Rebecca, Aged 11
Community Plan OUR VISION RESIDENTS APPRECIATE THE RURAL FEEL OF THEIR COMMUNITY AND WANT TO MAINTAIN THE PEACE AND QUIET AND SENSE OF SECURITY THEY CURRENTLY ENJOY.
THEY ARE INCREASINGLY CONCERNED THAT EXCESS TRAFFIC THROUGH ALL THE VILLAGES WILL SPOIL THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE.
WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNGER MEMBERS TO FEEL PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND APPRECIATE WHAT THE PARISH HAS TO OFFER. WE WANT THIS TO BE AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY CAN GROW UP AND CONTINUE TO LIVE IN WITH ADEQUATE WORK AND HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Front cover illustration: competition winner Rebecca Truckle, East Gomeldon Community Plan
Foreword: This document has been produced by the Porton, when looking at any change in Idmiston Parish. This is Idmiston & Gomeldon Community Plan Steering Group. just the beginning of a long term project. The The work done by this group based on the information Community Plan must be updated regularly, but equally given by the community, has become increasingly as important, a Village Design Statement should also be important due to the demise of Salisbury District Council produced. This document should help to unite the and the birth of Wiltshire Unitary Council. This community and help us all to work together to achieve Community plan (and the Village Design Statement our common aims. when produced) will have to be considered by Unitary Planning Officers and Idmiston Parish Council members, PIG Steering Group
1 Background
In November 2000, the Government Rural White Paper Following a vote, to start the process of a Community ‘Our Countryside – The Future’ launched the concept of Plan, volunteers were invited to set up a Steering Group to Parish or Community Plans to: manage the project. Volunteers ideally would not be members of the parish council. • set out a vision of what is important, how new development can best be fitted in, the design and The primary objectives of the Community Plan were; quality standards it should meet, how to preserve valued local features and to map out the facilities which the •To incorporate any requirements which make our community needs to safeguard for the future... to village a pleasant place to live in identify key facilities and services, set out the problems that need to be tackled and demonstrate how their •Help people work together to obtain those ends. distinctive character and features can be preserved. Matters such as additional housing, schooling, rights of way and traffic issues especially in respect of Porton In February 2008, a meeting was held in Porton, attended Down access came out of the initial public meeting. by people from Idmiston Parish, which comprises the villages of Porton, Idmiston and the Gomeldons. Those in The process of completing a Community plan, can take a attendance were asked year or more.
• what they liked or disliked about the villages?
• what do you want to happen in the future?
What happened next
A project plan and budget were produced and funding Because of the different nature of each of the villages applied for. Funding was granted from Community First (Porton, Idmiston and the Gomeldon’s) responses from (£500), Salisbury District Council (£500) and Idmiston each village were kept, recorded and dealt with separately. Parish Council (£200). The results were then amalgamated into an action plan Over the next few weeks, the Steering Group sent a and distributed to potential partners for their comments questionnaire to every household in the Parish, with during an eight week consultation period. questions aimed at the over 18 year old age group. A draft Community Plan was prepared in readiness for its This was the first stage of a detailed community ratification by the Area committee. consultation. Following this, an additional questionnaire for young people aged 5-17 was sent out. Based on the At Idmiston Parish Council’s Annual Parish meeting in outcome of the questionnaires, all issues of concern or 2009, the results were displayed and a PowerPoint interest were expressed and included in the creation of the presentation given by members of the steering group. draft Community Plan.
The percentages quoted and displayed throughout this document are the overall results from 379 questionnaires returned, which was a very positive response.
2 Aerial view of Porton and part of Gomeldon, taken with Porton in the foreground, looking Southwest
3 Introduction to Idmiston Parish
The parish of Idmiston lies 6 miles north of Salisbury and river and the A338 with a large farm and houses dotted on 6 miles away from Amesbury and consists of 3 villages, either side of the road. Porton, Idmiston and Gomeldon. Gomeldon runs along the top of the hill from the old The Bourne River runs through the valley following the Saxon settlement at the bottom of Gomeldon hill, past the A338 and makes its way through Idmiston, along Porton school and down towards the railway arch. village and through West Gomeldon. The main London – South-West railway line passes through the parish. East Gomeldon, is a ribbon development which is under the railway arch, up the hill to the old chapel at the top of Porton has most of the local amenities including shops, a East Gomeldon Rd, where there is a playing field with doctor’s surgery, a playing field and nature trail, a church beautiful views across open countryside. and a hotel. It has a farm in its centre and a village hall, well used for meetings and social events. The village has a working farm at its centre, and is rural in feel with a mix of small holdings and modern homes. Idmiston is a pretty village with a church and a working farm at its heart. The Bourne River runs into the village from the Strong links exist with neighbouring Boscombe Down and main A338 where there is a pub (The Earl of Normanton). Porton Down establishments. Idmiston Parish is part of the recently formed Bourne Valley Alliance of Parish Councils. Gomeldon is in 3 parts. West Gomeldon, which runs along the bottom of the valley following the course of the
Where we are
4 History
The parish of Idmiston contains three villages on the River Bourne. The three settlements are Gomeldon, Porton and Idmiston itself. Gomeldon, originally known as ‘Gumel’s Dun’ was a Saxon settlement established on the lower slopes of a hill, whilst Porton may have derived from ‘Poor or Power’ a possible old name for the river Bourne. Idmiston is the farm or homestead of Idmaer’s Tun. The parish is a typical chalkland parish with arable and meadow land in the river valley and rough grazing All Saints Church, Idmiston. This church has been redundant since 1978. on the downs that rise from either side of the valley, there are substantial Bronze Age farmhouse. During the existing building in the parish is the numbers of large flint nodules that Iron Age there were various small timber-framed Old Vicarage at have been used as a building material fams which probably continued into Idmiston which is early 15th century. since Saxon times. the Roman-British period, and in the 10th century Saxon burial grounds There was some rebuilding in the There is evidence of a substantial were found in Gomeldon. early 17th century beginning with prehistoric settlement in the area Idmiston Manor. Around 1620 the with flint mines at Easton Down By the time of the Domesday Book rectory was built by John Bowle, (which is part of Porton Down (1086) there are three communities, during the civil war the Bowles were range) and Martin’s Clump at Idmiston had woodland, Gomeldon Royalists whilst another leading local Thorney Down there was a late and Porton water mills. The earliest family, the Redes were Roundheads.
Porton Railway Station, date unknown
5 Several smaller houses were built in during the 14-18 war an has been owned by the government the 17th Century, four surviving establishment was needed to research to accommodate the airfield and properties being Thatch End in ways of protecting British forces, Porton Down. Idmiston, Box Hedge Cottage, Lane 3000 acres was purchased by the War End Cottage and Ti Trees in Porton. Department, laboratories were in The Memorial Hall was built in 1958 huts and Porton Camp was to commemorate the 37 men of the By the 18th century flint was used as established, a meterological section parish who fell in the two world wars, the main building material, at this was opened in 1916, more land was the station closed in 1968, playing time, the vicar and local landowners acquired in 1918 bringing the total to fields were opened in Porton in 1976 were against having an ale house in the 6196 acres. By this time, the camp and Gomeldon in 1977 and a nature parish because they thought labourers contained 50 officers, 1000 other reserve established on the Porton would spend too much time there. ranks and 500 civilian workers. There ranges, with some new building Porton had its own highwaywoman, was further development of the camp taking place, we now have the Moll Harris, she was caught and hung. between wars, after the second world Idmiston Parish as we know today. war the Microbiological Research The railway was built through the Establishment was built in 1949. parish in 1854 with the station opening in 1859, the main economy The greater part of the airfield of of the parish was still agriculture. Boscombe Down is in the Idmiston Parish, although the base itself is in The early 20th century saw many the Amesbury parish, for much of changes, with the use of gas warfare the 20th century most of the parish
6 Porton High Street 1946
Idmiston Old School (July 1972 – last day)
7 Community Services
Crime It is recognised that Wiltshire has one of the lowest crime They occasionally come and speak at Public meetings to rates in the UK, and the replies to the questionnaires address any concerns residents may have. They sometimes reflected this, as only a few people commented on organise speed checks in our villages. A youth liaison vandalism and hawkers. A handful of people mentioned a officer was working in the village in 2009. lack of visible policing. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit and careless parking Neighbourhood Watch schemes are in operation in some both at shops and Gomeldon School have caused safety parts, and there are plans to expands into more areas. concerns for many.
The local community beat officer is based in Amesbury and supported by a team of Police Community Support Officers.
YOUR VIEWS ACTION • In all villages, by far the largest concerns were • The Neighbourhood Watch team to be better excess traffic, HGV’s and speeding, with 139 supported – their contact details more visible. respondents highlighting these as a problem. • Encourage new groups in areas not • Parking Issues in and around Porton post-office already covered. area and Gomeldon School were also causing 73 concerns. • Liaise with Community Support Officers re vandalism and hawkers – pass on any information promptly, with relevant details recorded.
• Use Local Magazine and Community Notice boards to inform residents how to communicate with police.
We asked what you liked about living in your village “Safe and secure, friendly and helpful neighbours.....” (Idmiston)
“Generally a safe and friendly environment” (Gomeldon)
“Its quiet, people of all ages are generally polite and law abiding” (Porton)
8 Gomeldon Ford with West Gomeldon in the background Lane between Gomeldon and Porton
View from the top of East Gomeldon Road Footpath from Gomeldon towards the Winterbournes
High Street, Porton, date unknown
9 Local Services (including public transport)
Currently bus services to and from Idmiston is a peaceful, rural village There are two thriving schools in the Salisbury and Tidworth run fairly with no services of its own, but has Parish, Gomeldon Primary School in frequently from Monday to Saturday access to the good local services in Gomeldon and St Nicholas Primary during the day. No evening or Porton, although there is no School between Porton and Idmiston. Sunday services are provided. pavement joining the villages. Parking is often an issue at Gomeldon School. Both schools have written The only service along the length of Gomeldon is a rural village with Green travel plans and are working East Gomeldon Road is on Tuesday open views of the countryside, with to improve safety and reduce the and Saturday (9.30am returning at East Gomeldon having limited access number of cars dropping off pupils. 12.30pm). under a low, narrow railway bridge. There are no shops (East Gomeldon The village hall has a packed The high cost of using the bus service having lost its shop several years ago) timetable, and is well used, was a drawback for some, although but has access to Porton’s facilities providing a meeting place for a wide residents over 60 can apply for a free but again no pavement between range of groups. bus-pass. Gomeldon and Porton. The mobile library attends fortnightly. Dstl at Porton Down have a fleet of The local supermarkets will provide a Idmiston Parish Council hosts a web- 14 buses used to ferry workers to and delivery service but they do make a site giving some local information, from the site. They have offered use charge for this. A doorstep delivery of but it needs to be more user-friendly of these vehicles to schools outside of resh seasonal products is also available. and open to all. commuting hours. Winterbourne Post Office & Stores also offer a local delivery service. The nearest train stations are Salisbury and Grateley, both fair distances away. The railway line runs through the Parish, the stations at Porton and Idmiston have been closed for many years.
There are a huge number of commuters that now come into the villages by road due to the expansion of establishments at Porton Down, and with further expansion anticipated, it is hoped that the Porton Down Green Travel Plan will include talks with Network Rail about these issues.
Porton has good local services including Post Office & shop, Doctors surgery, Take-away, hair- dresser, garage, garden centre, hotel and village hall. All villages have the advantage of being close to Salisbury & Amesbury and their amenities. Gomeldon Arch
10 YOUR VIEWS ACTION • Many residents of Gomeldon • To install new pavements between village (Idmiston Parish & Idmiston felt that the bus Council have already applied for funding - this is ongoing). service did not fully meet their needs, in terms of • Pursue idea of re-opening Porton railway station or establish timing and frequency. Halt to access Porton Down establishments.
• With so many issues centred • Contact bus providers and local pressure groups to understand on excess traffic, the re-opening options for improving bus services. of railway station at Porton would benefit many. • Provide info on community notice boards concerning rural taxi services. • 26% of respondents in Porton were satisfied with • Make sure schools are aware of the bus transport offered by Dstl. their local services. • Publicise local delivery services from shops and recreational • The absence of facilities in activities by using Community Notice board, local magazines the Gomeldon area was a and website. source of concern for many. The lack of a shop and pub, • Find funding & support to install notice boards in each amenities for the young, community to share information. lack of a community meeting place, no centre to the village • Monitor and support green travels plans from schools & Dstl. and lack of footpaths, bridleway and cycle paths, • Improvement to Parish Council website, to make it user-friendly with a total of 166 comments and keep it up-to-date. concerning these issues.
Idmiston Halt, June 1965
11 Health Services
Porton has a Doctors surgery with dispensary for its own patients. There is also a part time physiotherapist. ACTION • Promote Bourne Valley Link Scheme Home delivery prescription services are available through Boots the services and explore possibility of Chemist and other chemists. extending service provision i.e. Dentist.
There is no dentist or other NHS medical services in the villages. • Communication of services and schemes available via community Bourne Valley Good Neighbour Link service (01980 611117) offer a notice board. transportation or prescription collection service.
Surgery, Porton 2010
12 Transport
The speed limit in the villages is 30mph, increasing to 60mph between villages, which is an issue causing concern for many residents.
On the A338, speed limits vary from 40mph to 60mph. Bourne Valley Alliance are working on reducing the speed limits on the A338, to bring it in line with other villages through Idmiston Arch, Church Road – problem access to Porton Down the Bourne Valley. Road surfaces are in poor condition Pavements exist within the villages in HGV’s and LGV’s frequently travel throughout the Parish, with potholes most places, but there are none through the villages either to deliver and road markings frequently faint between the villages, making access to village businesses or to access or missing. This is thought to be a to schools and amenities potentially Porton Down establishments, causing hazard to road users in all the hazardous. safety and pollution concerns. This is villages. There have been some especially an issue past the two temporary repairs, but these are not a Footpaths. A network of footpaths schools and traffic using Church Rd long term solution as they quickly run through Porton,and are generally Idmiston to access Porton Down. deteriorate in bad weather. well signposted and well used. A nature
Porton Ford, 2010
13 trail has been established and maintained by the Parish Council, alongside the River Bourne, with bird and insect ACTION boxes installed to encourage wild-life. Elsewhere, footpaths • Continue to support Bourne Valley Alliance for are not so much in evidence, with 3 short lengths in A338 speed limits reduction. Gomeldon and none in Idmiston, a fact that was commented upon by 17 respondents. (See appendix B – • To install new pavements between villages Rights of Way) (Idmiston Parish Council have already applied for funding to install pavements between the Bridleways/Cycle-routes. Routes exist in West villages. This is ongoing.) Gomeldon, running through Deans farm towards Boscombe Down, and The Portway, which runs from the • Investigate options for lowering speed limits centre of Porton through grazing land to the far end of through our villages. Idmiston. Neither of these routes link amenities or are suitable for school access. The lack of bridleways and cycle- • HGV access to Porton should be via Pheasant routes was commented upon by 21 adult respondents. We road. Continue to lobby Porton Down to ensure asked the children ‘If there was a safe cycle route would you HGV’s access their site from A30 Pheasant Rd. use it?’ 102 said yes. • Excessive traffic using Church Rd to Porton Down. Investigate use of traffic control calming YOUR VIEWS methods and installation of new pavements. • In Porton & Idmiston by far the largest concerns were excess traffic, HGV’s and speeding, with • Reduce Porton Down traffic going past 139 respondents highlighting these as a problem. both schools.
• 26% of respondents had an issue with vehicles • Obtain updates on re-surfacing plans for the roads. speeding including along the A338. • Improve maintenance of pavements. • 87 respondents highlighted poor road maintenance and marking as a safety issue. • Monitor condition of footpaths and bridleways.
We asked what you liked about living in your village “I love this village; the people are great, very friendly. We love coming home at night to the peace and quiet after working in and around Salisbury” (Gomeldon)
“Quietness, easy access to main roads and shopping centres, plenty of birds, bees and wild-life” (Idmiston)
“Its rural nature, friendly people, excellent shop and post office and other facilities, easy access to Salisbury, London and the West Country” (Porton)
14 Environment & Amenities
The villages are surrounded by open countryside, either residents in all three areas. The proximity of Boscombe working farm-land (mixture of arable and pasture) or by Down and subsequent air-traffic noise and low-flying contrast, Porton Down which is a Site of Special Scientific disturbances are also a problem. Interest. It is rich in vegetation and wildlife, such as deer, rare butterflies, buzzards and stone curlews. The River Litter/Fly Tipping/Animal mess - The local Women’s Bourne and its banks provide a wonderful habitat for Institute carry out a monthly litter-pick in some areas, and wild-life with regular sightings of kingfishers and egrets. any litter in the 2 playing fields is collected by Parish Council employees on a daily basis. The village at Idmiston is known to flood on occasions, when run-off from the farmer’s fields runs into the valley Incidents of fly-tipping occur from time to time, and are and along the road course. There are 2 Flood Wardens usually removed by WUC Clarence service, although this located in Idmiston who monitor the situation and there can take some time. is a tele-monitoring station by the river. Animal mess, particularly dog faeces, deposited and not There are 2 fords within the parish, at Porton and picked up was a frequent complaint in public areas. There Gomeldon. Some residents mentioned that the handrail’s are many signs throughout the villages asking dog owners there need to be painted. to pick up deposits, and warning of possible fines, but some continue to offend. There are no dog-waste-bins in There are many verges throughout the villages, the parish but mess can be disposed of in normal WUC maintained by Wiltshire Unitary Council. Some concerns bins as long as it is wrapped have been voiced on the quality of upkeep. Re-cycling is carried out by kerb-side collection service Pollution - Establishments at Porton Down do emit light from WUC on a fortnightly basis. pollution at night, and this was commented upon by
Porton Ford, date unknown
15 Most areas within village boundaries have street lighting and there were few references about this, except in the YOUR VIEWS Gomeldon area, where 12 respondents commented on the • The vast majority of questionnaire respondents lack of street lighting and felt this was a safety issue. greatly value their environment and do not want it to change The lack of a community meeting place and a shop in Gomeldon was an issue with many residents, as was the • Pollution (light, noise and smell) was the 4th lack of shop and a focal point to the village of Idmiston most important issue for Porton respondents.
The cemetery at Porton church is nearly full. A new burial • Low-flying aircraft are a problem in the Parish. site will need to be found.
ACTION • Protect, respect and enjoy our countryside. • Lobby Porton Down establishments to try Raise public awareness of the ‘Countryside Code’ and reduce amount of light pollution. (The Code makes it clear what the responsibility are for both the public and for the people who • Investigate additional provision manage the land). to encourage wildlife.
• Monitor potential flooding. The Flood Warden • Lack of community meeting places/shop to be assisted by Environmental Agency. in Gomeldon.
• Idmiston Parish Council to ensure Parish Steward • Lack of shop and focal point in Idmiston. is aware of drainage ditches throughout the Parish and to keep them clear. • Provision of a new burial site.
• Maintain a clean and healthy village. Raise public • Keeping the village free from litter/tipping/dog mess. awareness of antisocial animal mess and dangers of dog faeces, via notice boards and local publications. • Street Lighting Plans are in hand to have extra WUC bins placed at both ends of the cut at Ladysmith. • Maintenance of Ford bridges
Respondents sighted the following things they liked about the environment Lovely Bridle-way to Newton Tony (Idmiston) Peace and quiet, no through road (East Gomeldon) Peace, space, sociability (Porton) Easy access to Salisbury (Idmiston)
16 Wildlife photographs taken in the Parish courtesy of Nicky Fower, East Gomeldon
17 Sport & Leisure
We are lucky to have access to the countryside, which gives us the freedom to walk and ride. YOUR VIEWS • Pavements between There are two playing fields, one in East Gomeldon, the other in Porton; both villages would improve have a wide range of equipment for all abilities and disabilities. access to playing fields and village hall. East Gomeldon has a zip-wire, balance equipment, swings & roundabouts for older children, swing suitable for children with disabilities and an area for the • There is a need for under 5’s. Also, football nets and green space for other activities. This playing additional activities, field is a dog-free zone, with seating to enjoy the beautiful views. especially for the younger members of the community. Porton playing field is centrally located with full size football goals, but with busy road crossing and no signage. An area for the Under 10’s. and another for • Better use should be made older children including a swing suitable for children with disabilities. Good of the Playing fields to parking and lots of space. Discussion is currently underway concerning include open air events. equipment for skate boards and bikes with consultation between younger Playing fields to be residents and Idmiston Parish Council ongoing. • available for all ages. Due to its location adjacent to the river, it has become necessary to renew • More equipment was drainage which is planned. requested for the playing fields, including swings, Many of our younger residents asked for more activities in the memorial hall bike tracks/ramps, skate- for 10-18 year olds and open air events. park, and youth shelter.
The memorial hall in Porton has a packed timetable, and is well used, providing a meeting place for a wide range of groups. An annual fete is run by St Nicholas School and St Nicholas’s Church. Gomeldon School has a summer ACTION fete and a firework night. • Improve Playing fields drainage (Porton). Porton, Idmiston & Gomeldon residents highlighted a lack of linked paths, bridleways and cycle ways in the parish and a lack of pavements to link villages. • Safe road crossing with proper signage to Porton Playing field.
• Install connecting pavements between villages.
• Continue to improve and update playing field equipment (Porton and Gomeldon).
• Provide linked paths, cycle routes and bridleways in the Parish. Bourne Valley Beaver Scout Group 2009 at Boscombe Down
18 The Church of St Nicholas, Porton
Bourne Valley Beavers being pirates at Porton playing field 2009
19 Housing, Economic Development & Planning
Idmiston: All the housing in Idmiston is privately owned with no Public authority housing. The river runs adjacent YOUR VIEWS to about half of the houses in the village so this • On the questionnaire, Idmiston respondents consideration should be taken into account when commented that they would like to limit new considering any building requests. build to small developments with the inclusion of some affordable housing. If a need is established for affordable housing, the council will try to provide it on appropriate site, but must take • Community events and facilities were raised by into account the lack of local facilities and services. The many as an area for improvement. lack of pavements in this village would also be a consideration when planning applications are considered. • 61 respondents were concerned about large developments and overdevelopment of small Porton: Majority of housing is privately owned with a sites. (Gomeldon) small percentage of public authority housing. There is a block of 4 affordable houses in the centre of the village.
Once again, a fair proportion of respondents felt that any ACTION new development should be kept to small sites. • Formulate a new steering group to produce a Village Design Statement. Gomeldon: All housing is privately owned. West Gomeldon which runs along the A338 at the bottom of • Limit new development in all villages too the valley has the river running through it and is mainly small or infill sites. greenfield sites and water meadow. • Monitor traffic impact on new development. East Gomeldon is only accessible through a long, narrow, Take full account of access and parking facilities. low (11ft 3”) railway arch and there are frequently access problems with high sided or long vehicles trying to come • Monitor development of new sites. Restrict the into the village. over development of small sites to keep in the character and size of surrounding housing Gomeldon, all private housing with the school at its heart and any new build would be infill, not on greenfield sites. • Ensure drainage problems are not created on Consideration of planning applications in this area should new developments. Make sure developers make be made so as not to aggravate the school parking problems. provision for improvement to drainage on new build and provide enhancement of amenities. Any infill or small sites must take into account the lack of local facilities and services. Many of the roads, drains and • Ensure no loss to wildlife habitat. schools are already at full capacity. Maintain the conservation areas
Much concern was shown that any new building should not be on greenfield sites or sensitive archaeological sites.
20 Entrance to the new Byford Development
21 Employment
There are many working farms in the parish employing local residents. The shops, garage and other commercial YOUR VIEWS services at Porton employ mostly local residents. • Unemployment doesn’t seem to be an issue in this parish, as no comments were made concerning There are a range of other businesses operating within employment. Increased traffic and speeding, the parish, some as sole traders, others employing a especially commercial and HGV vehicles to sites of small numbers of people. high employment however, is clearly a major concern.
By far the largest employees in the area are Dstl, HPA, Tetricus and Serco, all based at Porton Down. Qinetiq Boscombe Down, just outside the parish boundary ACTION has many employees living in and around the area. • Prepare Village Design Statement.
For those working from home, a fast and efficient • Reduce traffic. internet connection is essential. The current connection in some parts of the parish can be insufficient. • Better internet connections for home working.
Better public transport in and out of the village, • Improve to public transport, more flexible time-tables. especially at off peak times would be useful for those who work outside normal hours.
Pupils and Teacher Idmiston School, June 1968
22 Children and Education
Pre-school: A toddler group meets Both schools have active PTA’s who Children over 11, have to attend regularly at the memorial Hall in organise fund raising events in which schools outside the parish. Porton. There is a créche at HPA the whole community can share. Porton Down for children of Both schools have an annual fete and Adult & Other Education: There employees only. Gomeldon School have a bonfire are some craft and activity based evening in November. tuition available in the memorial Schools: There are two schools. Hall (art, dancing, flower arranging Gomeldon School does not have a etc) but no academic or adult St Nicholas School which is a dedicated school bus, and children learning classes. Church of England Voluntary Aided travel out from Salisbury, Amesbury Primary School, for children 4-11 and surrounding areas by car. Currently the schools are not used years old, there will be 84 in for any adult learning and have very attendance in September 2010. St Nicholas School has a bus few events outside of school hours. Gomeldon Primary currently has travelling in from Allington twice However, St Nicholas School have 144 pupils, aged 4-11. 66% of these daily. Approximately 25% of pupils indicatedthat they are always happy come from outside the parish. live outside the parish. to consider letting requests.
YOUR VIEWS ACTION • 10% of Porton respondents • Use schools for community events. wanted more community events and activities, possibly • Use of church for community events. based around school facilities. • Make sure the Green travel plan of both schools’ are implemented • We asked children if there and supported. was enough to do in the villages. The majority felt • Implement multi-user cycle route to link schools from Idmiston there wasn’t. In Porton Parish to Winterbourne, to help walkers, cyclists (multi-user route) about half belonged to to link villages and schools through the Bourne Valley. local clubs, but elsewhere the percentage was lower. • Find additional parking close to Gomeldon Primary School.
• 20 children asked specifically • Encourage support and participation in school and pre-school events for a youth club. and activities by the whole community.
• St Nicholas school would like warning signs and flashing lights. Also a signpost to the school from Winterslow Road.
23 Gomeldon Primary School
St Nicholas School
24 Young People
Our young people in the village (aged between 5-18) were They also identified a need for more structured activities sent individual questionnaires in which we asked specific such as youth groups, dance and music clubs and questions. We had a total of 91 respondents and once suggested these be held in local village hall or schools. again we separated the results depending on location. The high number of replies to the questionnaire shows our Outdoors, other social events such as BBQ’s and concerts young residents are eager to be part of our community were requested and suggested the possibility of using the and to participate; we should respect their views and redundant Idmiston Church. needs as they are our future. The Playing fields were used by nearly all the respondents 41 of respondents go to school in the parish, with the in all villages. In Idmiston, where there are no facilities, remainder going to school or college or work elsewhere. respondents requested a focal point where they could gather, play football, skateboard and sit and talk, as there In Porton, 50% said they belonged to a club or group in is no safe route to Porton, i.e. no pavements or cycle route the village, but in Idmiston & Gomeldon far fewer joined linking the two villages. In Gomeldon, the playing field is clubs and the vast majority felt there was not enough to well used and well equipped for all ages and abilities, do in their villages. although larger goalposts and monkey bars were requested. The local toddler group frequent use the parks One of the questions asked was if they felt safe walking, in the summer, requested a picnic area with benches and cycling or riding in the area. In Porton 32 youngsters felt tables. Some commented that its location at the opposite much safer walking compared with cycling or horse- end of the village from the school was a drawback. Porton riding. In Gomeldon, outstandingly children felt safe has the largest playing field, widely used, although issues walking or cycling, although many of these respondents included the busy road crossing, frequently very wet lived in East Gomeldon which is a no-through road. In underfoot due to poor drainage (which also makes the Idmiston, where there are no pavements, more children football pitch difficult to maintain) and lack of places to felt unsafe either walking or cycling. sit and gather.
They expressed their concerns about speeding traffic and We asked children what they would like to see in the large vehicles passing through. Poor street lighting was an vicinity and their replies were wide-ranging. Activities issue in all villages. suggested were; skateboard park, youth club, horse-riding, new village hall with good facilities, girl guide rainbow We asked ‘if there was a safe cycle path- would you use it?’ group, swings for older children, climbing wall, bike track 96% of youngsters said they would, with 100% of and ramps, youth shelter, swimming pool, tennis court. respondents would cycle to school, or the playing fields or (See Appendix A). On other issues, by far the biggest somewhere else in the villages if there were safe cycle-routes. thing was to see more activities in the memorial hall, schools or other venues. Also on the wish list were a cafe, Approximately 50% of the respondents used the buses to more cycle paths, more pavements, speed cameras and go to school, Salisbury or elsewhere. There were some pedestrian crossings on A338. negative comments about the cost and felt there were not enough buses running in the evenings Recently, the Bourne Valley Youth Project was launched. See Appendix C for a full report by Councillor Katherine 90% of the children currently use the footpaths and Wilford. bridleways in the villages.
In Gomeldon, Idmiston and Porton, our young people felt there was a lack of sports and social clubs, in particular they wanted places to gather and socialise.
25 YOUR VIEWS ACTION • More activities for • Investigate use of Hall or other • Implement new pavements young people. venues for social activities, to link the villages. such as occasional café. (Idmiston Parish Council • To be respected as valued have already applied for members of the community. • Encourage tolerance funding – this is ongoing). between all age groups • Playing field improvements in the community. • Investigate red tarmac walking for all sports, skateboard lanes/cycle lanes where needed. plus seating and meeting • Find funding for new playing areas. field equipment including • Expand bus services. picnic area tables. • Improve and maintain • Look into traffic football pitches and • Investigate use of playing fields calming/reduced speed limit goalposts. or other venues for open air in Church Rd, Idmiston. events and organise these. • Organised village events • Improve street lighting. with the young in mind. • Implement cycle route through and between villages. • Investigate alternative • Better and safer links community transport. between and through the villages.
• Better public transport.
Views from 5-18 year group The perimeter road from Figsbury Rd to the back of Winterbourne Camp (Thorneydown) should be more accessible to people with bikes, prams, etc… would offer safe areas for people to enjoy cycling together. (Gomeldon aged 14-18) Cars go too fast - I would like a cycle lane (Idmiston, aged 5-10) I really want a Skate park for me and my friends! (Porton aged 11-13) Less traffic, the cars go really fast (Porton aged 11-13) Have to cycle and walk in road, between Porton & Gomeldon (Gomeldon aged 5-10) Road signs to stop cars going fast Village youth club for ages 8-14 (Idmiston aged 5-10)
26 Local Government
Idmiston Parish Council is a non political elected body of 15 members of the Parish to speak to the Councillors to express Councillors, which is there to voice and represent the opinion personal views on agenda items (agenda’s are published on of the parishioners of the Parish. This Community Plan will the village notice boards). These public meetings are minuted be used for guidance when the Council is making decision and subsequently published on the parish notice boards and during public meetings. These public meetings also allow on the Parish council website ([email protected]).
Current public meetings: A full council meeting open to the public on the 2nd Monday of the month (except April and August)
• An Annual Parish meeting in April
• Regular published meetings for the Planning Committee.
• Regular published meetings for the Finance & General Purpose Committee.
In addition, when events become significant, additional advertised public meetings are held.
Clerk, Idmiston Parish Council, 2010
View across to the River Bourne
27 We asked…
What do you like...? Ideas for the future of your village? Good public transport, nice walks, Use the Church (Idmiston), close good views, 2 good local shops. Church Rd access to Porton Down, (Gomeldon resident) Road signs on Church Rd and Idmiston Rd indicating narrow road, children playing, pedestrian, What don’t you like? and no footpath. Restrict large Traffic on Winterslow Rd, especially vehicle access. by shop and surgery, dangerous (Idmiston) coming out of High St with all Any other things you would like to see or change in the parked cars. Poor condition your village? of roads in the area . A cycle path, happy people, (Porton) no more houses (5-10 year old, Gomeldon) Open the train station, a gym, more clubs and groups, more social events, a rave in the village hall (14-18 year old, Idmiston)
The following 14 pages contain the action plan information
28 TNERS R iltshire Police Police iltshire Police iltshire Police iltshire Council iltshire embers of the public ossible stakeholders and arish Church magazine arish Church dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA P partners to help carry out these proposals W M I SP4 magazine P W W Team) (Community Beat I I W I mbers of the Public iltshire Police iltshire Police iltshire Police iltshire Council iltshire eighbourhood Watch co-ordinator eighbourhood Watch co-ordinator eighbourhood Watch Rail etwork LEAD RESPONSIBILITY N W W Team) (Community Beat N Me W W N DSTL Ltd Tetricus and DSTL, HPA oposals for consideration and inclusion oposals for consideration CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO se local magazines and notice boards to inform se local magazines and notice boards se local magazines, IPC website and notice boards to and notice boards se local magazines, IPC website e-opening of Porton railway station or establishing e-opening of Porton ctively encourage groups in areas in areas encourage groups ctively ublicise Neighbourhood Watch activities and Watch ublicise Neighbourhood ass any information to Police, with relevant ass any information to Police, with relevant ass any information to Police, nstall pavements between the villages – IPC have between nstall pavements esidents of how to communicate with police esidents of how A Pr responses in the final community plan following to the consultations P in each village contact details of co-ordinator A covered not currently P information noted U r P information noted U to communicate with police of how inform residents I applied for funding this - ongoing already R site Down a halt for staff to access Porton Continued use of coach transport to bring in workers schemes Car share CTION POINT awkers eighbourhood Watch Schemes eighbourhood Watch OMMUNITY SERVICES andalism xpansion & Awareness of xpansion & Awareness OCAL SERVICES OCAL SERVICES ummary of key issues that were mprove pedestrian access mprove A S to our attention during brought the consultation by both public meetings and questionnaires E N H V I villages between Lack of railway transport, both for the number local use and to reduce road by of commuters who travel C CRIME L TRANSPORT) (INC PUBLIC
29 TNERS R ton Surgery ton Surgery morial Hall morial Hall oup) r r ilts & Dorset Bus Co Bus ilts & Dorset alisbury Rural Taxis alisbury Rural dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council, dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish DSTL PA W Wiltshire Connect 2 S Community Transport I Magazines SP4 & Church I Magazine SP4/Church/Parish Me & Groups Local Businesses I Ltd DSTL/HPA/Tetricus Opportunity COGS (Cycling Gr I Po Link Scheme Valley Bourne Po I ton & Winterbourne Stores Winterbourne ton & r iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Trust Service Health iltshire etwork Rail etwork omeldon & St Nicholas Schools Nicholas omeldon & St dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY W N I G Po I W Link Scheme Valley Bourne W estigate re-opening Porton train stations Porton estigate re-opening in each estigate funding to install notice boards estigate possibility of extending services ake sure schools are aware and utilise the service aware schools are ake sure onitor and support progress CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v v se local magazines, IPC website and notice boards se local magazines, IPC website and notice boards se local magazines, IPC website and notice boards se local magazines, IPC website xplore other groups or public transport other groups options xplore mprove service – Contact bus providers and local service – Contact bus providers mprove A I to understand options groups pressure E In U of the serviceto inform residents M U of the serviceto inform residents In information community to share M U of the serviceto inform residents In elopment of Green Travel Plans Travel elopment of Green v CTION POINT omote Bourne Valley Link Scheme Valley omote Bourne xplore possibilities of extending xplore OCAL SERVICES OCAL SERVICES ublic transport in Gomeldon DSTL have offered use of coach offered DSTL have from schools and Porton Down schools and Porton from Pr services and other schemes available E services A P does not fully meet & Idmiston in timing the needs of residents and regularity of rural taxi serviceRaise awareness transport to local schools, during certain hours of deliveryRaise awareness services local shops by offered Lack of a focal point and way of communicating events and information De HEALTH L TRANSPORT) (INC PUBLIC
30 TNERS R mbers of the Public (to call mbers of the Public iltshire Police iltshire Police iltshire dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA I W I W MOD Police I Me CLARENCE on 0800 232323) I iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire LEAD RESPONSIBILITY W W W W W vide updates on re-surfacing plans for roads vide updates on re-surfacing onitor new speed limit of MOD road and speed of commuter volumes onitor regularly CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO o educe speed limits between villages to 30 mph educe speed limits between needed where epair potholes and resurface ncourage residents to phone Clarence to phone Clarence ncourage residents olice speed checks nstall pavements between the villages – IPC have between nstall pavements Establish method of informing IPC of problem areas Establish method of informing IPC problem E problems to report A Alliance Valley Continue to support Bourne for A338 speed limit reductions R P M M and other traffic I applied for funding this – ongoing already R Pr onitoring volumes and speeds onitoring volumes CTION POINT educe speed limit on A338 educe risk of collisions for oor maintenance of the road surfacesoor state of some road A TRANSPORT R the speed limits through Lowering signs? villages “20 is plenty” when finished should MOD road a 50MPH have M of traffic R moving pedestrians and drivers villages between P leading to potholes and structure of the surface general breakdown users to road being a hazard P within the Parish
31 TNERS R etricus Ltd dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish DSTL HPA T I PA I iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire LEAD RESPONSIBILITY W W ton (previously agreed with Wiltshire Council Wiltshire with agreed ton (previously estigate red tarmac walking lanes for Church estigate red r onitor situation CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v equest made at Sept 2009 area board for entire board 2009 area equest made at Sept Order Regulation Traffic oad with a oad and any other suitable location. waiting DSTL investigation raffic Volumes Sept 2009 dictate that action Sept Volumes raffic ehicle access for residents only and link it to short ehicle access for residents mplement construction of new to pavements esurfaced in 2010 after Pheasant Road is reopened esurfaced Road in 2010 after Pheasant A site managers to Down Porton Continue to Lobby this they enforce ensure A T needed sooner rather than later R to be A338 to MOD Gates from length of road r traffic use, controls access – excessive Road Church implemented access not yet needed card Winterbourne traffic from through A ban on LGV Rd and Idmiston Rd, Church gunner to Gomeldon R M I with and Gomeldon with Porton connect Idmiston Po when and if funding available) In R Street High suggestion to make Porton Alternative v to the school length of pavement ton Down r CTION POINT estrict Access via Winterslow Road Winterslow via estrict Access raffic Control – Chapman’s – Chapman’s raffic Control corner Target’s raffic control ntroduction of New Access into Access of New ntroduction unction w”low rd & A338) rd unction w”low A TRANSPORT site Down HGV access to Porton Rd should be via the Pheasant I Po R Down into Porton T corner Porton T J Lack of connecting pavements
32 TNERS cholas School R Ni iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire
illage Design Statement illage Design ustran teering Group dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish DSTL/HPA/Tetricus Ltd DSTL/HPA/Tetricus PA I W I W COGS /BUGS S Local schools (supported by plans) travel their green V S I Alliance Bourne Valley Local Residents I St iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish DSTL, HPA & Tetricus Ltd Tetricus & DSTL, HPA LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I W W I W I W W I W vide updates on re-pairing plans for pavements vide updates on re-pairing use A30 pheasant road to access Porton Down to access Porton use A30 pheasant road estigate possible new or those which have routes estigate possibility of central car-park estigate Traffic calming methods Traffic estigate wn to Salisbury & from the Parish to Amesbury wn to Salisbury the Parish & from
onitor funding from WCC WCC onitor funding from onitor Situation CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v v o e-open footpaths/byways across MOD land across e-open footpaths/byways raffic control/calming elican crossing at shop & school elican crossing mplement the proposed cycle route from Porton from route cycle mplement the proposed nstall pavements between the villages – ongoing between nstall pavements esidents of how to report problems to report esidents of how Establish method of informing IPC of problem areas Establish method of informing IPC problem M I Do villages to open up safe and Valley & other Bourne access for all, including disabled, inclusive pushchair/pram users, walkers & horse-riders R use local Annual walk and inspections of all routes, to inform and noiceboards magazines, IPC website r In path been historically used as permissive T In P A In I To M Pr ite S ton, Idmiston & Gomeldon ton, Idmiston wn from Church Road Idmiston Road Church wn from king issues in Porton at shop, king issues in Porton r r onitor conditions of footpaths CTION POINT omeldon Schools estrict HGV access to Porton ootpath from Porton to Porton Porton ootpath from mprove maintenance of pavements mprove ncrease number of footpaths ncrease esidents highlighted a lack of A TRANSPORT R Do and and past both Idmiston G Construction & Delivery traffic issues I F Down school and church Po r and routes linked paths/cycle bridleways in the Parish M and bridleways I and bridleways Pa
33 TNERS R iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Wildlife iltshire Council iltshire nvironmental Agency nvironmental lood Wardens dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA F I W W I E W W iltshire Council (Parish Steward) Council (Parish iltshire dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish DSTL, HPA & Tetricus Ltd Tetricus & DSTL, HPA LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I I I W I I estigate possibility for wildlife areas estigate additional provision for expansion of footpaths estigate provision CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v v ans are in hand to place extra Wiltshire Council Wiltshire in hand to place extra ans are nsure all drainage is maintained and updated nsure monitored any new are developments nsure lood Wardens to monitor river Wardens lood arish Stewards to keep them clear arish Stewards educe amount of light pollution A In of the CountrysideRaise public awareness Code E as and when needed E and flood plains not built on F P of the danger dog faeces, Raise public awareness via noticeboads and local publications Pl bins at both ends of Ladysmith cut establishments to try and Down Porton Lobby r In in the Parish In and open spaces for walkers dogs aintain a clean and healthy village onitor drainage ditches CTION POINT otect, respect and enjoy and enjoy otect, respect igh St Porton vehicle access for vehicle Porton igh St mprove habitat for Wildlife habitat for mprove esidents only and link to short A TRANSPORT suggestion to make Alternative H r along western length of pavement side of school ENVIRONMENT AND AMENITIES Pr our countryside Concern about potential flooding and poor drainage is always an issue runs the parish as the river through M M Down Porton Light pollution from I
34 TNERS R yal Enterprise Advisor yal Enterprise ther interested religious bodies religious ther interested omeldon Schools aptist Church dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish WI Council dmiston Parish PA Groups Local Residents I G Groups Local Resident Groups Local Resident WI Ro I of England Church B O I hop S iries interbourne Shop & Post Office & Post interbourne Shop Council iltshire omeldon School dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY G I I Porton W Da team Minsterial Valley Bourne I W I ide more litter bins in the places where litter bins in the places where ide more estigate the possibility of using school for estigate possibility of opening church estigations and talks ongoing for provision where in the areas estigate additional streetlights CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v v v ov rganise events in the village and investigate rganise events eep up the litter picks and expand if necessary ncourage community pride and keeping our nstall community notice board to advertise nstall community notice board nvite local shops to consider delivery services the milkman and by nformation about deliveries Link Scheme nformation about BV A In plans travel as per schools green community events O possibility of building village hall I local events I I other home delivery services I In for social events In of new burial ground. Pr needed they are K E clean and tidy environment In & Idmiston) Porton is a need (Gomeldon, there community notice boards community notice boards vision of new burial site
CTION POINT o eep the village free from eep the village free K litter/tipping/animal mess lighting in some areas Lack of street A Lack of community meeting place/shop in Gomeldon No (3) & Gomeldon in Idmiston Lack of shop and focal point in Idmiston Pr ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENT AND AMENITIES
35 TNERS R iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire esign Statement Steering Group Steering esign Statement nvironment Agency nvironment Agency nvironmental ustran dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA I E W COGS /BUGS S Ltd DSTL/HPA/Tetricus I Local schools (supported by plans) travel their green Alliance Bourne Valley D I W E I iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire illage Design Statement Statement illage Design teering Group dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I W I I W V S W on Playing field on Playing ton (previously agreed with Wiltshire Council Wiltshire with agreed ton (previously estigate possibility of providing safe road safe road estigate possibility of providing wn to Salisbury & from the Parish to Amesbury wn to Salisbury the Parish & from w Play equipment (See Appendix A) Appendix equipment (See w Play rm a Village Design Statement Steering Group, Group, Steering Statement Design Village rm a r rt onitor new developments CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v e-open footpaths/byways across MOD land across e-open footpaths/byways mplement construction of new to pavements This is planned for 2010 drainage - mprove Porton from route cycle mplement the proposed A Ne I with and Gomeldon with Porton connect Idmiston Po when and if funding available) I In entrance to signage at road and proper crossing Po I Do villages to open up safe Valley & other Bourne access for all, including disabled, and inclusive pushchair/pram users, walkers & horse-riders R Fo to guide development M ton, Idmiston & Gomeldon ton, Idmiston r CTION POINT usy road crossing and no signage crossing usy road arish about the proposals for large arish about the proposals mprove Playing fields Playing mprove nstall connecting pavements esidents highlighted a lack of A & LEISURE SPORT I I villages between Boggy conditions underfoot field Playing in Porton B field. Playing at entrance to Porton Po r and routes linked paths/cycle bridleways in the Parish has been concern in the There P within the housing developments Plan) Strategy villages. (Core for large were That the proposals sites on greenfield developments sites not brownfield HOUSING, ECONOMIC HOUSING, ECONOMIC & PLANNING DEVELOPMENT
36 TNERS R iltshire Wildlife iltshire atural England atural England illage Design Statement illage Design teering Group teering Group dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA I CPRE I CPRE I I CPRE I N RSPB W V S I iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire LEAD RESPONSIBILITY W W W W W W W aintain conservation & habitat area onitor new developments onitor new developments CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO illage Design Statement to address this to address Statement illage Design estrict the over-development of small sites to keep estrict the over-development nsure developers make provision for improvements make provision developers nsure ake full account of access and parking facilities ake full account of access and parking A R housing of surrounding in with character and size M T M E enhancement to drainage on new builds and provide of amenities M V ture planning to ensure ture any of the services, i.e. roads, erdeveloped - buildings should be erdeveloped onitor traffic impact of new CTION POINT ome of the sites in our villages are ural/agricultural communities and A not That small sites are ov in keeping with the character and housing of surrounding size mainly The villages are r population the density of increased must not be too high M taking account of developments, facilities access and parking S areas archaeological in sensitive M already drainage, schools, are at full capacity Loss of conservation & habitat area Fu opportunity for employment exists within the Parish HOUSING, ECONOMIC HOUSING, ECONOMIC & PLANNING DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYMENT
37 TNERS icholas Schools R N iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Co Bus ilts & Dorset Council iltshire iltshire Council iltshire
etwork Rail etwork omeldon Primary & omeldon Primary alisbury Rural Taxis alisbury Rural dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA Ltd Tetricus & DSTL, HPA N I W W W Wiltshire Connect 2 S Community Transport Alliance Bourne Valley Community bus provider W G St Churches Churches Community Groups Schools Church Community Groups Local Residents W I & Other Internet Service Providers Internet & Other
etwork Rail etwork omeldon & St Nicholas Schools Nicholas omeldon & St dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish I I I G LEAD RESPONSIBILITY N BT ide improved internet service ide improved estigate re-opening of Porton Railway station of Porton estigate re-opening means such as estigate possibility or alternative estigate possibilities of using schools or churches onitor and support progress CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v v ov possible whenever omote and help with events A In or establishing a halt Continued use of coach transport to bring in workers schemes Car share Pr In scheme car share In additional educational for community events, club activities and as a youth Pr M flexible time-tables for
re the whole community een Travel Plan een Travel
CTION POINT educe traffic to sites etter internet connections for ncourage support and mplementation of Schools A EMPLOYMENT R of major employment B home working Mo bus transport to serve the needs of shift workers CHILDREN AND EDUCATION Lack of places for community events E participation in school and and activities events pre-school by I Gr
38 TNERS icholas School R N iltshire Council iltshire
omeldon School ustran dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA COGS /BUGS S I Ltd DSTL/HPA/Tetricus Local schools (supported by plans) travel their green W Local Landowners I G St I iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire omeldon School LEAD RESPONSIBILITY W G W W W estigate use of small Christmas Tree field for Tree estigate use of small Christmas estigate cost of installing signage wn to Salisbury & from the Parish to Amesbury wn to Salisbury the Parish & from CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v elican crossing at school elican crossing upport school green travel plans travel upport school green mplement the proposed cycle route from Porton from route cycle mplement the proposed to help walkers, route cycle mplement agreed A I Do villages to open up safe Valley & other Bourne access for all, including disabled, and inclusive pushchair/pram users, walkers & horse-riders In additional parking S I etc (multi-user route) cyclists P In and flashing lights icholas school would like N interslow Road interslow CTION POINT
nd additional parking close nd additional parking mplement multi-user route to link mplement multi-user route A CHILDREN AND EDUCATION I the villages and schools through Bourne Valley Fi School to Gomeldon St warning signs and flashing lights outside Also a signpost to the school from W
39 TNERS R iltshire & Dorset bus & Dorset iltshire ustran & COGS ustran & COGS dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish PA WASP Project/ Together The Fit Partnership County Sports Leadership Community Youth Community 1st Schools WASP Project/ Together The Fit Partnership County Sports Leadership Community Youth Community 1st I DSTL/HPA/Tetricus S I Dstl/HPA/Tetricus S W company/Connect 2 iltshire Council iltshire Council iltshire dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I I I W W I estigate utilization of Memorial Hall, Schools Hall, estigate utilization of Memorial tarmac walking lane estigate red w pavements to link Idmiston to Porton to link Idmiston w pavements with Porton to link Idmiston w pavement cle route to link the villages cle route CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO v v isplay bus timetable (Done) raffic calming – 20mph limit Church Rd raffic calming – 20mph limit Church ublise young peoples discounted fares ublise young ind funding for new equipment ossibility of finding an open area to use ossibility of finding an open area outh club, girl guide rainbow group, brownies, group, girl guide rainbow outh club, mprove street lighting street mprove A In for sportsor other venues and social clubs, such as y music and dance F P in Idmiston as play-area Cy Ne Council if and Wiltshire with agreed (previously when funding available) In T Ne I Look into Community bus options P D ks in Porton ks in Porton r ublic transport afety Issues afety Issues S Lack of focal point Pa P ton Down w Equipment wanted in Playing w Equipment r CTION POINT ields – (Porton and Gomeldon) ields – (Porton oor street lighting oor street or area for football pitch, skate or area ramps, tennis courts or seating area IDMISTON: too far away and & Gomeldon routes or safe cycling no pavement to access them IDMISTON: A Lack of sports and social clubs – All villages Ne F A SEE APPENDIX IDMISTON: – Fast traffic and heavy to – Fast Po P Lack of footpaths IDMISTON: and no bus expensive Too – timetable visible RESPONSE FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE (AGED 5-18) (AGED PEOPLE YOUNG OUR RESPONSE FROM
40 TNERS R iltshire Council iltshire bus & Dorset iltshire omeldon School dmiston Memorial Hall dmiston Memorial Council dmiston Parish Hall dmiston Memorial PA Team Ministerial Bourne Valley I Committee Leader Community Youth Local shops I Tetricus & DSTL, HPA G W Local residents W company/Connect 2 Team Ministerial Bourne Valley I Committee Leader Community Youth Local shops iltshire Council iltshire dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I W I I I ement; School to Porton and back road to and back road ement; School to Porton een travel plan (Gomeldon School) plan (Gomeldon een travel v CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO omeldon hill lant more flowers lant more ick up litter and animal mess raffic calming ublise young peoples discounted fares ublise young mprove street lighting street mprove gate on bridleway problem mprove awaiting installation) nstall litter bins (Requested- A as a venue Look into possibility of opening Church for special events Local delivery service local shops or mobile from T Pa G I Gr I P I P Look into Community bus options P Look into possibility of new for special events venue Local delivery services local shops from or mobile shops nvironment nvironment ublic transport afety Issues afety Issues deas P S E I deas – Social events deas – Social I flowers illage hall and Shop CTION POINT illage hall or meeting place oor street lighting oor street hop ll-fitting and narrow bridleway ll-fitting and narrow A IDMISTON: musical events such as BBQ’s, to be used for activities Church and concerts S GOMELDON: – Fast traffic, lack of a cycle path, traffic, lack of a cycle – Fast school from lack of pavements to Porton P I track at Deans gates to road GOMELDON: with litter and dogs mess – Messy More GOMELDON: – Too expensive and poor service expensive Too – GOMELDON: –V Look into the possibility of building V RESPONSE FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE (AGED 5-18) (AGED PEOPLE YOUNG OUR RESPONSE FROM
41 TNERS cholas School R Ni iltshire & Dorset bus & Dorset iltshire Council iltshire Wildlife iltshire Council iltshire iltshire Council iltshire Police iltshire Council iltshire Police iltshire
W company/Connect 2 W W W Team Ministerial Bourne Valley PA W W W W St dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish Council dmiston Parish LEAD RESPONSIBILITY I I I I I vide seating estigate use of park for open air events estigate use of park cle route to link the villages cle route een travel plan (St Nicholas School) Nicholas plan (St een travel eed and feed football pitch CTION TO BE TAKEN CTION TO eating children in the park with respect in the park eating children v o rainage improvements (on-going with IPC) rainage improvements esearch possibility of having more wildlife areas possibility of having more esearch raffic calming and solving problems of speeding raffic calming and solving problems raffic calming and safety signage ublise young peoples discounted fares ublise young aint bridge mproved street lighting street mproved footpaths mprove (done) Byford nstall bench by Tr In T and inconsiderate parking Cy Gr I I Look into Community bus options P P R I in the Hall Look into possibility of organising more olds including occassional café for 5-18 year A T D W Pr widely used,
rk nvironment nvironment ublic Transport – ublic Transport ast traffic and lack of deas – More activities deas – More P Pa F E I buses, especially in the evenings to School in poor condition,
re rd CTION POINT all equests received for open air events equests received uses too expensive and poor serviceuses too expensive bullying (local yob culture) bullying (local yob PORTON: A PORTON: pavements, paths, narrow cycle to shop etc, crossing dangeous road lighting, footpath from lack of street Fo although issues included; busy road often very park crossing, muddy due to poor drainage, poorly maintained football pitch, lack of places to site and grumpy adults shouting at and telling them to leave children R PORTON: B Mo PORTON: for young people in the Memorial for young H – Bridge at Porton Ford very Ford at Porton – Bridge woodland walks, more scruffy, at Byford bench near river PORTON: RESPONSE FROM OUR YOUNG PEOPLE (AGED 5-18) (AGED PEOPLE YOUNG OUR RESPONSE FROM
42 Appendix A
Playground Equipment Requested Porton Children Idmiston children Gomeldon children Wooden climbing frame and ropes A Playground - any equipment Spinning Wheel to hang off Hop-scotch Basketball hoop Fast roundabout Basketball Hoop Football goal or Rugby post Basketball hoop Skate-board Park Big swings Skateboard Park (inc roller-skates) Bike Track/ramps Monkey bars Climbing wall Swings for older children Badminton court Flat football pitch Trim-trail Roundabout Tennis court Tennis court Bigger peoples stuff Football goals & nets Football wall Water feature (interactive) Playhouse Hockey goals Trampoline Picnic area Rugby posts Big slide Cricket nets Pond Bike track Big slide Big slide Monkey bars Spiral slide Trapezium Zip wire Ropes Climbing Wall Swimming pool Swimming Pool Roundabout Trampoline Youth Shelter
43 Appendix B
44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Appendix C
Bourne Valley Youth Project: The History In the Bourne Valley young people are seen by some as a Marlborough. The Bourne Valley does not have a natural problem. There have been a few complaints about anti centre for young people other than the local take away social behaviour and occasions of isolated drunkard shop and has no public toilets. There are several behaviour and minor drug problems. There are no recreation grounds; however these are places where some organised gathering places for young people in the whole of the complaints are focussed. Youth work from the Bourne Valley – which runs from Cholderton to the edge churches has come to an end, and we want to work with of Ford/Salisbury; a rural ribbon. There is an irregular the village communities rather than apart from them in bus service to Salisbury and via Tidworth to the future.
The Vision To develop trust and understanding between generations, themselves and helping them to recognise the problems and find a safe environment for young people to express and work together with people from across the team to their thoughts and feelings. We are planning to appoint resolve them is a new idea here, although a tried and two or three detached youth workers for a period of 9 trusted one elsewhere. months who will work among the young people where they meet across the whole of the Bourne Valley to try to At the end of the detached youth workers time we will help us understand what are the issues and concerns. The have some answers and some more questions too. We working group are keen to appoint a Christian detached hope to be better able to understand our neighbours, youth worker to work alongside the council funded young and old. We will be able to identify the numbers of detached youth workers. They see the church as having an young people in the team, and have built relationships. important role within this programme. In particular they We want to be able to react to the recommendations of the want someone who can address issues of faith and youth worker. In so doing we will be a better community spirituality with the young people that might well be and will have created close links within church and secular otherwise ignored, or spoken about by those who do not organisations, and built relationships that will enable us to have faith themselves. We are determined to find an take on the recommendations of the youth workers and answer to the problems here that will enable us to build a the local community. better community and to respond in care for all those who live here.
In the past we have had a youth building at the parish hall and one at the local pub. These though valiant efforts did not reach the needs, mainly because they were imposed on the young people rather than created by them. We need to find out what the young people might want to help them grow as responsible and valued adults. And in order to ask the questions and properly hear the answers we need help.
In the past youth work has been about finding a space and providing activities that are led by the adults and managed by the adults. The idea of asking the young people
51 The Present We have appointed two youth workers who have been Parish Council, Police and Head of Idmiston School, local working since the end of March 2009. There have been parents, and local social worker have been part of the two evenings of organised activities at Porton, and are planning. We have received a grant from the St Aldhelm’s making connections with a number of young people in Tr ust to fund a church detached youth worker for 9 the valley. months, who will work alongside the WCC workers as one team. There are plans in progress to develop the Porton playing field to encourage use by ALL age groups and at a recent Funding is now in place for WCC detached youth public meeting the idea of having a skate ramp for the workers (DYWs) to spend five weeks in the Bourne young bikers & skaters was discussed and generally Valley commencing in March. The DYWs will spend welcomed. It is hoped that the young people will be several hours each visit in various locations throughout actively involved in the fundraising and design & upkeep the Bourne Valley interacting with the young people; of such a facility. they will be mentored by Kevin and supported by WCC. They will work together with the church youth worker Detached youth workers are fully qualified and and report back to Kevin & Vanda and the BVYP on a experienced youth workers who work outside where regular basis. This initial work will enable us to find the young people gather rather than in a dedicated youth funding for the main body of work which will last for 6- centre building. These workers will locate and interact 9 months. After this we will be able to make decisions with the young people and find out what they want and about our response to/for the young people with them, how best to deal with their concerns. We wish to include and with a full understanding of the reality of the the entire Bourne valley. situation across the valley.
The basis of our vision was that the Bourne Valley needed Long term DYWs will be sought in April, the positions to address some of the issues around our young people but will be advertised and funding for these posts will be due to population size we needed to act as one community essential. to be able to achieve any degree of effective youth work. Thus the local Anglican Team, the Baptist Church, the Katherine Wilford
52 As Chair of the Porton Idmiston & Gomeldon Community Plan Steering Group I would like to thank everyone who helped in any capacity to produce this Community Plan. Firstly the Steering Group for their contributions to the plan, attending meetings and delivery & collection of the Questionnaires: Gess Cuthbert – Treasurer Julie Horne – Secretary Barry Aitken Jill Barrett Robert Jenvey Julli Sangester Julie Perry Steve Truckle
A big thank you to the residents who helped with the delivery & collection of the Questionnaires: Liz Batten, Debbie Conti, Jan Fower, Nicky Fower
Contributions & Photographs: Gess Cuthbert for writing the History of our Parish Roy Gould for the Rights of way Appendix Idmiston Parish Council for the entry about the Parish Council Katherine Wilford for Bourne Valley Youth Group report Bourne Valley Historic Society for old photos John and Shirley Moore for the photos of the Scouts Group Phil Grant for local photos Robert Jenvey for the photos of Idmiston
Special thanks to Liz Batten who spent many hours with me transferring information from the Questionnaires into pie charts for each Village and making it easier to write the plan. Finally I would like to thank every single resident who took the time to fill in the questionnaires and respond to the consultations, without you, this Community Plan would not exist.
Jackie Gates Chair of Porton, Idmiston & Gomeldon Community Plan Steering Group
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