check at present because of the South Bedfordshire Green Belt.

The most unusual public building in the village is the Upper School, a modern brick geometrically simple structure in contrast to its surroundings.

6. Living and Working in the Village

Recreational facilities are provided for the benefit of people residing in the parish of Harlington that meet the needs of the people who use them.

The indoor facilities currently used by various groups are the Parish Hall rooms, the Village Hall, the Scout Hut, the cricket/football hut. The outdoor facilities for cricket and football are at the New Grounds. Since the Upper School came under the control of the PFI agreement, there has been decreased use of the sports facilities at the Upper School, due to insurance and cost issues, but there is occasional hire of a meeting room and theatre. The Lower School has a policy of not hiring out its facilities for community use.

Although there are many organised activities available for young people, our research indicates that teenagers felt there was ‘nothing to do.’ They would like a relaxed informal place to meet.

There were many requests for improvements and additions to the facilities provided such as a theatre, skateboard park, playground for 6-12 year olds and a place for teenagers to ‘hang out’. Each of these requests must be balanced against the wishes of many residents to maintain the friendly, rural atmosphere of the village. The station was viewed as a good asset as were the shops and schools, but many felt the type of shops could be improved. People were generally pleased with the village environment: the peace and quiet, the size and the open spaces available.

Public buildings

Village events

The population has not changed much since 2001 when there were 2322 residents living in 915 households (1162 males, 1160 females), compared to 2300 in 2007. Of the 915 households 85.5% were owner-occupied with the remainder being rented from Housing Associations, Council or Private landlord/letting agencies. The Census of 2001 indicated that properties had good facilities/amenities with only 2% without central heating.

Most residents seem to support the view that the village has a ‘cosy’ and ‘comfortable’ feel to it and is attractive to those wishing to purchase properties within the local region.

The location of the village gives it certain advantages with good rail and road connections and this has led many people to assume that it is a commuter-village and that the majority of the residents are themselves commuters. However, the 2001 Census showed that of those residents ‘registered at work’ only 31% travelled a distance greater than 20Km. and of those travelling to and from work only 15.6% used the train, in comparison to 61.9% driving cars or vans, (this latter statistic is further increased to 67.4% as other residents travel as passengers in cars or vans). This strengthens the view that many drivers, non-village residents, use the village as a ‘car-park’ when commuting to and from work.

B. Service provision

Shops

A small purpose built row of shops house The Post Office, a newsagent, a wines and spirit store and a hair dresser. Although the trading shops give a good service, very welcome for the elderly and the young families with no car, they are all feeling the restraints of the recession and the opening of larger stores within easy road and rail access. Elsewhere in the village there is also an estate agent.

Public houses and restaurants

The two public houses both serve bar food and one has an excellent small restaurant.

From 9 to 13 years of age, Harlington children are transported to Parkfields Middle School in Toddington.

Environmental activities are centred on a concern for conservation (wildlife, buildings and rural character), preservation of the Green Belt (areas of countryside with controlled development) and the parish footpaths network. A recently formed Parish Paths Partnership group (P3) has begun to actively manage the public footpaths.

The Harlington Heritage Trust and Harlington Society are custodians of historic development information .

Appendices

Commentary

Traffic is by far the greatest concern expressed by villagers, principally in the areas of traffic calming and parking.

• Traffic calming: Clearly a major concern for the village, with emphasis on Barton Rd, Goswell End Rd, Sundon Rd and Westoning Rd. Most people simply said that traffic should be slowed down. A few were more specific (humps, chicanes, signs, etc).

• Parking : Many people are concerned about the car parking in Harlington, especially in roads around the station and at the top end of Westoning Rd. These areas need urgent attention.

• The Crossroads: The crossroads and adjacent roads feature strongly throughout the survey. It is a primary traffic blind spot and accident blackspot, and a significant crime location. This area merits particular attention. Suggestions include the establishment of a mini roundabout at the crossroads; if painted on the road (as opposed to having a raised roundabout) the cost will be low (primarily new signs) and there will be little effect on the environment (remembering that the crossroads is in the village conservation area).

• Lighting improvements : Again, Westoning Rd is singled out for particular attention.

• Footpaths/pavements : Improvements needed in many places. There was perceived to be a need for a footpath in Bury Orchard and it was believed this was meant to be from the junction of Lincoln Way/Church Rd and across the footbridge to the children’s playground.

Leisure issues are predominantly suggestions for new or improved playgrounds and sporting facilities, with smaller numbers interested in a new theatre and other forms of entertainment.

• Sports ◊ Goal posts were requested by many for Bury Orchard, ◊ The possibility of a skate park generated mixed responses. There were a significant number of requests for one, but also dissenters. ◊ When the swimming pool at the Manor was first opened, it was used for teaching young people to swim, sessions for interest groups (e.g. the WI) and the disabled, and for general leisure and it was suggested that opening it up again for its original purpose (at least for a part of the day) would be beneficial to the community. ◊ Suggestions were made for tennis courts, an all-weather football pitch, all-weather running track, basketball nets, cricket nets, football playing area on New Grounds, rugby posts, and a quad bike track. A sport and soccer shop was also suggested. ◊ Many of the sports facilities requested by attendees used to be provided by the Harlington Sports Association, using facilities at the Upper School, and paid for by members. These included tennis, badminton, squash, bowls, football, cricket and a

thriving social club and bar. Access to these facilities has now been withdrawn by the school. It was suggested that discussions be held with the school to re-introduce these facilities for the benefit of the community.

Playgrounds Improved facilities for under 5s, plus improvements to the existing facility on Bury Orchard or on a new location. Adventure playground for 6-12 year olds on Bury Orchard or elsewhere.

Entertainment

• Theatre : Bury Orchard, Village Hall, Unspecified, Other locations.

Community issues raised were:

• Young people hanging about : Clearly a major concern at Bury Orchard, the crossroads, the shops and the Village Hall area.

• Community Café and Community Centre : Almost all people specified that these should be located on Bury Orchard. A few suggested that other existing buildings could be used.

• Bus Services out of the Village : Services requested to Toddington, Barton, Flitwick and Milton Keynes.

• Better Links with the Community : Upper School, Lower School, Other.

• Other Shops Needed : Chinese restaurant/takeaway, fruiterers, bakers, grocers, general store, shopping mall, more shops (unspecified type).

Environmental issues are predominantly concerned with:

• Dogs fouling footpaths and open spaces.

• The need for cleaning up and preserving the character of the village.

• Bury Orchard. Many suggestions relate to adding buildings and facilities to Bury Orchard.

• Lincoln Way Shops. Several people have said that the shops on Lincoln Way need improvement .

Crime worries many people, particularly vandalism, generally “not feeling safe” and bullying. The main suggestion for reducing crime is to improve street lighting.

Housing issues include many people mentioning drainage problems, the need for starter homes/affordable housing and the perception that the fronts of the shops in Lincoln Way need improving.

Health suggestions include making the doctors’ surgery open at more favourable hours and a few suggestions for other health-related services.

Work suggestions include providing office services (such as fax machines, photocopiers etc.), community workspace and information on childminders.

CONCLUSIONS

Two Distinct Sets of Findings

The original intention of holding the Open Days was to try to identify what villagers would like to see in Harlington over the next 15 years. However, it is clear from the results that although many people did just that, there were also many who took it as a good opportunity to complain about the existing environment and infrastructure. Broadly speaking, the Leisure, Community, Crime, Housing, Health and Work themes address the longer term issues, whereas the Traffic and Environment themes are largely concerned with fixing today’s problems. It is suggested that the longer term issues are the primary concern of HVP, whereas many of the traffic, parking and environmental issues urgently need attention and action by the Parish Council. Bury Orchard Many suggestions relate to adding buildings and facilities to Bury Orchard. Before any decisions are made, it should be remembered that Bury Orchard is controlled by the Parish Lands Trust, from whom permission is needed to make any major additions or changes. For example, model airplane flying or holding of special events is not permitted without prior agreement with the Trust. Also, it should be realised that any significant future development on Bury Orchard is very likely to attract people from outside the village, leading possibly to further problems with youth elements. Lincoln Way Shops Several people have said that the shops on Lincoln Way need improvement. It should be remembered, however, that the grassed area in front of the shops is not Council land; it is privately owned. The Crossroads The crossroads and adjacent roads feature strongly throughout the survey. It is a primary traffic blind spot and accident blackspot, and a significant crime location. This area needs particular attention. To address the traffic issues, possibly the most appropriate suggestion is the establishment of a mini roundabout at the crossroads. If painted on the road (as opposed to having a raised roundabout), the cost will be low (primarily new signs) and there will be little effect on the environment (remembering that the crossroads is in the village conservation area).

Traffic Speed Many people are concerned about the speed of traffic in Harlington. Rather than introduce measures such as road humps, chicanes and so on, is the answer to introduce a blanket 20mph speed limit throughout the village? Again, the cost of this measure would be low (primarily new signs).

Parking Many people are concerned about the car parking in Harlington, especially in roads around the station and at the top end of Westoning Rd. These areas need urgent attention. Regarding Westoning Rd, one idea suggested was to turn Westoning Rd into a one-way street (down the hill). This merits investigation. Senior Villagers Although most of attendees at the Open Days were over 45 years old, many of the suggestions relate to improvements to the village that would favour the younger generation. This imbalance should be addressed. Sports Facilities Many of the sports facilities requested by attendees used to be provided by the Harlington Sports Association, using facilities at the Upper School, and paid for by members. These included tennis, badminton, squash, bowls, football, cricket and a thriving social club and bar. Access to these facilities has now been withdrawn by the school. It has been suggested that discussions be held with the school to re-introduce these facilities there for the benefit of the community. Swimming Pool When the swimming pool at the Manor was first opened, it was used for teaching young people to swim, sessions for interest groups (e.g. the WI) and the disabled, and for general leisure. Although the pool is now part of a private health club, it has been suggested that opening it up again for its original purpose (at least for a part of the day) would be beneficial to the community. Additional Housing There is a desire by some to increase the stock of affordable housing in and around Harlington. However, bearing in mind the severe infrastructure problems at present (lack of good roads, parking, poor drainage and flooding), much thought and homework needs to be done before progressing. Village Pride Harlington is unique. Many people like living here because it is a bit of a backwater – it is one of very few villages in the area without a main road running through the middle. The last thing that people want is for it to slowly expand into another Flitwick or Leagrave. Thus the HVP should be concerned about preserving what is special about Harlington (especially in the conservation area), not destroying its character by over-development. That does not mean that the village should be allowed to atrophy – after all, we would not have a Village Hall, Scout Hut or sports pavilion if everything had been left to stand still over the last 50 years.

The Parish Council is to be commended for its Village Pride initiative, but needs to encourage villagers to do more. Judging from many of the Open Days inputs, the village is down-at-heel (houses, shop fronts and the environment need sprucing up, dog mess and litter are everywhere). Villagers need to think more, if only to increase the value of their homes.

Update Soon after completion of the roadshows, proposals were made to change the three tier school system in Bedfordshire. Prompt action by Harlington residents, principally through the links set up through the Village Plan, and similar efforts from other affected communities in the county, this threat was overcome and the three-tier education system retained in the county. Subsequent to that came the proposals to relocate Luton Town Football Club to a site close to the M1 Junction 12 adjacent to Harlington. There was a concerted effort by residents of Harlington and Toddington to oppose these proposals. Again the contacts set up by the Village Plan have proved an effective springboard to challenge these proposals. The negative impact of these issues has been to distract the focus on delivery of the Village Plan due to the immediate pressure that these two distractions pre- sented to the delivery of the Plan. Although these issues contributed to the delay in the Village Plan, the response to them serves to demonstrate that the infrastructure and groundwork set up to deliver the Plan has already benefited the community .

Survey Results

THEME: Planning and development

VISION: The quality of life within the village is not threatened by inappropriate or over-development, either within the village or immediately beyond its borders, except that which is reasonable to support and sustain the village.

BACKGROUND: A large number of residents expressed a wish for the village to remain largely as it is and the location, being surrounded by Green Belt and largely unspoilt countryside, is much prized. The only exception to this was some concern that we should make provision for small scale development of affordable housing, but no suitable site was identified.

ISSUE/NEED: ACTION:

To preserve and enhance the look and feel ◊ Forge links with the planning authorities of the village as well as the quality of life. and other agencies at all levels. In particular to: ◊ Environment Agency ∗ Resist over-development ◊ Chilterns Conservation Board ∗ Retain the present mix of commercial and ◊ Greensand Trust residential property ∗ Protect the services we enjoy (shops/ ◊ Incinerator pubs/transport links etc) ◊ Railway ∗ Maintain the village character by ◊ Highways strengthening the Conservation area ◊ Transport ∗ Protect the surrounding countryside to maintain the near unspoilt views and the separation afforded by the Green Belt ∗ Protect the rural atmosphere and the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

◊ Liaise with the above on protection matters concerning the Green Belt and rural character of the village.

◊ Monitor development proposals from all sources.

◊ Determine the impact on the environment, the community and the quality of village life of specific development proposals.

◊ Consult with all residents on specific issues.

◊ Determine what the village might gain from any specific development issue.

◊ Support and assist the mobilisation of opposition and/or support for specific development issues to represent the will of the majority.

THEME: Environment

VISION: The village retains its rural atmosphere, is clean, tidy and On going safe and remains a place people want to live. BACKGROUND: Harlington is pleasant, peaceful and has a rural atmosphere. It is fortunate to be surrounded by Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are qualities highly valued by residents. The village is kept looking clean, tidy and attractive by a team of litter pickers volunteering once a month, an active Harlington in Bloom committee, community groups, businesses and residents taking a pride in their properties and gardens. However there are certain hot spots where improvements are needed. The importance of environmental issues was reflected in the consultation and was one of the most commented on topics.

ISSUE/NEED: ACTION:

Reduce litter around the Up- Work with the Upper School students to On going per School and children’s play identify and implement ways this could be area. improved. Report hotspots and take appropriate action. On going Reduce fly-tipping along the Liaise with Central Beds Council (CBC) over On going Bottoms Road. action to tackle fly-tipping. Reduce dog mess in particu- Identify problem areas and install additional On going lar areas identified through dog litter bins. the consultation. To provide dog litter bags and dispensers Educate and encourage residents to act On going responsibly. Improve the general ap- Work with businesses to improve the ap- On going pearance of area around the pearance of shop fronts and grassed and shops. paved areas; and parking facilities. Encourage residents to care Support local incentives and competitions On going for the frontage of their e.g. Harlington in Bloom. homes. Improve water pressure in Discuss possible solutions with Anglian Wa- On going certain areas. ter. Reduce the flooding risk in Liaise with Parish Council and Environment Achieved parts of Park Leys area. Agency over measures that can be im- plemented to reduce incidence or risk of flooding in the area. Restore the village pond Work with the Parish Council to maintain and On going (Bacchus Pond). improve it as a habitat and amenity. Consider green energy Contact CBC Energy Officer for advice on On going options for public buildings. schemes and options available. 24

THEME: Community and Leisure

VISION: Recreational facilities are provided for the benefit of people residing in the parish of Harlington that meet the needs of the people who use them. BACKGROUND: Although there are many organised activities available for young people, our research indicates that teenagers felt there was ‘nothing to do.’ They would like a relaxed informal place to meet.

There were many requests for improvements and additions to the facilities provided such as a theatre, skateboard park, playground for 6- 12 year olds and a place for teenagers to ‘hang out’. Each of these requests must be balanced against the wishes of many residents to maintain the friendly, rural atmosphere of the village.

The station was viewed as a good asset as were the shops and schools, but many felt the type of shops could be improved.

People were generally pleased with the village environment:the peace and quiet, the size and the open spaces available.

ISSUE/NEED: ACTION:

Improved community Contact all the groups in Harlington to establish Ongoing venues (village hall, their current and future needs. Find out how the scout hut, cricket club, existing infrastructure can be adapted to meet parish hall) the needs of the groups and see how that fits in with the views and needs of residents.

More sports facilities Investigate feasibility of locations, costs and Ongoing (e.g. goal posts, skate funding for new facilities and work in conjunction part, tennis courts, with the various committees to ensure maximum multi surface courts) potential and crossover between groups’ needs and better playground and residents’ views. Based on the outcome of provision (under 5’s, 6- this research. Establish working party 12’s, over 12’s)

HPC and Trustees working together

Young people need to To invite young people to participate in Council Ongoing have a sense of own- Meetings and village activities ership and responsibility for their activities.

THEME: Crime reduction and safety VISION: Residents feel safe in and around the village. BACKGROUND: Harlington is served by a Police Safer Neighbourhood team and Street Watch. The village surveys highlighted specific areas that are causing residents to feel unsafe and uncomfortable at times.

ISSUE/NEED: ACTION:

Reduce Investigate the main areas where vandalism is a Ongoing vandalism. problem. Prepare a reporting and repair policy. Achieved Work with partners to tackle the causes. Ongoing Reduce the Publicise police and village policy regarding misuse of Ongoing misuse of drugs. drugs in Harlington. Work with partners to tackle the causes. Ongoing Reduce bullying. Investigate the problem of bullying in all areas but Ongoing especially in the children’s play area. Reduce Identify areas where antisocial behaviour is most Ongoing antisocial prevalent. behaviour Prepare and implement an improvement plan. Ongoing Reduce Investigate the problems with street lighting. Achieved ‘shadowy’ and other potentially uncomfortable places

Identify solutions such as tree trimming. Ongoing Reduce people’s Encourage involvement in Street Watch by keeping Ongoing fears people updated area crime statistics and providing advice on preventing crime and protecting property.

THEME: Health VISION: All residents can access services that best meet their health needs .

BACKGROUND: In Harlington, there is a doctors’ surgery open weekday mornings. A pharmacy also operates from the surgery providing prescription medicines and a small selection of over-the-counter remedies. The nearest dentists are located in the neighbouring villages of Flitwick, Barton-le-Clay and Toddington. Very few comments were received about how health services could be improved. The most common request was for longer opening hours at the doctors, weekends or evenings, to make it easier for people at work during the day to have access to their GP.

THEME: Education

VISION: Local schools are an integral part of our community and provide our children with a high standard of education.

BACKGROUND: Our three local schools – Harlington Lower, Parkfields Middle (in Toddington) and Harlington Upper – all provide a good to excellent standard of education.

The schools interact with the local community in varying degrees. The Lower and Upper Schools hold social events which are supported by parents and local residents. In the past the Upper School provided sports facilities for local use but this ceased when the school buildings came under the control of a PFI agreement.

THEME: Young people

VISION: Young people are responsible for implementing and managing their own facilities and activities with the support of interested adults.

BACKGROUND: Although there are lots of organised and structured activities in the village, many teenage young people expressed the view that there was ‘nothing to do’. This is because the majority of the organised clubs target under 12’s. Many said they just want somewhere to meet their friends informally.

ISSUE/NEED: ACTION:

Teenagers would Carry out a survey to find out what activities and Achieved like somewhere to facilities teenagers want. meet.

The image of Identify ways in which to improve the image of Ongoing teenagers needs teenagers. improving.