The Conservation Areas in East Coker Parish for East Coker and North Coker Are Shown in the Map Below

The Conservation Areas in East Coker Parish for East Coker and North Coker are shown in the map below.

"The Ordnance Survey mapping included within this publication is provided by South Somerset DC under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public function to assist in the production of Parish Plans. Persons viewing this mapping should contact Ordance Survey copyright for advice where they wish to licence Ordnance Survey mapping for their own )) use. East Coker parish lies south of Yeovil and is primarily rural. The land comprises a mix of arable and mid-scale fields (a significant proportion being grade I), within an ordered hedgerow pattern threaded by narrow, part-sunken roads. To the south-west it rises to the scarp of Coker Hill. The parish contains much wildlife interest including Coker stream and a number of semi- rural woodland sites. Parkland and domestic tree cover are a marked feature of the area.

The parish contains the settlements of Burton, East Coker, Nash, North Coker and a small part of urban Yeovil.

The character of the parish is particularly unspolit, with a high proportion of listed golden hamstone houses, and its street scene enhanced by fine mature trees. It was once famous for its sailcloth and is the birthplace of the explorer William Dampier who was navigator aboard the ship that rescued Alexander Selkirk on whom the story of Robinson Crusoe is based. St. Michael's church, which contains a fine memorial brass to Dampier, is also the resting place for the ashes of the poet T. S. Eliot whose poem East Coker formed part of his Four Quartets. Coker Court alongside the church dates from the 15th century, with later additions. A row of almshouses, founded in 1640 by Archdeacon Helyar, lines the driveway to the church and Court

Archaeological interests include an important group of Roman villas that had fine mosaic pavements, one of which is displayed in the county museum in Taunton, Iron Age finds and deserted mediaeval site. The Parish Plan is part of a new approach to Community Planning. The object of this Plan is to enable everyone within our community in East Coker to have a say in how our parish should develop. The Plan enshrines these views, seeking to preserve, enhance and develop our parish with a view to maintaining our prosperity and quality of life.

All households in the parish of East Coker received a copy in September 2004 of the East Coker Parish Plan Questionnaire and were asked to fill it in and add comments and suggestions as relevant.

'he numbers of questionnaires distributed, and returned, are as shown in the table below,

Well-attended all-day meetings were held in the village hall during which further ideas, comments and information were forthcoming.

This booklet shows how we appreciate and enjoy living in East Coker and outlines the findings, suggestions and follow-up actions that have arisen as a result of the questionnaire. Now is the opportunity for all of us to bring these about.

Actions By far the largest number of people fall in the 41- 70 age range and the greatest number of households consist of a couple (more than all other categories added together).

While it is recognised that some people see the need for young families, none-the-less it seems true to say that the parish has a thriving social life and supports two pubs and shops, and businesses. Many young people initially leave home in search of pastures new before returning to their home towns. There are numerous clubs for young people although it is accepted that teenagers have no specific place to go. We should recognise that an ageing population is not necessarily a liability, but an opportunity to provide services that are not always available elsewhere.

Male & Female Age Distribution

.Male. Female 70

6-11 12-16 17-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 75-80 80-89 90+ age group From all the responses, only 57 households within the parish have children in full-time education and of those some are at university. [The questionnaire did not specify that we were more interested in the use of local primary and secondary schools. ]

Playschool

There are 19 children under 5, of whom only 3 go to the playschool. Only one person said that they could not send a child there because of lack of places. Six people find the current facilities satisfactory as against 9 who do not. However, all comments made regarding the pavilion's deficiencies are being addressed, as a new pavilion is planned and fund-raising activities are taking place.

Primary Schooling

33 children from the parish attend East Coker Primary School, out of a total of 256; others go to St Gilda's, Preston, Birchfield, Park School and Chilton Cantelo. Only two people had any difficulty getting children into East Coker Primary School because of a lack of places. 80% of people think the links between the school and the village are satisfactory, although there was a request for some after-school activities.

The method of transport to school varies depending on the area where the children live; those from WraxhiU, Nash and Helena Road areas mostly use cars although some from North Coker itself also come by car. Otherwise most walk to school (accompanied by parents), none cycle and three use a bus. Of the East Coker Primary School pupils, a large number come from outside the parish by car. The school has a role of 256 and is expected to expand to 260+ in September 2005.

Reasons given for not walking or cycling all relate to dangers of the roads: no pavements, narrow roads and speeding cars. Strongly-worded comments related to the ineffectiveness of the white-line walk-way from Tellis Cross to the school: cars park over the white line forcing children to walk in the road, cars and coaches fail to give way, two cars passing each other encroach onto the walking area affording no refuge for the children. Seealso 'Transport and Roads'.

Action Arrange a meeting with the Highway Authority to discuss the concerns raised. Write to the school transport officer at County Hall regarding school travel plan for East Coker Primary School. SecondarySchooling

Children from the parish attend a wide range of secondary schools: Westfield, Park School, Buckler's Mead, Chilton Cantelo, Gryphon at Sherborne, Sherborne Girls' and Yeovil College, all of which are outside the parish.

Everyone had been able to place their child in the school they wanted. Although 19 families knew the school of their choice has a specialist curriculum, most did not say what it is (although 73% said it is what they wanted) and 86% think the school which their children attend is suitable. All secondary school age children get to school by car (45%) or bus (55%). None walk or cycle. There was one comment that bus is expensive.

Adult Education

96% of people said they did not attend courses in the village hall, but a large number of comments made it clear that people didn't know about them but would like to.

Courses that people would like offered included: crafts such as pottery and stained glass, cycle maintenance, first aid, French, geology of regional interest, German, Italian, local history.

Interest was expressed in evening classesbeing held in the village rather than in Yeovil or Crewkerne. Activities

Of all the activities on offer, the Wine Circle, East Coker Society and the Garden Club were clearly the most popular, with skittles and the British Legion following. The greatest numbe participants is from Burton and the fewest from Tellis Cross. Only 30 households expressed interest in an allotment, 266 definitely not.

Suggested activities not currently available include:

Art/sketching classes;art and science group; ballroom dancing/folk dancing/Scottish dancing; bridge; computer classes;fishing/hunting; flower arranging; genealogy; keep fit for men/slimming; kickboxing; local history, seealso 'Adult Education' under 'Education'; natural history/birdwatching; photographic club; rural crafts; tennis/bowling green/clay pigeon shooting/golf/croquet; walking/rambling /running.

Action Discussions to take place between the Parish Council and South Somerset Countryside Service with a view to publishing an up-to-date parish footpaths map showing all roads and field boundaries. Consider having large-scale laminated maps of the parish near the North Coker bus shelter, and at West Wells. Collate and publish a directory of activities and clubs. Allotments: bring this potential need to the notice of the Parish Council.

Reasons given for not taking part in leisure activities were: old age; times of day of some of the activities don't allow for working people. A few comments indicated that the activities were more suitable for older retired parishioners; others that younger people were not catered for, se 'Youth Survey'.

Comments were made that events such as the recent cycle rides and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations were well organised and very enjoyable. Religious Services

43% of respondees said that they attend religious services of one of the sects in the parish. 74% said they felt that the parish church is a focal point in the parish.

Businessesand Facilities

For a community of 795 houses, East Coker has a large number of businesses including nine farms, six gardening and livery concerns, seven engineering businesses and six dealing with aspects of the motor trade. Five companies are involved with construction and five people provide a range of services from upholstery to hairdressing. The village has a Post Office and Stores, and a farm shop. There are two public houses, bed and breakfast accommodation and, on the northern edge of the parish, an hotel with conference facilities. In all, it is estimated that these businesses employ some 170 people of whom 70 live in the parish.

Nearly 71% of households said they use the East Coker Post Office and Stores daily, weekly or sometimes, with 41% using it daily or weekly. The latter mostly come from Burton and North Coker, only Wraxhill and Holywell have no-one using it daily. 21% said they never use the shop. Several people commented on what a friendly and helpful shop we have. The other facilities are mostly used on a weekly, or sometimes, basis, see table below.

~ Nearly 24% of households have used one or more of the businesses in the parish; nearly all the businesses located here have been used. Some were praised for the quality of work and helpfulness of the proprietors.

Village Hall

In answer to the question about improvements to the hall, nearly 23% said some were needed as against 26% who thought not. However, the comments about desirable improvements broadly covered the same topics:

acoustics, noise limitation/loop system; .better notice-board to include list and timetable of events each month; disabled toilets and parking facilities {recently been addressed); caretaker, or someone to ensure everything is left clean and in good condition; .Dampier Room too small and narrow {could it be widened?) and heating system too noisy; .screens to reduce draughts and break up space for small gatherings; quality screen/projector/audio-visual system for larger groups using the hall; possibility of showing films in the hall; .heating not always adequate, perhaps a system combining air-conditioning in summe, could be considered; .external and internal facelift: brighter colours, better lighting, more imaginative garde scheme, better care of wooden floor; another {or larger) fridge; more storage space; a few more comfortable chairs; .emergency exits made easier for disabled people.

Some of the above improvements are relatively easy to rectify, others are in the pipeline; others the possible subject of grant applications. Voluntary Work

15% of households engage in some kind of voluntary work, although conversations have since revealed that lots of people who do work for groups in the parish have not counted it as voluntary work and therefore did not register it. Activities recorded were extremely wide- ranging, from being on the Parish Council, helping with children's groups, meals on wheels, delivering post-outs, British Legion, etc, to shopping for elderly neighbours.

Parish Council

It was pointed out that there was no section in the questionnaire about local government. There were a few comments relating to the role of the Parish Council. While it does its best for the parish, there are restrictions on what it can actively do. Anyone who is interested or wishes to raise any point can come to any meeting although may only participate in the initial open session. The Parish Council meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.00 pm in the pavilion. Parish councillors are willing to talk to anyone in the parish who has a problem, which they can then put forward at the next meeting.

Some of the suggestions made to publicise more widely the work of the Parish Council, and of its meetings, are fairly straight-forward to implement. However extra notice boards, for example, are subject to planning controls. Wraxhill and Nash have both lost boards that are proving difficult to replace.

Planning applications are published in the local paper and can be inspected at Petters Way. The Parish Council frequently does not have much advance notice itself.

The Parish Council has brought most of the major concerns about traffic and roads to the attention of the relevant authorities time and time again. Far from ignoring such complaints, we are as frustrated as residents about these matters. East Coker SocietyNewsletter

Over 91% of households said they find the newsletter helpful. However, there were also many requests for extra items to be regularly included, seebelow.

The impression is that people in general do not realise that they can submit copy on whatever topic they think relevant or desirable. The East Coker Society was formed to inspire interest in the village heritage and foster a sense of community. The newsletter is intended to inform but relies on interested parties handing in copy. This can be done either directly to the Editor (Lesley Linsday, Little Meadow, Coker Marsh, e-mail [email protected]), or to the East Coker Post Office and Stores. There was a suggestion that it could be bi-monthly, but it must be remembered that all the people involved in this production are volunteers and have limited spare time. This also applies to the comment that the newsletter is not always delivered on time -volunteers sometimes have more urgent matters to attend to. Maybe some of the people who said they were willing to do some volunteer work but didn't give their names would come forward for this!

New topics suggested for the newsletter, and additional information the Society might consider issuing:

regular events and activities; courses held in the village hall, egWEA, afternoon and evening activities; agricultural topics and activities; .countryside matters, wildlife and bird sightings; .bus time-tables including information about the 'nippy' bus; Parish Council news/agendas including planning applications and developments; information for the disabled; .list of services/ businesses/clubs and societies in the parish {include on website); children's clubs information; information on local art exhibitions; a 'Letters to the Editor', section; more village news like Hardington's newsletter including births, deaths and marriages; 'guest' editorials to highlight an outside viewpoint; expand website to include, eg list of societies, opening time of Post Office and Stores, bus timetables, etc.; update more frequently; more pro-active approach to newcomers in the parish who want to belong but find it difficult to 'break-in', produce a village handbook/'welcome pack'.

~ This section elicited a huge amount of comment, most of it critical.

Transport The following table shows the methods of transport used within and outside the parish; the percentages are of the total numbers ticked.

We can see that most people either walk or go by car within the parish, with a significant number cycling. To leave the parish, more than half use a car.

There are two bus services through the village, numbers 56 (now the N8) and 212, plus an evening Nippy bus. Very few people use these buses; only 9 said they use them daily and 30 use them weekly. 21.5% use the 56 bus sometimes, 74% never use it; 15% use the 212 sometimes, but 81% never use it. However, these buses provide a vital link for those people who do use them and concern was expressed at the possible withdrawal of the 212 from Dorchester.

Although more people than not said the buses run at useful times, are reliable and go where they want, there are plainly other reasons that explain the low usage. Tellis Cross would like a bus stop/shelter.

~ It seems that journeys to the doctors' surgeries at West Coker and Preston Grove, the hospital and the railway stations are those that people would like covered, and which are not. A bus to Hardington, to Buckler's Mead School, and to East Coker Primary School would be appreciated.

Note: we now have a daytime 'Nippy Bus', the N8, which replaces the 56 and which will cover the surgeries and other places.

Some comments related to a lack of bus services to and from Yeovil at night; this is now catered for by the evening Nippy bus service. Only 4 people use community transport, but 112 people would like a village car scheme.

Road Maintenance

Households expressed concern about: road surfaces (61.7%), poor drainage (55.7%), grass verge cutting (29%), hedge cutting (37.4%). Sign for North Coker needed at Culliver's Grave as strangers to the area often miss this turning.

The following are the main causes for complaint:

Road surfaces Poorly done short-lasting repairs, a waste of money and time; pot holes. Uneven surfaces, some because trenches not back-filled properly. Unsatisfactory resurfacing. Drain covers below the level of the road. Edges of roads crumbling and uneven. White lines faded/worn away. Mud on road caused by poor drainage. Wraxhill area: gutters and drains blocked with soil and weeds. Some roads need widening, eg Tellis Cross to the village. Roads thought too uneven for wheelchairs; no pavements. Unsatisfactory road cleaning.

Roads particularly mentioned: Nash Lane, White Post to East Coker Post Office, the Church to Back Lane, Moor Lane. Drainage Blocked drains cause flooding. Roads that flood regularly: Yeovil Road near Foxholes, by North Coker House and Tellis Cross, Cross Cottages, Burton Lane, Saw Mills and bridge, Coker Marsh, The Lodges. Areas that have large puddles after rain include the corner of Lower Wraxhill Road and Sandhurst Road, and Moor Lane.

Problems perceived to be caused by: Drains left covered with leaves, debris and mud. Blocked drains not cleared often enough. Mud caused by lorries and farm vehicles churning the verges. Some ditches not regularly cleaned.

Grass verges Need to be cut more frequently. Clippings should be cleared up to avoid them blocking drains. Some verge vegetation hinders visibility. Should not be used as road extensions by lorries and farm vehicles. Strimmers used indiscriminately. Overgrown with nettles in summer, therefore dangerous to walk, egYeovil Road.

Hedge cuuing Not done frequently enough, especially where there are brambles. Vegetation overhanging footpaths and pavements, eg opposite the Cemetery, Higher Burton to White Post, Nash to Longlands. Should be cut properly not slashed; could they be laid? Trimmings should be cleared up; punctures have been caused. Concerns expressed that animals' breeding seasonsnot observed.

Parking on the Roads

Nearly 55% of households are concerned about this. Places mentioned in particular include: outside the school; Coker Marsh outside the cottages; East Coker Post Office and Stores; from the Church to Back Lane and along by the almshouses; Mill Close near the junction with 'main' road; parking in Tellis Cross and on the turning circle in particular; on pavements; at junctions; all through Burton; parking at Higher Burton pushes overtaking cars to the wrong side of the road on a blind bend. The biggest complaint concerned parking at school pick-up and drop-off times and included difficulties in getting out of Cross Cottages, North Coker Cottage and The Spinney, parking at 'The Tree' causing difficulties for other road users, parking over the pedestrian route from Tellis Cross to 'The Tree', and on or near the bridge.

Footpaths and adequatesafe walking routes

Footpaths are: often overgrown and not adequately maintained in summer; being used by motor cycles; sometimes blocked by electric fences and barbed wire; spoilt by litter; used by horses when they are not designated bridleways.

Pavements are frequently uneven (Sandhurst and Wraxhill areas) and slippery (Nash Lane), and need some lowered curbs for wheelchairs and electric buggies.

Lots of roads have no pavement, eg Burton and Yeovil Road, and this is cited as one of the reasons why children are not walking to school, as cars speed and it is dangerous.

Suggestions included: more pedestrian 'white line' ways; more proper pavements; footway between Yeovil and North Coker (may necessitate some road widening), also between Tellis Cross and North Coker and between Coker March and East Coker; bicycle paths doubling as pedestrian ways; path on the inside edge of the recreation ground along Long Furlong Lane. Parish Lengthsman

The parish lengthsman has been operating for the past two years within five parishes, including East Coker. He is co-funded by the Parish Council, Somerset County and South Somerset District Councils to carry out work on the highway, paths and open spacesincluding cleaning drains, painting signs, etc. 85% of respondents felt he was doing a good job contributing to the well-being of the village.

Speedingand other problems

Speeding, speeding, speeding! The overwhelming response is that cars and other traffic speed through the parish with scant regard for life and limb. A 30 mph limit is seen as being vital though questions as to enforcement are posed. People are strongly opposed to a plethora of signs, pinch points and other unsightly and inappropriate street furniture and suggest rumble strips as a warning/ deterrent.

Some people suggest a speed-watch system in Holywell and Sandhurst Road; also at Coker Marsh.

Action Join the Parish Council in actively pursuing a 30 mph speed limit. Ask for volunteers to man a speedwatch and approach the police for information, equipment and training.

More passing places are needed, eg between White Post and Burton, and some roads are just too narrow.

The exit from White Post onto the West Coker Road is dangerous as speed limits are not enforced.

Too many lorries and commercial vehicles seem to be using East Coker as a through route; could there be a size or weight limit imposed? They regularly damage verges and the kerb around 'The Tree'. Health Overall, people have shown that they are satisfied with the services available although a few areas need addressing such as accessto the hospital.

93% of people are registered with a doctor, 87% with a dentist; 53% said they would like a village surgery, but 29% would not. 59% said they have a health problem that affects their lives but a lot of these are associated with old age and you could almost see the wry shrug that went with the comment!

Social Needs

Housing

By contrast 34% of people said they could see a need for warden-assisted accommodation with more saying that they would anticipate need in the future. with 'h, "om peoI who lte

801 of househ, did not wanl risit frO] le Prevention Officer. Those who did and wh ~avetheir les will be COI :ted in (

Types of crime eJ )eri, :ed: burglar andalis] abl (8%), drunkennf , other ( 4%

Tf :overed

'I1ort ;utJrered more than oth, 1 IlClU Cl ~l1l1 lcidence of theft- 4 76% of people saLid they had not repart experience :hi : reasons given being along the I ines of 'waste of tim come anY" )f those who had suffered a seriou: s crime, 14% said th ~uate, but ) said it was not. ml17hnparlv 930/n

Action Define current Neighbourhood Watch areas and use :ast Coker Newsletter to gauge strength of interest in other areas. Encourage people to report every crime because if crime is not reported there is thought not to be any in rural areas. Contact Crime Prevention Officer for those who requested a visit 73% of people think they know enough about events in the parish, and 59% about things going on in Yeovil and surroundings.

People find out what is happening in the following ways: East Coker Society Newsletter (84%), Western Gazette (70%), word of mouth (70%), free newspapers (67%), Parish Magazine (48%), Parish Council notice board (45%), village shop window (38%), East Coker Post Office and Stores notice board (32%), other (6%).

The only comments related to the village hall notice board that needs to be brought up-to-date more regularly, and a request that Parish Council information was also posted at the village hall. Suggestion for a post-box near the village hall

Obviously the East Coker Society Newsletter is playing a vital role in keeping the residents in touch. See'Leisure and Amenities, above.

It seems that notices on telegraph poles give numerous people useful information and reminders.

Just under 70% of households receive free newspapers regularly; 34% say they would like to have them.

Almost everyone has a telephone, 60% have the internet and 56% of households have e-mail. 62% do not have broadband but 53% say they would like it.

"'"-.-,-

It seems that nearly every household recycles some of its waste. Glass, paper and tins are the items mostly recycled, mainly through the black box scheme, followed by parish bins for glass and the local scouts for paper. Much garden waste and cardboard is taken to the tip, as is 25% of plastic. 30% of plastic is taken to other bins.

Composting

65% compost their own waste, 32% do not; 27% have a subsidised home composter, 65% do not; 18% would like information on composting, 66% would not. Leaflets on home composting are available. Please phone 01935862362.

63% said they would support local community composting. .

Black box scheme

Nearly 60% think the black box scheme is working. However, comments strongly highlight the lack of plastic and cardboard collection and some think the box is not big enough. People in outlying areas have said they either don't have a box, or it is not collected.

Wheelie bins

Events have overtaken us somewhat on wheelie bins. The results we obtained show that 33% have no suitable storage space, 26% have no suitable collection point, 22% cannot handle the bins, 11% would like assisted collection, 52% would prefer to continue with black sacks.

Comments about wheelie bins:

bins will block children's path to school (North Coker); unable to get bins through the house and no alternative; not enough space for bins; collection point too far from house down a narrow lane; not appropriate in a village with no pavements, a traffic hazard; bins in gardens don't contribute to keeping the village looking good; inappropriate in a conservation area; security implications when bins left out all day after collection; bins blow over and obstruct the way (Wraxhill); promoting greater use of disposal sacks leads to environmental disaster.

One household said 'great, what we've been waiting for' as badgers and other animals tearing sacks have previously been a problem.

Along with 'Traffic and Roads', this was the section which elicited the most written comments. Of those who answered, 83% say they live in East Coker because it is rural, as opposed to 17% who do not.

Of the natural aspects of the parish, the open country views, walking the footpaths, trees and hedgerows, peacefulness and the starry night skies are clearly the features that are appreciated most.

94% of households think that parkland in the parish should be conserved and 92% think the watercourses should be conserved also.

Other aspects of the parish which were particularly mentioned included: unobstructed views of the day skies, clean air, seeing worked farmland, country noises and church bells, the fact that it feels safe, friendly people and a good community spirit, meeting walkers on the footpaths.

The fact that amenities are well located in relation to working in Yeovil, as well as to the surrounding countryside and to the Dorset coast, was also appreciated.

For countryside activities not currently catered for but suggested, seeunder'Leisure and Amenities', above. Natural Environment

Starry nights -

a 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Natural aspects of the parish under threat

43% of households think there are threats to certain aspects of the parish, many of which focussed on developments on farmland, and its implications. People want East Coker to maintain its independence from Yeovil. Housing development creating an urban sprawl and encroaching on current open land, is seen as a potential threat. This is closely related to loss of peace, tranquillity, open countryside and grade 1 agricultural land. Building development The rural nature of the parish is much valued, potential development is seen as causing noise and light pollution, and a loss of wildlife. Maintaining the rural aspect of East Coker and the implications arising from this seemed a major concern.

There is also concern that building infill could change the character of the village. People are worried about possible expansion of Drakes Meadow, and on land beyond Broadacres. Some were concerned about building without planning permission but gave no specific examples.

Light pollution This is of concern. Somerset County Council has a rolling programme to replace its street lights. It is understood that the new lights will reduce light pollution. Some people asked if South Somerset District Council could be asked to instigate a rolling replacement of Yeovil's lights to avoid upward spillage. The Rugby Club lights are still found to be obtrusive, as is the church light which it was suggested could be angled down, or turned off completely. Individual house security lights are often too bright and badly set. One resident of Drakes Meadow thinks their street lights could be improved/need adjusting. Some households specifically objected to the idea of street lighting and some wanted what exists removed. Others said they would like some lighting, but this was in relation to fear of tripping at night and lack of/poor and uneven footways.

Mature trees It was noted that some are in poor condition and concern was expressed that there seems to be little planned replacement, either in fields or hedgerows. All parkland in East and North Coker is seen as needing some tender loving care, as well as the avenue to Pincushion Corner. Is there a case for tree preservation orders on any of these? Loss of orchards i and local apples is regarded as sad. People regret losing accessto North Coker parkland and Coker Court parkland and comment that the way through paths and fields is being restricted by electric fences and barbed wire.

People also commented that existing bins need to be emptied more frequently.

Weedkiller on public areas

Questions on the use of weed killer produced some interesting results: 35% thought it not environmentally sound although 33% think it is. However, although 24% said they do not want it to continue, 50% said they do. Thus, although people think it is not environmentally sound, they want it to continue because they do not think anything at all will be done otherwise. Several households questioned what the alternatives might be.

Public places

On the condition of the cemetery, churchyard and recreation ground, 60%, 70% and 68% respectively thought that they are well kept.

85% of households want the lengthsman's post to become permanent. Some people didn't know about the scheme and others said they never see the lengthsman. However, overall the scheme is seen to be 'a good thing'.

A tree screen between Tellis Cross play area and the road was suggested to cut noise.

Footpaths

22.5% use them daily, 38% weekly and 28% seldom.

Suggested improvements An up-to-date map of the parish footpaths and bridleways which shows current field boundaries, to replace the one produced some years ago.

The most frequently mentioned improvement 1 is the need to keep undergrowth and vegetation along the paths trimmed back sufficiently for easy access;struggling through nettles is not enjoyable! However, there was concern that cutting back hedges and edges should be wildlife friendly in relation to breeding seasons.In some places badger excavations are blocking paths and causing problems. Some paths have a drainage problem which results in muddy patches even in dry weather; drains are often blocked eg along by North Coker House and by Back Lane.

A preference for kissing gates over stiles was expressed by several people, as was need for accessfor dogs.

Signposting was generally found to be adequate but some are unclear and sometimes the line of a path across a field has been ploughed out and the exit at the far side is not obvious. Regret was expressed that accessto some paths in East Coker is being hindered by electric fences and barbed wire.

It is thought that some paths, notably Y9/35 and 46 need a sign saying 'No horses', A small number of horse riders are inconsiderate to pedestrians on bridleways. Similarly, 'boy-racer~ bikes have caused problems.

Reque for some erbi at the ends pa1

Action ~ Support the Parish Council in pursuing issues of RUPPs (Roads Used as a Public Path) and BOATs (Byeways Open to All Traffic). With reference to the present conservation areas in the parish nearly 52% said they were happy with them but nearly 42% said they should be enlarged. Amongst areas which were thought should be included were: the Bunthams, the old part of Burton to Burton Farmhouse, and Naish Priory and adjacent cottages.

Over 70% thought that any new properties should reflect the characteristics of the parish, and nearly 66% were concerned about urbanisation associated with new building, in particular inappropriate street lighting and security lights, as was 'modern looking' housing. Any new buildings should not copy the old ones but should harmonise with them by using stone and appropriate doors and windows. Technology to improve energy conservation should be incorporated.

61% said they would like overhead wires to be underground but a larger number also recognised that this would entail a huge cost.

79% said their property is not subject to flooding or subsidence. No-one had been denied household insurance.

Built aspectsof the parish endangered

Several commented that second homes posed a threat to community life. However, as we are aware of only one or two examples, perhaps this is a potential threat rather than an active one. The stone walls of the houses and the garden boundaries are thought to be characteristic features in their own right. Some feel it is a shame that garden walls are being allowed to get overgrown and slightly 'tumble-down' and would like to see more active maintenance of these attractive features.

Some people dislike seeing telegraph poles covered with posters, others find them a useful source of information. ISSof railings from Slades Farm and elsewhere in ast Coke "e regretted

East Coker appears to be used by traffic as a 'rat-run' and an avoidance route, especially since the West Coker road 'adjustments'. Any road works on the Dorchester and West Coker roads seem to cause extra traffic through the parish. This causesnoise, danger to residents through speeding and a lack of consideration for the narrow village streets. Having an unobstructed street is becoming increasingly rare. Lorries and farm vehicles are responsible for breaking hedges and verges that, in turn, cause mud on the roads. For parking problems, seeunder 'Transport and Roads', above.

, Wraxhill had an extra page in the questionnaire. This was because geographically it looks to be a part ofYeovil. However, the results showed that the residents very firmly feel they are part of East Coker parish and do not want to be a suburb of Yeovil.

76% say their first loyalties are to East Coker and 34.7% have relatives living elsewhere in the parish. 97% positively enjoy the rural aspect of the area.

92% do not want to seeYeovil expanding southwards and 87% would object ifYeovil again tries to change the boundary to include the Wraxhill area.

Nearly 46% of households attend activities or events in East Coker weekly or monthly, 43% seldom attend and only 8% say they never go to anything in East Coker.

76% think that the speed limit is not adequately enforced. This is a major issue and of on-going concern as cars have been clocked at travelling at over 70 mph.

Other concerns expressed:

increasing use of roads by driving instructors thus causing obstructions; parking on grass verges; pavements not weeded and uneven and dangerous; gutters not cleared and drains blocked; no more street lights, people want to see the stars; against changing the Yeovil boundary, also clergy and parish boundaries; concern over possible housing developments in open countryside.