Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 P ARISH P LAN 2004 - 2009 Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 1
I NTRODUCTION
What is the Middleton Parish Plan? tage of being able to adapt and modify it’s policies if achieved then clearly the village will be a better place circumstances require it. The plan exists only to reflect to live. It is necessary to prioritise the Action Plan CONTENTS Parish Plans were announced In the Government’s the wishes of the people of Middleton, now and in fu- because some issues require more urgent action. High “Rural White Paper” in 2000. Through the Countryside ture years. priority may not guarantee rapid action however, road Agency’s Vital Villages initiative, parishes in rural areas safety in the village is an example. To bring about re- Environment 2,3,4 were given priority and grants made available to cover ductions in traffic speed through the village requires the costs of preparation and production. Who has produced the plan? Employment 5 considerably more resources and cooperation by other Although initiated by Middleton Parish Council in early authorities than say, tackling poor grass cutting . 6,7 Health and Social Care The purpose of the plan is to find out what the people of 2003, many people in the village have contributed substantial amounts of voluntary time and effort to the 8,9 Middleton think about the issues affecting life in the Because the rural scene is changing, and priorities can Education project. village, find out if anything needs changing, create shift, the Parish Plan needs to be dynamic and flexible. 10 Heritage policy and take appropriate action where needed. This Policies and their associated plan of action need to be is a five year plan. Housing Needs 11-13 The vital contributors of course are those people who reviewed on a regular basis. The ongoing success of the aired their views, expressed opinions and made sug- project can only be assured if everyone in our commu- 14-17 Crime A substantial amount of feedback from the village gestions on the issues affecting the village. Without nity is involved. Traffic & Transport 18,19 “Future Needs” day in July 2003 helped to focus on this involvement in our community, there could be no Acknowledgments and Thanks the issues that concerned the majority of people. The plan. 20,21 The people of Middleton for their participation in the open day Sport & Leisure Parish Plan Steering Committee was able to produce a questionnaire based on these issues, and therefore and survey and the loan of historical photographs, maps and 22 artefacts. Places of Worship tailored to the needs and aspirations of Middleton. What happens now?
Parish Administration 23,24 Middleton Parish Plan contains a number of policies that the community want implemented or continued. The Parish Plan Steering Committee : Kay Dickens, Tony Free- 25 The questionnaires were distributed by hand to the 301 man, Charles Freestone, Maria Harvey, Mike Loseby, Dryden Age and Gender The Parish Plan and it’s associated Action Plan, repre- people listed on the Corby Borough Council Register of Phillipson (Chair). sents an agreement between the community and the Verbatim Comments 26-39 Electors (CY Corby Rural West No.3). Glover Court was Parish Council as to how we would like our parish to not included on the Register at the time, being still Action Plan 40,41 develop now and in the future. Data Analysis : Dorothy Anderson, Derek Robertson, Gordon under construction, a questionnaire was offered to Watson.
every occupant then present . Like the Parish Plan itself, the Action Plan can be sub- The Head, Teachers and especially the children of Cottingham ject to review and revision. Priorities can change, and 53% of questionnaires were returned, which helped to Primary school for their village model and fine photographs. of course some objectives may not be met. The Parish produce data of reasonable accuracy, although this is Plan is not a guarantee, as many facets of local life are not a scientifically accurate survey, which would be affected by policy decisions at Central, Regional, Jane Smith www. cottinghamhistory.co.uk. beyond the resources and budget available. County and Borough levels. These authorities must , however, take Parish Plans into account when strate- The Countryside Agency. Policy on how to deal with each of the issues contained gic, planning and other issues affecting the local com- munity are being decided. in the plan flows from the feedback from the people of Northamptonshire Action With Communities in Rural England Middleton, as expressed at the open day, and the (NACRE). questionnaire. There are some issues that do not have
a clear majority of views, and these need further dis- Will the plan have any real effect on cussion before policy is decided. In any event, the plan our community? Middleton Parish Council Chaired consecutively by Simon is not set in stone — a small community has the advan- Medwell and Keith Allsop Children’s Model of Middleton July 2003 If all or even some of the objectives in the plan are Middleton Parish Plan Page number 2 continued on page 3 E NVIRONMENT
Q1 Standard of Street Cleaning (pavements? THE P RESENT SITUATION
The village of Middleton lies on the south- being an almost year-long problem in some 60 Q1 Standard of Street ern edge of the Welland valley. This rural places. The footpath (Jurassic Way) from The Lighting? 40 38 area is blessed with a beautiful landscape ; Hill to East Carlton is particularly bad, at times 40 the abundant trees and ancient hedgerows hazardous, with mud and running water. % support a rich variety of wildlife. 60 17 20 Fly-tipping is a problem on the old A427 and 7 46 3 Most people feel that Middleton is a good where Occupation Road joins Ashley Road. environment to live in. There are some is- There is a high level of dissatisfaction with the 0 40 34 sues causing concern however, including slowness in clearing away the offending mate- V. V. road maintenance, grass cutting, dog foul- rial. % FAIR POOR POOR GOOD GOOD ing, muddy and overgrown footpaths and 5 64 61 22 9 bridleways. 20 The problem of pavements and verges fouled 13 Number of replies by dog mess is an issue that causes concern. 4 3 Problems with pushchair access, height of There are many dogs in the village, and most kerbs and pavement obstructions have a owners take their responsibilities seriously. 0
Q1 Standard of Street Cleaning serious effect on a relatively small percent- Regrettably, a small minority do not. Although
age of people, and these problems must appropriate local byelaws exist, an education FAIR
(Roads/Verges)? POOR be given a high priority. and awareness programme is clearly needed GOOD V. POOR V. GOOD to help address the problem. 6 76 56 22 5 60 44 Increasing amounts of rainfall have had an Number of replies 40 35 impact on footpaths and bridleways, mud % 20 12 3 0 P OLI 0 Policy E1 : The Parish will make every effort priate Borough and County authorities. ish, and the appropriate authorities will be CY to protect the natural environment in and Policy E3 : The quality of maintenance of vil- pressed to clean up without undue delay. V. V. around Middleton.
FAIR lage footpaths and bridleways will be closely Policy E5: Dog fouling is unacceptable to the POOR POOR GOOD GOOD Policy E2: Where there is difficulty of access monitored. Feedback from regular inspec- parish, persistent offenders against the rele- 4 56 78 22 0 on pavements and roads in the village for tions will be reported to the County Council vant local byelaws will be reported to the push-chairs and wheel-chairs, priority will be Rights of Way Officer . appropriate authority. Number of replies given to resolving problems with the appro- Policy E4: Fly tipping is abhorred by the par- Middleton Parish Plan Page number 3 continued on page 4 E NVIRONMENT
Q2 When walking in Middleton do you encounter problems with the following?
40 38
30
18 % 20 15 13 11 10 3 2 0 Litter Lack of seating Kerbs Access Height of Dog Mess Pushchair Quality of and paths Pavements Pavement obstructions 7 5 88 30 35 43 25 Number of replies
Q3 Have you experienced Q4 What problems encountered when using footpaths & Bridleways? Q5 Satisfied are you with the difficulties when using footpaths 40 34 "natural environment" around & bridleways around Middleton? 30 Middleton? 30 55 60 56.96 44 60 % 20 43.04 % 30 8 7 40 10 4 6 6 1 2 1 % 0 0 20
VERY Mud
FAIRLY 0 Other Animals High Stiles Overgrown NO Lack of
Barbed Wire DISSATISFIED YES Locked Gates
signs/waymarks 73 91 2 68 90 Crops/ploughing Number of replies 46 6 3 2 8 8 11 41 10 Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 4
E NVIRONMENT
Q6 Satisfaction with weekly refuse collection Q6 Satisfaction with weekly glass collection 75.15 80 100 78.48 60 80 60 % 40 % 40 16.97 18.99 20 7.88 20 2.53 0 0 VERY FAIRLY DISSATISFIED VERY FAIRLY DISSATISFIED 124 30 4 124 28 13 Glass Number of replies Number of replies
Q6 Satisfaction with emptying of village waste bins Q6 Satisfaction with clearance of fly-tipping
80 60 54.14
57.26 60 40 32.33 39.32 % 40 %
20 13.53 20 3.42 0 0 VERY FAIRLY DISSATISFIED VERY FAIRLY DISSATISFIED
46 67 4 18 72 43 Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 5
E MPLOYMENT
Q8 Type of Employment if any THE P RESENT SITUATION
60 Middleton does not presently offer signifi- cant employment opportunities. The ma- Q9 Place of work jority of people working need to travel to Corby and further than 10 miles away. 40 33
The village survey shows that the number 27 of people working from home in Middle- 30 ton almost equal those working in Kette- 40 38 ring or other locations within 10 miles of % 20 the village except Corby. Following a suc- cessful campaign and concerted 11 11 31 9 10 “lobbying” of BT by a number of people in 10
% Middleton and Cottingham, Broadband communications facilities were intro- duced to the village within the past year. 0 Broadband is seen as a major factor in 20 the enabling of home-working for some Home people. Corby Kettering
14 <10 miles > 10miles Middleton Elsewhere Elsewhere 12 The largest single group of people who 12 10 38 11 12 31 responded to the survey are retired. Number of replies 5
0 P OLICY Policy EM1: The Parish recognizes the eco- increase the potential for local employment. FULL SELF PART nomic and environmental benefits of people The design for a new village hall should,
RETIRED being able to work locally and from home if within it’s budget, make provision for ade-
EMPLOYER they so choose. Support and encouragement quate space and facilities to permit suitable 51 24 20 8 64 will be given to advances in technology that evening classes and training sessions to be Number of replies make this possible. The Parish will encour- held if required. age and support vocational training that may Middleton Parish Plan Page number 6 continued on page 7 H EALTH AND S OCIAL C ARE
Q11 Satisfaction with Local Doctor THE P RESENT SITUATION
60 54 The great majority have no problems with 39 40 local healthcare services, although the dis- Q11 Satisfaction with local Q11 Satisfaction with local satisfaction with dentists and alternative Physiotherapy Chiropody % therapies is quite significant. The single 20 6 most common problem expressed is the difficulty in finding a local dentist offering 60 60 0 50 49 NHS treatment. 50 50 40
Very 37 Fairly A matter for concern is the number of peo- 40 40 ple who have travel problems. Some of % 30 % 30
Dissatisfied these problems are linked to the shortage 85 61 10 of NHS dentists, forcing people to travel 20 20 14 further for treatment. In general those 10 Number of replies people without independent transport are 10 10 the most likely to have difficulties accessing 0 0 healthcare services. Q11 Satisfaction with Local
Very Very
Hospital Fairly Fairly
60 49 Dissatisfied Dissatisfied 41 23 29 6 16 21 6 40 Number of replies Number of replies % 20 10
0 P OLICY Very
Fairly Policy HC1: The Parish believes it vitally important to maintain a high quality of local healthcare services. These services must be accessible to all. Particular attention will be paid to those people Dissatisfied with transport and other problems that may prevent or restrict ac- 56 67 13 cess to the services. Wherever possible, the Parish will seek to have Number of replies some healthcare services available within the village itself. Middleton Parish Plan Page number 7
H EALTH AND S OCIAL C ARE
Q12 Satisfaction with Dentist Q12 Satisfaction with Optician Q12 Satisfaction with Q12 Satisfaction with Alternative Chemist/Pharmacy Therapies 60 60 54 45 42 38 80 66 60 47 40 40 60 33 % 40 18 % % 40 29 % 19 20 20 20 4 20 5 0 0 0 0 Very Very Very Very Fairly Fairly Fairly Fairly Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Dissatisfied 58 49 23 73 56 5 95 42 7 12 17 7 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies
Q13 Nature of any problems - Q13 Nature of any problems - Q13 Nature of any problems - Q13 Nature of any problems - Dentist Optician 94 Chemist/Pharmacist Alternative Therapies 90 76 92 94 90 90 90 60 60 60 60 % % % % 30 10 6 8 30 30 30 7 1 0 4 0 3 4 0 0 2 0 0 0 Travel Travel Travel Problem Travel Problem Problem quality Problem quality quality quality problems problems problems problems Poor service No problems Appointment Poor service Poor service No problems No problems Appointment Appointment Poor service No problems Appointment 8 13 10 96 5 0 2 113 8 1 109 3 0 2 75 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 8 continued on page 9 E DUCATION
Q15 Enough Childminders? THE P RESENT SITUATION
80
62 Q15 Enough Pre-school
60 Satisfaction with the standard of local pri- It is possible that the introduction of new pri- playgroups? mary and secondary education is quite vately run facilities in Middleton in September high. Cottingham Church of England Pri- 2004 may help resolve some of the problems % 40 60 mary School scored a high satisfaction rat- in this area. 54 ing. Despite providing for a number of 19 19 20 nearby villages and the recent growth in the 50 population of Middleton, there appears to be no real pressure on the capacity of the Cottingham Church of England Primary School 40 0 local primary school at present. Indeed, in 32 Yes No Don't Know 2004 there is a slight fall in the roll. % 30 7 7 23 20 Replies - those applicable only By comparison, local secondary schools 14 received somewhat lower ratings, but over 85% of respondents felt they were very 10 good or acceptable. Q15 Enough After-school clubs? 0 At least half of those replying to the survey Yes No Don't 80 felt there were insufficient Childminders, Know After-School Clubs, Holiday Clubs, Day Nurs- 58 12 5 20 60 eries and Parent and Toddler Groups in the village. The majority felt that there were Replies - those applicable only enough Pre-school Playgroups. % 40 31
20 11 P OLICY Policy ED1 The Parish places a high priority Childminding and similar facilities are re- Every effort will be made by the Parish to 0 on the availability locally of high quality pri- garded by the Parish as important. It is rec- encourage the development of these facili- Yes No Don't Know mary and secondary education for children ognized that these facilities both aid the de- ties in the future. of all ages. The quality and availability will velopment of young children, as well as ena- 5 14 26 be monitored, and the responsible authori- bling parents to meet their commitments to Replies - those applicable only ties will be made aware of any concerns aris- work, study and family as the case may be. ing. Adequate nursery, Pre and After-School, Middleton Parish Plan Page number 9
E DUCATION
Q15 Enough Holiday clubs? Q15 Enough day nurseries? Q15 Enough parent and toddler groups?
80 68 80 60 61 42 60 60 40 32 36 26 % 40 % 40 % 16 16 20 20 20 2 0 0 0 Yes No Don't Know Yes No Don't Know Yes No Don't Know
1 16 27 10 12 16 6 6 25 Replies - those applicable only Replies - those applicable only Replies - those applicable only
Q16 Age of Children Q17 Local infant Primary Rating - attendees Q17 Local secondary Rating -Attendees 60 80 74 80 50
59 60 60 40 36
% 40 %
% 40 26 20 24 14 20 20 12 5 0 0 0 0 V. Good Acceptable Poor V. Good Acceptable Poor 0-5 6-11 12-14 15-16 17 6 0 7 5 2 10 24 5 2 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 10
M IDDLETON ’ S H ERITAGE
Q19 How interested are you in Middleton's heritage being THE PAST AND PRESENT SITUATION preserved? There is evidence that Middleton was a A potted early history - who still exist in Middleton and Cottingham 57 community as long ago as 1197, although it 60 Roman Remains found during construction of does not appear in the Doomsday book of Bury Close in 1960’s, close to site of Via 1777 Time of relative prosperity for the 50 1085, as do it’s neighbours East Carlton Devana Roman road. rural community of Cottingham-cum- and Cottingham. This position, nestling be- Middleton strong local woollen industry with 37 40 tween two villages probably gave Middleton more weavers than agricultural workers. it’s name, meaning “middle farm”. 1146 During Second Crusade, Middleton % 30 mentioned by Pope Eugenius in connection 1766 Copyholders, as Lords of the Manor with Abbey of Peterborough. 20 The three villages are inextricably linked in contribute to cost of School and School- terms of their history, yet each has evolved masters house Camsdale Walk. 10 6 with a unique identity. 1197 Feet of Fines (recording conveyance of freehold property) mentions Middleton in . 1796 Declining local prosperity sees “Poor 0 House” built on the site now occupied by Very Quite Not Very Many things qualify as being part of our the Rockingham Forest Wheelers Club. 1541 Peterborough Abbey re-constituted as a local heritage. Buildings, structures, ancient 93 60 10 Cathedral, loses Cottingham and hamlet of tracks and hedgerows are obvious ones, 1885 Kelly’s lists Mrs Hannah Major, Mrs Middleton to Crown (Henry V111). Number of replies but local customs and traditions also form Elizabeth Rayson and Mr John Dexter as part of our heritage. Landladies/Landlord of Red Lion, Woolpack 1572 Elizabeth 1 grants Middleton Thicke and Exeter Arms Public Houses all in Mid- At the Parish Plan Open Day, there was a and other local coppices to Christopher Hat- dleton. great deal of interest in the early photo- ton. graphs and documents on display. These were kindly loaned by local residents of 1671 Possible origin of local Copyholders, both Middleton and Cottingham.
P OLICY
Policy H1: The Parish values its heritage and Old School will make every effort to protect and pre- and School- Masters house serve it. Any future development in or around Fete at Mid- Camsdale the village that may threaten the heritage of dleton Village Walk Middleton will be resisted. Hall Ashley Road Former Middleton Chapel built 1844 Middleton Parish Plan Page number 11 continued on page 12 H OUSING N EEDS
Q21 current accomodation suitable over the next few years? THE P RESENT SITUATION
100 Typical of many villages, Middle- housing. 88 Q22 If you answered no to Q21, what kind of ton has a wide variety of types Views on the beneficial versus accomodation would you seek? 80 and sizes of dwellings, from detrimental effect of past hous- 60 large family homes to small ter- ing developments is equally 60 raced cottages. split. The majority feel that not % much impact has been made on 40 40 The large majority of people liv- the village. 40 ing in the village feel that their 20 12 present accommodation will suit The survey results present an % their needs for the next few 0 overall view that the housing years at least. now available in Middleton is 20 17 Yes No adequate in quantity and type to 13 13 8 10 146 19 Clearly indicated by the survey is meet the needs of residents for some years to come. 4 Number of replies the opposition to the develop- 0 0 ment of groups of dwellings, of 0 Q23 If your future housing needs can flats and apartments , and ex- The “Time lived in Middleton” pansion of the edge of Middle- None for
be met, would you stay in Middleton? responses indicate a relatively Small family Large Family ton. Starter
stable community, with over Suitable Shared Sheltered Flat/apart. ownership 80 69% being resident for over 6 Retirement 71 years. The addition of over 25 Almost 92% state that no family 6 8 6 4 0 3 2 19 member had left Middleton be- new houses during 2004 will 60 cause of a lack of affordable have an impact on these statis- Replies tics.
% 40 P OLICY 25
20 Policy HO1: The Parish believes that the is not required for local needs and could not quantity and mix of dwellings now available be supported by local services, transport and 4 in Middleton is sufficient for present and employment opportunities. 0 future needs. Any proposals for local developments that Yes NO Do'nt Know The Parish believes that further large scale conflict with the majority views of the Parish housing development in or around the village will be resisted on these grounds. 91 5 32 Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 12 Continued on page 13 H OUSING N EEDS
Q25 Housing developments for Middleton - Q24 Has any family member left Middleton in Q25 Carefully designed larger groups of Single dwellings? the last five years through lack of affordable dwellings? housing? 60 80 73 92 100 39 36 40 60 80 % 25 60 % 40 % 20 17 40 20 10 8 20 0 0 0 OK Don't mind Don't want OK Don't mind Don't want Yes No 57 52 36 14 23 101 12 133 Number of replies number of replies Number of replies
Q25 Conversion of redundant buidings? Q25 Small groups less than 10 dwellings? Q25 Housing developments for Middleton - 54 Flats and Apartments? 60 60 80 38 62 40 39 40 32 60 % 28 % 20 % 40 7 20 24 20 14 0 0 OK Don't mind Don't want OK Don't mind Don't want 0 80 56 11 OK Don't mind Don't want 41 47 57 Number of replies 19 33 86 Number of replies Number of Replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 13
H OUSING N EEDS
Q25 Expansion of the edge of the Q26 Effect of new housing Q27 How long have you lived in village? developments in Middleton over Middleton? past 5 years?
80 30 74.17 60
70
23.08 22.44 60 20.51
20 18.59 40 38.36 50
30.82 30.82 % % 40 %
30 10 20 8.33 7.05 20 15.23 10.60 10
0 0 0 OK Don't mind Don't want Good Detrimental Not much < 1year 1-5 6-10 11-20 21-40 > 40 impact years years years years years 23 16 112 49 49 61 13 35 29 36 32 11 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 14 continued on page 15 C RIME & A NTI - S OCIAL B EHAVIOUR
Q29 Do you know who your village policemen is? THE P RESENT SITUATION 100 90 Middleton does not suffer from significant quality of life, 4 very seriously. 80 levels of crime , but almost half of those Q31 Are you worried about crime Whilst crimes can be categorized, anti-social in the village? questioned are worried about crime in the behaviour can be a subjective issue. 60 60 village. Fear of burglary, vehicle related % crime, vandalism and safety of children all Comments on the subject show that noise of 40 rank approximately equally. Fear of assault some kind is the main reason for complaint, with fireworks being the chief culprit. Traffic 16 and drug related crime is less evident. 20 speeding and dangerous parking related com- plaints are next, and in descending order of 51 0 The survey reveals a high level of dissatis- complaints, others include dog fouling, noisy faction with the local police service. This children, taxi horns, drunkenness, and light Yes No % 50 negative view of the local police appears to pollution. 49 26 140 held by both actual victims of crimes as well Number of replies as those who have not suffered from a crime. The Crime and Disorder Act of 1998 made it a statutory responsibility for Borough Councils to
create a Community Safety Strategy. The The most common types of crime suffered Corby Borough 2002-2005 strategy is in- Q30 Service provided by the local police? are vandalism (21 people) and theft from a tended to introduce measures to reduce the 40 38 motor vehicle (17 people). opportunities for crime and anti-social behav- 40 33 iour, and to tackle their root causes. Parish Yes No 25 Councils also have a responsibility to do all Whilst the large majority of people in Mid- they can to prevent crime and disorder in their 79 83 dleton are not affected, 27 people reported % 20 area. Number of replies that anti-social behaviour affected their 4 0 P OLICY Poor Good Policy CD1: The Parish wishes to see a much about local crime and anti-social behaviour. Council will be expected to provide opportu- increased presence and improved level of nities for complaints to be heard and if re- Don't know Reasonable service from the local police. An improve- quired, formally referred to the appropriate Policy CD2: The Parish will not tolerate anti- 7 42 63 54 ment in communications will be sought with authorities for action. the police officer allocated to Middleton, and social behaviour that adversely affects the Number of replies a request will be made for regular meetings quality of life in the community. As the re- where residents may express any concerns sponsible local authority, Middleton Parish Middleton Parish Plan Page number 15 Continued on page 16 C RIME & A NTI - SOCIAL B EHAVIOUR
Q 32 How worried about burglary? Q32 How worried about vehicle related crime?
40 40 31 33 28 29 24 21 % 20 % 20 11 6 6
0 0 Very Not at all Very Not at all
18 45 51 39 10 18 47 54 34 10 Number of replies Number of replies
Q32 How worried about vandalism? Q32 How worried about assault
40 38 32 40 26 25 25 18 % 20 14 % 20 9 11 1 0 Very Not at all 0 Very Not at all
25 46 56 31 16 2 17 40 60 40 Number of replies Number of replies
Q32 How worried about drugs related crime Q32 How worried about the safety of children in the village
40 40 35 30 26 23 22 18 % 20 14 %20 12 13 6
0 0 Very Not at all Very Not at all
10 22 41 46 36 18 35 55 28 20 Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 16 Continued on page 17 CRIME & ANTI - SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Q33 Suffered Burglary in vilage in last 5 years? Q33 Suffered theft FROM vehicle in village in last Q33 Suffered theft OF a motor vehicle in last 5 5 years? years? 95 95 89 90 90 90
60 60 60 % % %
30 30 30 11 5 5 0 0 0 Yes No Yes No Yes No
8 144 17 135 7 142 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies
Q33 Suffered other theft in village in last 5 Q33 Suffered from vandalism in village in last 5 Q33 Suffered assault in village in last 5 years? years? years? 99 92 90 90 87 90
60 60 % 60 % % 30 30 30 8 13 1 0 0 0 Yes No Yes No Yes No 12 141 21 135 2 148 Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 17
C RIME & A NTI - S OCIAL B EHAVIOUR
Q33 Suffered drugs related crime in village in last 5 years? Q 34 Level of satisfaction of police handling incident?
120 60 99 100 45 36 80 40
% 60 % 18 40 20
20 1 0 0 Yes No Very Fairly Dissatisfied 2 147 6 15 12 Number of replies Number of replies
Q35 Is your quality of life affected by anti-social behaviour within Q36 How seriously affected by anti social behaviour in village? village? 80 100 84 58 60 80
60 % 40 % 29 40 16 20 13 20
0 0 No Yes Not seriously Quite seriously Very seriously
138 27 18 9 4 Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 18 continued on page 19 T RAFFIC AND T RANSPORT
Q39 Do you think traffic calming is needed in Middleton? THE P RESENT SITUATION
80 73 Middleton is located about a mile away from the nearest major road, the A427. Q41 What type of traffic Q43 Interest in car share calming favoured? scheme? 60 Most traffic through the village is local or associated with nearby villages.
% 40 40 100 24 Excessive speed of some traffic in Ashley 32 81 20 Road, The Hill and Main Street causes seri- 80 3 ous concern to many people in the village. 26 0 Feedback from the village open day indi- 21 20 Yes No Don't know cates that this issue is high on the list of % 20 60 serious concerns, particularly in connection % 122 41 5 with the safety of children. 40 Number of replies
The Hill and Ashley Road provide fast ap- 19 20 proach opportunities for motorists entering 0 Q40 Choose where would you like to the village. Main Street is narrow, with cars see traffic calming necessarily parked on the road, making 0 Speed lights limit excessive speed very dangerous. humps Chicane Speed warning Flashing Yes No 60 reduction Although most people are not interested in 41 39 62 51 20 86 42 car sharing, there are sufficient numbers to 40 Number of replies Number of replies 32 make such a scheme viable. % 24 20 3 P OLICY 0 Policy T1: The potential danger caused by Policy T2: The Parish recognizes the environ- Ashley Main St The Hill Other speeding traffic in any part of the village is mental and economic benefits of car sharing Road viewed with serious concern by the Parish. schemes. Every effort will be made to create Every effort will be made to put continued and promote such schemes. 70 92 53 6 pressure on the appropriate authorities to Number of replies introduce traffic calming in every part of the village affected. Middleton Parish Plan Page number 19
T RAFFIC AND TRANSPORT
Q42 How far do you travel for work/study? 40
33
24
% 20 15 12
8 6 3
0 At home In village 0-10 miles 11-20 miles more than 20 No fixed place Not applicable miles
12 4 51 23 19 9 38 Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 20 continued on page 21 S PORT AND LEISURE
THE P RESENT SITUATION “Your Middleton” Parish Plan day 2003 There are currently little or no leisure facilities ties fell into disuse because the prohibitive within Middleton, or in neighbouring villages. costs of Football Association rules for the Since the old Ashley Road village hall burnt pitch could not be met by the football club. down some years ago, the annexe of the local infant primary school has been the only avail- able venue. Although useful, this has not been suitable for many of the activities typically needed in a modern village.
The village survey indicates that there is a strong case for a hall that can cater for a wide variety of uses.
The village has secured a small but adequate site for a hall or meeting room, along with lim- ited funding, as a result of the recent Glover Court development. In May 2004, Middleton Parish Council obtained planning permission for the construction of a village hall or meeting room.
In 2004, the football field and changing facili Rockingham Forest Wheelers Club Sports Field P OLICY Policy SL1 : The Parish recognizes the im- Policy SL2: A Village hall or Meeting Room is effort will be made to promote it’s use for the portance of having a suitable open space seen by the Parish as a valuable community enhancement of a strong community spirit close to the village for sports and leisure ac- focal point , providing opportunities, that within Middleton and also with neighbouring tivities. Every effort will be made to preserve may not otherwise exist, for bringing people villages, who will be welcome to share the the sports field and encourage it’s use. of the village together. facilities available. When a this facility becomes available, every Middleton Parish Plan Page number 21
S PORT AND LEISURE
Q45 Interest in activities in new village hall - Daytime Q46 Participate or support any other village activities? 30 25 20 20 100 % 8 8 8 8 10 5 5 2 2 3 2 2 1 0
80 77.94 Other Bingo bowls Indoor class Evening Billiards Keep Fit Dancing Musical activities courses Amateur dramatics Language Hobby club Social Club Table Tennis Bridge/Whist 18 5 7 23 7 7 5 2 2 3 2 7 2 1 60 Number of replies
% Q45 Interest in activities in new village hall - Evening 40 20 15 13 13 10 11 22.06 % 10 7 7 6 6 6 4 4 20 3 3
0 Other Bingo Table class Tennis Billiards Musical Evening Dancing Keep Fit activities
courses 0 Amateur dramatics Language Hobby club Social Club Yes No Indoor bowls Bridge/Whist 9 13 16 30 28 6 16 14 14 10 7 23 24 14 15 53 Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 22
P LACES OF W ORSHIP
Q49 Attend Place of Worship? THE P RESENT S ITUATION 40 35 35 The Survey indicates that the needs of the Q50 Which Place of Worship individual and of the parish are, in the used? % 20 16 main, being met by the Places of Worship 9 6 attended. 60
0 The majority of those who responded do 44 attend a Place of Worship at some time.
Never 40 Weekly Monthly 30 Since the closure of Middleton Congrega- % 26
Once a year tional Chapel in the 1960’s, St Mary Mag- Occasionally 20 dalene Church and the Methodist Chapel 11 8 45 20 45 are the only local Places of Worship for the Number of replies neighbouring villages of Middleton and 0 Cottingham.
Q51 Personal and parish needs met None
Other 13th century St Mary’s church is in need of by your Place of Worship? substantial external and internal restor a- St Mary
Magdalene tion. An active group of supporters within 100 51 34 30 both villages has made concerted efforts to 77 Number of replies raise some £80,000 to fund both the restora- St Mary Magdalene Church 80 tion work and to repair damage caused by 60 serious vandalism in 2002. % 40 23 P OLICY 20 Policy W1: The Parish recognizes that well Cottingham Former 0 supported and active local Places of Worship Methodist Middleton Yes No are important for the spiritual and social Chapel Chapel needs of many people in our community. The 60 18 Parish will encourage and support those in- Number of replies volved in the activities of our local church, chapel and other local Places of Worship. Middleton Parish Plan Page number 23 Continued on page 24 P ARISH A DMINISTRATION
Q54 Do you know your parish councillors? THE P RESENT SITUATION
60 55 Parish Councils were first created in 1894 dog fouling. E very meeting is open to the public, with 45 to take on the duties formerly administered . Power to provide traffic signs and time allocated for public participation. by Churchwardens and Overseers of the 40 other notices Poor. The survey results indicate that there is a % . Power to incur expenditure not other- need for the Parish Council to improve it’s wise authorised on anything, which in the 20 As the first tier of local government, Parish communications with the community. council’s opinion is in the interests of the area Councils deal with local community matters Although the majority feel communication is or part of it or all or some of the inhabitants and are non-political. Middleton Parish “adequate” a significant number feel it is 0 “poor”. The great majority never attend Par- Council is one of 9000 in England, and has Yes No a number of statutory duties, and wide Parish Councils receive the majority of their ish Council meetings.
59 71 ranging powers at its disposal intended for funding from an annual charge called the Pre- the benefit of the local community. cept which is levied on local electors via the A majority felt a website and a newsletter Number of replies would be useful. In Summer 2004, a bi- Council Tax. monthly newsletter serving Middleton and Examples of the powers that a Parish Coun- Cottingham has been successfully cil may choose to exercise are: Middleton normally has seven Councillors and launched. The Parish Council are gathering
Q55 Attend parish council a Clerk, who is responsible for the organisa- information on the creation and mainte- meetings tion of the council including dealing with corre- nance of a Parish Website. . Power to provide and equip prem- spondence, financial matters and preparation ises for clubs and other athletic, social or of meeting agendas and minute taking. The 90 73 educational organisations. Clerk receives a salary based on national scale fees. Middleton Councillors do not re- 60 . Power to make byelaws for public ceive payment for their duties. The council % walks and pleasure grounds e.g. dogs and meets on the third Wednesday of every month 30 18 (no meeting in the month of August) 9 0 P OLICY Regularly Issues of Never Policy PA1: The Parish seeks better commu- The Parish Council will be expected to make concern nications between Middleton Parish Council every effort to keep the local community in- only and the local community. In addition to the formed on matters affecting the Parish. traditional public notice board presently 11 21 87 used, a newsletter and internet website Number of replies should be set up and maintained. Middleton Parish Plan Page number 24
P ARISH A DMINISTRATION
Q57 Effectiveness of parish council Q58 Things a Parish website useful for? Website useful for listed uses or any other uses? communicating its activities? 30 26 98 25 23 100 47 50 20 20 80 40 % 29 60 30 24 10 % % 6 20 40
10 0 20 2
0 Other 0 Very Adequate Poor Useful Not useful events applications View Minutes 30 59 36 View planning 328 6 Notice of village Heritage/History Number of replies 66 81 85 77 19 Number of replies Number of replies
Q59 Parish Newsletter Useful? Q60 Frequency of newsletter preferred? Q61 Willing to help with newsletter production?
80 90 70 80 82 61 60 60 60
% 40 % 40 %
23 22 30 17 18 20 20 7
0 0 0 Yes No Don't know Monthly Quarterly Other Yes No
93 30 9 28 76 21 18 80
Number of replies Number of replies Number of replies Middleton Parish Plan Page number 25
A BOUT YOU — GENDER & A GE G ROUP
Q63 Are you male or female? THE P RESENT SITUATION
100 Those responding to the survey are fairly Q64 Which age group are you? 90 evenly spread in their age groups, with sig- nificantly lower numbers of people in the 80 25-34, 85-94 and 95 and over age groups. 25 70 60 53 At the time of the survey (late 2003/ early 19 20 2004) approximately 30 parishioners lived 20 % 50 47 17 in the Manor House nursing home who’s 40 age group may well fall within the 85 and 15 13 13 older age groups. As only a small number of 30 12 questionnaires were returned from these % 20 residents, the statistics will be affected in 10 these age groups. 10
0 5 The male/female chart only indicates the 3 2 Male Female gender of those responding to the question- 1 73 64 naire. The ratio shown however is fairly typi- 0 cal, indeed it is the exact reverse of that 16-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85-94 95 and Number of replies taken in the official 2001 Parish census over i.e. 47% male/53% female. 20 4 29 18 30 26 20 3 1 Number of replies
P OLICY
Policy AG1: In all aspects of policy affecting the village of Middleton, the Parish will in- sist that the needs and wishes of everyone in the community are carefully considered, regardless of age or gender. Glover Court 2004 Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 26 Continued on page 27
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Environment 7 Village would benefit from communal green area with benches and perhaps a pond for residents to meet and enjoy, but not essentia l 7 Car parking on the road is a nuisance especially on the bend at 18/20 Main St which makes overtaking the parked cars very risky as traffic coming from the direction of Ashley Rd often approaches at speed 7 Within the last 10 tears the “dale” has moved from being a delightful footpath between Middleton and Cottingham to a muddy, litt er strewn obstacle course 7 Q3– Walkers with dogs discriminated against, with regard to stiles. Recommend considering stiles such as in Devon/Dartmoor N a- tional Park. Q6– Weekly refuse collection totally unreliable 7 Seasonal problem with fallen leaves on pavement outside Hunting Lodge and up the hill opposite the Red Lion 7 Too much dog poo, my girls often stand in this, which is inconvenient and a hygiene hazard. They encounter a lot of horse poo al so, which is sometimes delivered on the kerb right outside the house, equally disgusting, but seems to be more socially acceptable for some reason, poo bags for horse riders also please! 7 I would welcome a bridleway linking the villages of Middleton and East Carlton to allow horse riders to pass through without hav ing to ride on the busy Corby-Mkt Harborough Road. The only viable solution is a designated pathway through East Carlton Park. 7 As a horse owner/rider I find there is a desperate need for a bridleway between Middleton and East Carlton as I take my life in my hands each time I ride along Corby to Harborough A427 Road. I did bring this matter up with the Corby Council about the possibi l- ity of creating a bridleway across East Carlton Park. This would be a short bridleway across the corner skirting the cricket clu b for access through to the village only. I would not wish to ride through the park. Corby Council thought it was more appropriate to con- tact the Parish Councils with a view to changing the existing footpath from Middleton to E.C. to a Bridleway, but this does not ap- pear viable. 7 It would be great to introduce recycling for plastics as well as glass, tins and paper + Christmas card collection in Jan for re cycling. 7 The welland pond on the Ashley road is particularly bad for fly tipping 7 From School Hill Middleton. Is it possible to have a smaller refuse lorry so that it doesn’t ruin all the grass verges, and is a ble to get down our lane if there is the smallest amount of frost on the ground? We can all get our cars out so a smaller lorry would have no problem. Is it possible for the grass cutters to leave the grass until the cowslips have finished flowering. Each year as soon as they start to grow, the strimmers get to work and cut all the wild flowers along our grass verges. Wild flowers are much prettier than lawns in the countryside! 7 Dustbins have to be moved to top of Manor Court nr Bury Close, difficult for elderly. Waste tipped on Ashley Rd, also near River Welland on Ashley Rd.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 27 Continued on page 28
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Environment 7 The cul de sac off Ashley Road is poorly maintained. Weeds are a problem. Pavements are broken and dangerous. The grass verge opposite 17 Ashley Road is very poor at the moment. The skip was very useful and I would like to see its return. 7 The new recycling bins (boxes) aren’t very big and therefore not great deal is being recycled.
7 More incentive needed (and help) to remove larger items of rubbish—this would contribute to less fly tipping.
7 It is dreadful to see fly tipping in such a lovely area also rubbish thrown from cars/lorries. More should be done to clear it u p.
7 As a dog owner and a parent I feel the horse excrement is a disgrace (please bear in mind I love horses)
7 Are you going to collect cardboard and plastic in the future?
7 The ‘top road’ around the village is a fly tipping hotspot. Waste/burnt out vehicles are occasionally left here ‘too’ long.
7 There aren’t any litter bins between the Post Box in Main Street, staying on that side of the road, till I turn into Darescroft on Ashley Road. 7 No access due to kissing gates along Camsdale Walk to Cottingham & opposite Red Lion to East Carlton Park.
7 Ruined by new houses. I will be leaving Middleton because of it.
7 I feel that inconsiderate people have a lack of respect for the countryside, by dumping rubbish on public bridleways, not only that but it doesn’t get cleaned up by anyone either. 7 Bridleway on Ashley Rd is abused by people who don’t live in the community and is poorly maintained. I.e. cleaned, secured and policed. 7 Plastics recycling—even if they could be put in supermarket bags for collection
7 Middleton has become a building ‘hive of activity’ with vehicles, mud, rubble etc cluttering up the main street—no green areas left and every space is being built on e.g. Middleton Garage site—3 houses crammed onto a very small area. 7 Access to communal tip has to be made easy otherwise fly tipping is rife.
7
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Environment 7 Litter & Rubbish on farm track off Ashley Road to river
7 I would like to see the skip reinstated on a monthly basis
7 Bin Men leave empty bin yards away from gate.
Employment 10 I am employed by a company based in Warwickshire but work from home, only visiting head office occasionally.
10 Although ‘retired’ I do some office work at home.
10 Poor quality jobs and low skill level.
10 There is now virtually no local employment in the village only the pub.
Health & Social Care 14 District Nurse poor
14 Concerned at population & housing increase. Hospital struggling already (alerts) what about future provision for hospital.
14 I have to travel to Desborough to a dentist because no other dentist locally will take on NHS patients.
14 There needs to be a surgery in the village and prescriptions could be collected from the post office.
14 More ‘lifts’ for elderly spouses when one partner is hospitalised.
14 There are not enough NHS dentists in the local area
14 In comparison with adjacent areas, Drs appts. Are easily arranged.
14 Dentist in Corby retired no alternative available yet.
14 I must travel to Desborough for dental care
14 Fairly useless
14 Would be nice to have a Drs Surgery and maybe a pharmacy attached.
14 Main Healthcare used Doctor—Desborough. Hospital—Kettering. Dentist– Desborough.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 29 Continued on page 30
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Health and Social Care 14 I use dentistry and optical services from outside the area.
14 We can’t get a dentist locally.
14 Since Lakeside surgery operates only a daily appointment service—it is very difficult to see your own doctor and frustrating phoning daily. 14 It is difficult to get an appointment on a daily basis.
14 Q11: Very difficult to register with a surgery. Resorted to calling Regional Health Authority to gain access. Q12: Even more dif ficult to gain access to NHS dentist. Word received via the grapevine that Corby dentist accepting new patients so acted swiftly. Note: He can accept new patients because methods resemble that of being processed by battery farmers. 14 Lack of NHS dental surgeries locally
14 We have no NHS dentists available in Corby. Husband has to travel to Kettering. I and son pay private to ensure we have local tr eat- ment. 14 We have been on the patient list at Forest Gate Medical Centre (formally Elizabeth St) and have found their service excellent at all times getting appointments quickly. Education 18 There is nowhere for the Childcare groups & Clubs to meet.
18 Secondary—Lodge Park Little feedback to child or parents. Technology classes repeatedly cancelled.
18 Need for youth organisations, e.g. Scouts, Guides
18 Have filled in some of childcare& education questions due to only recently having left education system. Holiday groups and child activities in general always seemed to take place in Cottingham 18 There is a lack of things for local teenagers to do in Middleton, this has led to vandalism of the school etc.
18 As school governor, and with two grandchildren at Cottinham school, I think the school has improved enormously with the new head teacher, Mr Luke Whitney, going ahead with exiting plans for the future, and more children attending at the school. 18 I think it is a very relaxed attitude to education but it could be worse
18 Cottingham is lucky to have a positive, creative, forward thinking headmaster who will generate well balanced human beings, not just pupils doing well in a system. Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 30 Continued on page 31
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Education 18 Bishop Stopford has provided our children with an excellent all round education.
Heritage 20 Not enough knowledge or how to access this. Keen to try and preserve the village ‘feel’ without too much landfill development th us increasing traffic problems and associated problems to this. 20 Where can we find information?
20 Are there any publications on this subject?
20 New developments should be in keeping with the village—not like Tesco’s
20 Before further planning development is allowed– planners should consider the parking problem all along Main St. —it will soon be gridlocked & dangerous. 20 Hope it doesn’t increase in size.
20 I am very concerned about the proposed fish farm locally which was refused some years ago & sincerely hope it will be refused again. 20 A dedicated website highlighting the history of the village & key architecture could be of interest.
20 It would appear that the property market has resulted in post office/shops being bought as houses. Middleton needs “ye olde” shop/ public house etc. for the benefit of community relations. 20 New building should not be allowed to alter the traditional character of the village.
20 New buildings are spoiling the traditional character & making it seem like a “dormitory” village for Leicester or London.
20 I like things the way they are. Middleton is a lovely peaceful place to live.
20 There isn’t a lot due to the building of new properties in the village.
20 What is ‘Middleton Heritage’?
20 The village has changed considerably in the last 10 years —the peace & tranquillity is the reason I moved to the village & it is a shame to see this spoilt with so much development, which has caused considerable noise/extra traffic/change in scenery. It would be a shame to see the village further changed for the worse.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 31 Continued on page 32
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Middleton Heritage 20 Don’t know enough about it. Worth harnessing the intimate knowledge of the village residents while they are in a position to ass ist.
20 Cottingham village sign is well maintained Middleton is poor by comparison.
20 .Developments to be in keeping with village.
20 There must be some local people who have knowledge & documentation of the village and it would be good to tap into these sources
Housing Needs 28 I do hope not too many houses are built as Middleton is such a lovely village and it would spoil the character of it.
28 Ref Q26 in general they have been good for the village but selectively some have been significantly less good for the local visual environment. 28 Designs of new housing is frequently unrelated to existing buildings—much more care is needed in planning.
28 Development necessary and unavoidable. However, excessively compact infill to be avoided. Preserved villages die.
28 The new large scale development and the in -fill developments have been good but the village is now large enough and there should be no further green field development. 28 Too much building has already taken place on new build and set to get worse as it continues which makes this questionnaire a jok e.
28 “In filling” on sections of private land brings problems to many aspects of the village —heavy lorries, spillage & general inconv en- ience to residents, not forgetting child safety! 28 The new housing development has caused a lot of noise– firstly with the building works & now with dogs barking/lawn mowers etc. The village has already increased dramatically in size & should not be further developed – keep Middleton peaceful—if we wanted noise/housing developments we would move to a town. 28 No more large estates in village, if houses were built no large 5 bedroom houses out of keeping with the village, also no houses at the back of others given planning permission! 28 Please refer to Q26 Too much infilling, giving little consideration for car parking, road suitability, views etc.
28 The new developments have increased traffic in Middleton, which can lead to speeding and other road safety matters. This needs a d- dressing urgently. 28 Q26– more of a ‘not applicable’ as I myself haven’t lived in the village long enough to recognise benefit/detriment
28 More houses for young couples needed to stop the exodus of people who cannot afford executive prices for homes. Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 32 Continued on page 33
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Housing Needs 28 The new properties have not “integrated” so far —so numbers at village functions are still minimal.
28 Some of the housing developments have been ‘squashed’ into the infill areas available—not enough thought of inevitable effects of traffic and increase social needs (schools/facilities for alternative transport) 28 I have no objection to further small housing projects, provided that any development is ‘in keeping’ with other properties. Midd leton is part of a conservation area, however Corby B.C. do not seem to recognise this. 28 Above questions cannot have a single answer. I.e. a development with it’s own roads/garage is OK. Others that are infill with li mited off road parking are not OK—result in excessive street parking, which results in very dangerous exit from some existing dr iveways. 28 Concerned as to whether utility provision can cope.
28 With so many houses proposed for surrounding area don’t see the need for development of village as infrastructure not adequate.
28 I feel that a small village is being oversubscribed by houses. This ruining the village setting.
28 Too many houses already.
28 Middleton Roads/Lanes cannot cope with more housing. At the moment some properties have 3 cars/plus. They are left on footpaths and roads, causing congestion. Householders do not put their cars in garages anymore. 28 We have recently moved from Cottingham to new estate in Middleton. I feel this development is tucked away in village making use of small parcel of land but has kept the open views available to existing householders. 28 I would question some of the building permission granted on small plots of land with poor access.
28 Access to any future developments should be away from Main Street due to parking problems and access problems for current own- ers joining Main St. between rows of parked cars. 28 It’s a shame there is so much negativity to new development. We all live in houses that were a new development at one time.
28 I like where I live but like anyone else here I don’t really like change.
28 Provision for adequate parking very important if more housing built each household has more than one car.
28 No more developments other than careful conversion of redundant buildings.
28 New Buildings should be built in sympathy with materials used in established village i.e stone reclaimed brick etc Also sympathetic design Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 33 Continued on page 34
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Crime & Anti-Social Be- 37 Fireworks late at night haviour 37 Fireworks
37 The peace and tranquillity is being lost due to more cars, children playing football in our lane.
37 Since the development of new housing estate increased noise of children shouting and dogs barking
37 Barking dogs, children playing in the street, light pollution.
37 Fireworks late at night
37 Youths who hang around the school and up the bridleway near river.
37 Lack of respect for the village generally by people from outside of area.
37 Noise especially the loosing off of fireworks.
37 Careless parking near Middleton Nursery i.e. Min Street
37 Noisy traffic speeding down Ashley Road
37 Speeding and poor road safety
37 Noise
37 Stolen Car crashing outside our house
37 Fast and noisy traffic speeding down Ashley road
37 People failing to clean up dog mess along Ashley Road
37 Litter
37 Noise—especially fireworks going off at all hours, days. Frightening our animals.
37 Cans etc being stuffed into spring outflow pipe causing overflow/litter. Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 34 Continued on page 35
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Crime & Anti-Social Be- 37 Problems related to Red Lion PH. Have experienced late night/early AM noise from taxis sounding horns, drunken people leaving, haviour fights environmental probs due to noise from fan, music & over-exited kids using garden in summer (unchecked) 37 Smoke into house and garden (bonfire and poorly designed low chimneys). Music (beat) from two houses away in summer.
37 Late night noise—usually fireworks.
37 Noise from Red Lion late at night
37 Parking on bends adjacent to the Nursery
37 There appears to be a detrimental effect from the Red Lion Pub in the last few years—with bottles etc. at the top of the footpath to East Carlton & also reports of late night drinking/drugs/fighting in the pub. 37 Taxi hooting at Red Lion PH after 11PM
37 Speeding Traffic, noise from Red Lion at night & drunken drivers from Red Lion & SpreadEagle.
37 Noise from taxis late evening early hours using horn for pick -ups outside Red Lion Pub. Noise from drunks/also involved assault early hours morning. Music/kids and fan noise to excess fro Red Lion Pub. Crime & Anti-Social Be- 38 Bonfires—now that housing is becoming denser the old habit of using bonfire is a big nuisance. We are regularly driven indoors/t ake haviour washing off line/shut all windows due to this nuisance. 38 Theft from a motor vehicle—no visit at all from police. Concerned at shortage of police, pressure of admin on them + control cen tre now at Northampton. 38 Noise level during summer months from E Carlton PK loud music (Rave?) occasionally
38 Cars now mounting the pavement to pass in both directions outside 20 Main Street. This will eventually lead to a serious acciden t & maybe a fatality. 38 Late night taxis are a problem with noise control —honking of horns
38 Two anti-social activities– 1. Dog mess immediately outside my house. 2. Sudden explosion of fireworks—not on Nov 5th but on other occasions—people should be given warning.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 35 Continued on page 36
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Traffic and Transport 44 Bus service is good
44 Chicane in Main St Flashing warning in The Hill
44 Ashley Road/The Hill is a dangerous area for speeding. (crash outside our house & cat run over —lucky it wasn’t a child)
44 Traffic calming is spreading like a virus throughout the country in general and Northamptonshire in particular and is having the ef- fect of restricting the freedom of the law abiding majority whilst having no effect on the anti social behaviour of those who have no respect for others, indeed official figures show that no reduction in accident rate has been achieved. 44 Flashing warnings good at entrance to village e.g. The Hill. Chicanes for through village traffic.
44 We need a better/more regular bus service
44 It is always a problem having to go to Leicester to pick up long distance “National” coaches. A pick up by Nat Express at Corby or Harborough would be useful. 44 Traffic calming (if carried out using chicane/humps etc.) increases vehicle noise with excessive gear changes, so would need car eful consideration. 44 Already share transport to work
44 Main Street very hazardous—when parking at peak times causes problems to overtake. Locals may be aware but strangers to the vil- lage just speed through. 44 Multiple street parking makes visibility for exiting some driveways a lottery on some occasions. I.e. inching totally blind out into a street and waiting for a hoot or screech of tyres. 44 Drivers of cars, vans & lorries often drive too fast through Middleton with total disregard for others.
44 Sometimes when my carers take me out in my wheelchair, the cars scare me as they go too fast through the village.
44 I have concerns regarding the proposed village hall site and the problems that will develop from cars parking along Main St.
44 Problems encountered with parking of cars outside children’s nursery on main St. Also parking on bend outside houses on opposite side of Main St.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 36 Continued on page 37
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Traffic & Transport 44 Parking outside Middleton home makes it difficult when turning on to Main Street from Glover Court especially when directly opp o- site road into Glover Court 44 Sadly cannot consider car sharing due to unpredictable nature of work+ uncertain start/finish times, would have been interested oth- erwise. 44 I feel ‘humps’ only affect those drivers who abide by the speed limit & don’t require them.
44 Main Street Overused
44 Cars parked along Main Street create dangerous conditions for traffic
44 Car parking along Main St a real problem —certain times of the day there can be an excess of 30 cars parked from Cannam House to Manor House 44 Insufficient help from local bodies—CBC NCC
44 Bad and dangerous congestion of parked cars on Main Street (Day Nursery) not forgetting the very dangerous tractor parked on the bend on Main Street and Ashley Rd. 44 I am vehemently opposed to traffic calming in the form of speed humps. Not only do they make driving an unpleasant and unco m- fortable experience but the pollution which they trigger is far more detrimental to the environment and to the community than traffi c which is allowed normal progress. Sport and Leisure 48 Walking (similar to ramblers)
48 Tennis Club would be good
48 A running track?
48 Football or tennis if there were spaces and facilities available
48 Unlikely to be interested personally in listed activities, nevertheless feel such provision is necessary to maintain and foster the com- munity spirit in this village and encourage partnership with Cottingham (or is it sacrilege to suggest this?) 48 Yoga
48 Badminton
48 Rosemary Conley classes, Parent & Toddler groups for village hall Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 37 Continued on page 38
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Sport and Leisure 48 Although in general would not be interested myself in activities in the village hall but they should be provided for people who would use them 48 Provision of tennis court on land opposite Manor House
48 New village hall will greatly benefit the community. All we need then is a good well managed local pub for local people not Corb y overspill. 48 The village could do with a tennis court!
48 Tennis, if a tennis court was built near new village hall
48 Tennis
48 A sports hall would be very beneficial and lucrative for the village as indoor halls for 5 -a-side football leagues are fully booked all year round at every sports facility locally. NB They could also be used for organising sporting clubs to keep children occupied and off the streets in the evenings. 48 We could have a walking group. Musical appreciation club.
48 To be made available for children as well as adults.
Places of Worship 52 Whilst I feel the church is for “everyone” I have been disappointed that the ‘traditional’ service has gone and that the majorit y of ser- vices are geared toward children. I miss the traditional service and words/music I have been familiar with and which was part of me. 52 Access is difficult for the elderly
52 The Church needs far greater support from residents. Earlier generations gave far greater contributions in both attendance and f i- nance. Unless there is a far greater awareness, the Church will become redundant and probably fall down. 52 Don’t have enough involvement to comment on Parish needs
52 Our Vicar, Revd. Miles Falla, is responsible for Gretton, Rockingham, Cottingham/Middleton and East Carlton. He is assisted by a curate, Reader and Pastoral Assistant—a growing team of people are communicating with parishioners. 52 Better parking
52 Not easy to park
52 Local vicar to call on new residents! Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 38 Continued on page 39
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Places of Worship 52 A more “user friendly” + locally involved vicar would benefit the community!
52 Knowing persons who do attend church, am aware that the church seems heavily weighted towards kids etc. who are allowed to run unchecked during services thus removing the spiritual feel of the place. Good to encourage kids, but more control required. Swi tch to modern rather than traditional service has not gone down well with all. 52 I wish I knew!
52 Some help from Corby to tidy the graveyard would be useful—they look after the cemetery in Corby very well!
52 Rota system of Parish Priest leaves many Sundays without a good service– relationships not built up between residents and Church.
52 Lack of information re time of Communion and lack of information generally, needs to have more communications with the comm u- nity. Places of Worship 53 There is little opportunity for me personally to ‘focus’ spiritually with children being disruptive and causing noise through pr ayer. I’m all for children attending a service but please allow others to have their time too to enjoy, as I used to. Time to re flect. I used to attend every week but now despite attending when I feel I want to ‘try again’ always find that the disruption b y children gets in the way. Let them have their time and adults theirs.
53 Present links with parishioners include a monthly newsletter “ Towers & Spires” a very well attended Family Service (parents/ children/babies) every month, regular visits to the sick etc. Cottingham C of E School also has good links with the church. 53 Previous vicars have been more open and welcoming than the present incumbent. May be down to personality—may be down to pressure of tending several parishes + the problems that brings with depersonalisation etc. Parish Administration 62 A parish website would be excellent
62 I look forward to some action around the road safety points raised at the “your village” open day
62 Like to say thank-you for the efforts they are making on behalf of Middleton.
62 Website “other” - space for comment both in praise and otherwise. eg “whoever owns a “X” dog which messed in my drive please control it”! 62 From what I see there seems no point in having a parish council.
62 Out of sight/ out of mind! Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 39
V ERBATIM C OMMENTS FROM QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic Question Comment
Parish Admin 62 What about amalgamation with newsletter produced by neighbourhood watch, or has that folded?
62 It would be great to re-introduce the joint Cottingham/Middleton newsletter but to add more interesting articles eg comings and go- ings spotlight on individual etc. 62 Website could have a section for people to post their views and concerns + discussion board.
62 Fine bunch of individuals! Some handsome ones among them too!! Credit for getting involved & caring enough to devote time and effort. 62 Obviously more pr-active than in the past. Well done for efforts made through these kinds of attempts to get people involved and have a say. 62 Newsletter should be emailed to as many villagers as possible to keep costs down.
Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 40 Continued on page 41 A CTION P LAN
Policy Action Responsibility Timescale/Priority Environment: E1 A voluntary “local Environment Watchdog” will be sought and appointed by MPC. The MPC Immediate/Medium Watchdog’s role will be to observe and gather observations from others, and report to MPC. Environment: E2 MPC to undertake survey of access trouble spots. Full report from MPC to relevant authori- MPC, CBC, NCC Immediate/Ongoing/High ties. Environment: E3 Watchdog to carry out initial survey, report to MPC, then provide regular observations. MPC,NCC Immediate/Ongoing/Medium Environment: E4 MPC to seek meeting with CBC to discuss problem and seek improved service levels. MPC Immediate/Ongoing/Medium Environment: E5 MPC to erect new bylaw warning signs. Flyer to be circulated explaining that under the policy, MPC Immediate/Ongoing/High complaints about individual dog owners received by MPC will trigger a letter to the offender from MPC Employment: EM1 New village hall design to include as many facilities within the available budget to enable MPC, Village Hall Immediate/Ongoing/Medium training and instruction in subjects that may improve opportunities for employment locally. Trust. Health & Social Investigate whether it is feasible to use the new village hall for certain healthcare services. MPC, Village Hall Late 2005/High Care: HC1 Trust. Education: ED1 No further action planned at present. Heritage H1: A voluntary group will be formed and invited to compile a list of “Heritage” sites and objects MPC Immediate/Ongoing/Low in the parish, for identification and future protection where possible. Housing: HO1 County and Borough authorities to be made aware of and to acknowledge the Parish Plan, and MPC Immediate/Ongoing/High their assurance sought that future planning and Local Plan decisions will reflect the wishes of the majority of people of Middleton. Crime & Anti- Local police authority to be contacted and a meeting arranged to discuss the dissatisfaction felt MPC Immediate/High Social behaviour: by the community. Police officer allocated to Middleton will be invited to attend Parish Coun- CD1 cil meetings whenever possible. Crime & Anti- Anyone in the parish who has a complaint about local anti-social behaviour problems will be MPC Immediate/Ongoing/High Social behaviour: invited to give details by letter or in person to MPC. The subject to be on every MPC meeting CD2 agenda, during public participation period. Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 41
A CTION P LAN
Policy Action Responsibility Timescale/Priority Traffic & Trans- Renewed efforts will be taken to lobby County and Borough Authorities to introduce traffic MPC Immediate/High port : T1 calming in all affected areas in the village. Traffic & Trans- A car-share scheme organiser will be sought and invited promote it via the local newsletter, MPC Immediate/Low port : T2 village and notice-board. Sport and Leisure: A clear policy will be sought regarding the playing field and changing room facilities, the a u- MPC Immediate/medium SL1 thorities responsible to meet and construct a clear strategy. Sport and Leisure: Progress with new village hall to be explained on regular basis via newsletter and MPC mi n- MPC, Village Hall Immediate/Ongoing/Medium SL2 utes. Trust Places of Worship: No further action planned at present. W1 Parish Administra- Parish website to be created. The present newsletter to be provided with information on MPC MPC Immediate/Ongoing/Medium tion: PA1 matters on a monthly basis. Age and Gender: No further action planned at present. AG1 Middleton Parish Plan 2004-2009 Page 1
I NTRODUCTION
What is the Middleton Parish Plan? tage of being able to adapt and modify it’s policies if achieved then clearly the village will be a better place circumstances require it. The plan exists only to reflect to live. It is necessary to prioritise the Action Plan CONTENTS Parish Plans were announced In the Government’s the wishes of the people of Middleton, now and in fu- because some issues require more urgent action. High “Rural White Paper” in 2000. Through the Countryside ture years. priority may not guarantee rapid action however, road Agency’s Vital Villages initiative, parishes in rural areas safety in the village is an example. To bring about re- Environment 2,3,4 were given priority and grants made available to cover ductions in traffic speed through the village requires the costs of preparation and production. Who has produced the plan? Employment 5 considerably more resources and cooperation by other Although initiated by Middleton Parish Council in early authorities than say, tackling poor grass cutting . 6,7 Health and Social Care The purpose of the plan is to find out what the people of 2003, many people in the village have contributed Education 8,9 Middleton think about the issues affecting life in the substantial amounts of voluntary time and effort to the Because the rural scene is changing, and priorities can village, find out if anything needs changing, create project. shift, the Parish Plan needs to be dynamic and flexible. 10 Heritage policy and take appropriate action where needed. This Policies and their associated plan of action need to be is a five year plan. Housing Needs 11-13 The vital contributors of course are those people who reviewed on a regular basis. The ongoing success of the aired their views, expressed opinions and made sug- project can only be assured if everyone in our commu- 14-17 Crime A substantial amount of feedback from the village gestions on the issues affecting the village. Without nity is involved. Traffic & Transport 18,19 “Future Needs” day in July 2003 helped to focus on this involvement in our community, there could be no Acknowledgments and Thanks the issues that concerned the majority of people. The plan. 20,21 The people of Middleton for their participation in the open day Sport & Leisure Parish Plan Steering Committee was able to produce a questionnaire based on these issues, and therefore and survey and the loan of historical photographs, maps and 22 artefacts. Places of Worship tailored to the needs and aspirations of Middleton. What happens now?
23,24 Middleton Parish Plan contains a number of policies Parish Administration The Parish Plan Steering Committee : Kay Dickens, Tony Free- that the community want implemented or continued. 25 The questionnaires were distributed by hand to the 301 man, Charles Freestone, Maria Harvey, Mike Loseby, Dryden Age and Gender The Parish Plan and it’s associated Action Plan, repre- people listed on the Corby Borough Council Register of Phillipson (Chair). sents an agreement between the community and the Verbatim Comments 26-39 Electors (CY Corby Rural West No.3). Glover Court was Parish Council as to how we would like our parish to not included on the Register at the time, being still Action Plan 40,41 develop now and in the future. Data Analysis : Dorothy Anderson, Derek Robertson, Gordon under construction, a questionnaire was offered to Watson. every occupant then present . Like the Parish Plan itself, the Action Plan can be sub- The Head, Teachers and especially the children of Cottingham ject to review and revision. Priorities can change, and 53% of questionnaires were returned, which helped to Primary school for their village model and fine photographs. of course some objectives may not be met. The Parish produce data of reasonable accuracy, although this is Plan is not a guarantee, as many facets of local life are not a scientifically accurate survey, which would be Jane Smith www. cottinghamhistory.co.uk. affected by policy decisions at Central, Regional, beyond the resources and budget available. County and Borough levels. These authorities must , however, take Parish Plans into account when strate- The Countryside Agency. Policy on how to deal with each of the issues contained gic, planning and other issues affecting the local com- in the plan flows from the feedback from the people of munity are being decided. Northamptonshire Action With Communities in Rural England Middleton, as expressed at the open day, and the (NACRE). questionnaire. There are some issues that do not have a clear majority of views, and these need further dis- Will the plan have any real effect on our community? Middleton Parish Council Chaired consecutively by Simon cussion before policy is decided. In any event, the plan Medwell and Keith Allsop is not set in stone — a small community has the advan- Children’s Model of Middleton July 2003 If all or even some of the objectives in the plan are