Chapter 6

Sub-Index

The Key Issues:

Page

i. Local Transport 2

ii. Local facilities 6

iii. Keeping the character of our community 9

iv. Protecting the environment 13

v. Traffic control 17

vi. Facilities & activities for young people 21 vii. Schools 25 viii. Community Safety 28

ix. Sense of community 32

Part of Ford Village on the left with Airfield on the right. Photograph courtesy of Robin D W Norton www.woodstockoxford.co.uk

1 LOCAL TRANSPORT

AIM – Encourage more people to either walk or use public transport

BACKGROUND

Most people have a desire to use their cars as their main form of transport, claiming that the bus service was unreliable and not frequent enough at peak times. People aged over 60 indicated that they would use public transport more, providing that the service was adequately suited to their needs. For workers it was felt that a better service would be provided if the buses ran early morning and early evening so that they could get to and from work. Many have commented on the need for better bus services which link the Parish with the Hospital (SDH) and the Railway Station. The Residents’ survey indicated that the largest number of bus users were the over 60s making use of their free bus pass travel.

Laverstock The local bus service into Laverstock, in particular, was well valued, but the majority of people in the area preferred to use their cars for travelling to work or shopping. The problem is to get the public of the Parish to either cycle to work or walk. The need for a better bus service serving the whole length of Church Road but also going further into Ford and Hampton Park was suggested, thus improving the services to those areas of the Parish. Some residents indicated that they would walk into if better provision of safe footpaths was made. The road alongside was thought to be particularly unsafe, having no footpath. There are plans for a footpath/cycleway to the city.

Ford Ford residents who responded to the survey seemed to accept that a regular bus service for the village would not be viable, although use of the park & ride locations at Road and the Beehive, if used, would avoid parking in Salisbury.

Hampton Park A number of Hampton Park residents complained that the current bus timetable did not allow them to use the bus for journeys to and from work in Salisbury. A change in bus timetables, which should cover the 9 and 6 o’clock peak times, might encourage those who work in Salisbury to use public transport instead of their cars.

Old Sarum Old Sarum is the next big area of development within the Parish and people will require transport to work, shopping, schools etc. Provision of a suitable bus service to coincide with the increase in population might encourage the new residents to use public transport for these journeys. There is an opportunity for the developers to build in to the Old Sarum development facilities which encourage people to leave their cars at home.

2 FACTS AND FIGURES

More people use cars for shopping (58%), going to work (87%), for voluntary work (75%), for school/college (55%) and for social/recreational purposes (48%) than any other form of transport. The second most important method of transport is to walk for going to work (8%), for school/college (38%) and social and recreational (28%), with using the bus for shopping (21%) and voluntary work (16%). (Percentages given are based on journeys made).

The most important issues in order for people to use public transport more were: i) more buses in the evenings/at weekends, yes 45% (97) ii) a more reliable service ,yes 37% (81) iii) more routes, for example, to the Hospital and Railway Station, yes 26% (57)

STRUCTRAL INFLUENCES

The new unitary authority – Council - works in partnership to provide community transport, to help businesses and other organisations develop travel plans, and to promote and improve sustainable travel, such as cycle routes.

The concessionary fares scheme, available to over 60s and those with a long-term disability, actively encourages pass holders to make use of the free bus service. Recently upgraded to cover all times of day and providing free travel across county boundaries, the bus pass scheme is valued by residents and reduces congestion in Salisbury. The existing park and ride schemes, soon to be supplemented with a further site at Petersfinger, can be used as a simple bus service by pass holders but not by fare-paying residents. The current level of fuel costs may encourage more public transport usage if the service is convenient.

3 LOCAL TRANSPORT

Issue: Improve bus services Possible Next Steps Hampton Park A need for a better bus service covering the 9am and 6 pm peak times. Better bus service from Church Road reaching into Hampton Park. Ford Enter into discussions with Improved bus service from Church Road reaching into Wilts and Dorset and Wiltshire Ford. Unitary Council. Old Sarum See end issue. Laverstock A need for a better bus service serving the whole length of Church Road but also going into Ford and Hampton Park.

Issue: Investigate the need for a bus service to the Possible Next Steps railway station and the hospital. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Enter into discussions with Wilts and Dorset and Wiltshire Need for a Community Bus and/or a regular Bus service to Unitary Council. meet the demand to attend Hospital appointments and increase travel from Buses to Railway Station. A link with Laverstock, Ford, Old Sarum and Hampton Park with the Pulse line Bus service providing links with Hospital and Railway Station.

Issue: Improve safety for cyclists and walkers. Possible Next Steps Hampton Park Cycle lanes available along London Rd. Ford Support Plans for new major Cycle Lanes through Ford. cycleways including one into Old Sarum the city. Cycle Lanes along Old Sarum . Laverstock Cycle lanes up past Godolphin.

Issue: Support the provision of good public transport Possible Next Steps services at Old Sarum as the area develops. Hampton Park A need to provide Hampton Park with an adequate bus service as the area develops. Ensure that the Master Plans for new development in these areas include suitable public Old Sarum transport provisions. A need to provide Old Sarum with an adequate bus service as the area develops.

Continued...

4 LOCAL TRANSPORT Continued...

Issue: Make more use for residents of the Park and Possible Next Steps Ride schemes at Beehive, London Road and Petersfinger. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock.

Encourage residents to use the Park & Ride bus service instead of their cars (especially early morning and early Discuss with Wilts & Dorset/ evening). Wiltshire Unitary Council.

“If you don’t drive – you’re stranded”

Ford resident

“No bus to the city between 8.05 and 9.00am”

Hampton Park resident

“The need to use buses will come with age” Laverstock resident

5 LOCAL FACILITIES

AIM – Promote and encourage support for Local Facilities serving the four communities of the Parish.

BACKGROUND

Throughout our consultation with residents in the four communities, everyone had a view about the provision of local facilities. People thought that living in a small community was no reason for not having adequate local facilities; shops and local services. Our own thoughts about this Key Issue tended to focus around the provision of retail services of the kind which might traditionally be found in a village community. Our residents however felt quite unrestrained in their suggestions for the provision of shops, health care provision, food outlets, post office, recycling facilities, restaurants, garden centre, and hairdressers.

Local people were forthright in expressing their views on the quality of service and choice of goods supplied locally. These need to be of a high standard in order to secure local patronage. Enabling people to purchase locally without travelling in to the city was offered as a sensible contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. Better facilities for recycling were often mentioned.

Residents in the two largest communities felt that there should be a provision for local health services. By far the most frequently mentioned subject was the recent removal of the Post Office. Unbeknown to the experts the facility was used by the residents of Old Sarum and Ford as well as Laverstock plus the passing trade. Regrettably it was not used enough.

6 STRUCTURAL INFLUENCES Post Office closure is ruled by government legislation although there are those who say the criteria for closure are suspect and arbitrary. Against any claim we might make for the provision of local facilities is always the fact that our four communities are all within bus travelling distance of Salisbury City.

The district council’s responsibility for safeguarding the provision of retail in the city has always taken precedence over the wishes of the neighbouring communities.

However there are two issues; the government’s plans for increasing the number of houses, particularly in this Parish and the different perspective which may be taken by the new Unitary Authority, might well assist representations from our own Parish Council to encourage more and improved local facilities.

Guidance in the Local Development Framework lists the following ‘facilities’- Primary School, shop, Post Office, Bus, Church, Pub, Playing Fields, Playgrounds and Meeting Hall. The existence of seven or eight of these usually deems the community ‘highly satisfied’.

Laverstock The largest of the four communities is poorly served with retail facilities. The One Stop shop is generally a welcomed addition, however the presence of a Chinese take-away is viewed with some scepticism. It raises an important issue that choice of a fast-food outlet is not a matter ever to be left to the consumers of the neighbourhood. If it were so then a fish and chip shop would have been a more likely choice.

Ford This very small community, approximately two miles distant from Laverstock, is not provided with separate facilities. There is no evidence to suggest that Ford expects facilities of its own.

Hampton Park This neighbourhood of 490 homes is better provided for than others with a shop, vet and post office nearby. The likelihood of five hundred new houses will increase the need for retail outlets and it is hoped that the community, through the Parish Council will have the opportunity to influence the choice.

Old Sarum This small community is the most deprived in terms of facilities to support the residents. It has nothing. We know that the current new build of 600 houses will bring with it a selection of facilities however it would be the wish of the Steering Group that the Parish Council will use the information gathered to influence the type and range of facilities

7 LOCAL FACILITIES

Issue Support local facilities in the four Possible Next Steps communities

Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Request the Parish Council to take note of the Parish Plan survey data The Parish Council has the opportunity of and support planning applications commenting (supporting or objecting) on all appropriate to the wishes of the applications for planning permission within the neighbourhoods. boundaries of the Parish.

Issue: Re-providing a local Post Office Service Possible Next Steps

Hampton Park New developments could result in populations that Investigate the possibility of a service would provide a local need for a Post Office. sponsored by Wiltshire County Old Sarum Council which will re-provide New developments could result in populations that essential components of the original would provide a local need for a Post Office. Post Office service. Ensure that planning for future Laverstock developments includes Post Office The campaign to save the Post Office in Laverstock service if the population warrants it. was lost despite the best efforts of our Parish/ District Councillor, and members of the public.

Issue The proposed development in Hampton Possible Next Steps Park and Old Sarum. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum. It is recommended that the Parish Council takes account of the data This area has been proposed by the District Council collected from residents during the for a large increase in residential accommodation in Parish Plan consultation and with the next few years. advice from Bishopdown Farm The Parish Council is keen to ensure that a strategic Residents Association will advocate gap is maintained between three communities; on behalf of the neighbourhood a possibly by the development of a ‘country park’. range of high quality local facilities provided with the new build.

“Good facilities keep the village alive”

Laverstock resident

8 KEEPING THE CHARACTER OF OUR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES

AIM - To protect the individuality of our four communities whilst remaining a cohesive Parish separate from Salisbury City

BACKGROUND

The four communities making up the Parish differ greatly but for each the most valued aspect of the Parish is the countryside around and access to the downlands and River Bourne. Maintaining our variety of communities with different needs was not placed as a high priority, but keeping the green spaces between the sites was. There was a desire to have interaction between communities. The Parish Newsletter was seen as an excellent way of communicating within the four communities. However; the lack of a bus service between areas makes it difficult for people without private transport to attend events.

Residents like being able to walk or cycle into the city. Part of The Golden Way circular cycle route around Salisbury runs from Old Sarum, through Laverstock to the City with links to The Wiltshire Cycleway. The cycle path from London Road to Laverstock is well used, particularly by school children but many parts of the roads into the city are considered dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians

Encouraging more industry to provide local employment was placed very low as a priority by all communities. There are over 100 businesses on the former and the four schools in Laverstock are important employers.

Residents like being close to the City but desperately want to keep a separate identity.

The greatest concern is inappropriate overdevelopment and the danger of green areas surrounding the separate communities being built on so that they become linked. Salisbury’s future planning policies include an extension of the current 600 house development at Old Sarum to 1000.

The Parish Council is committed to closely monitoring future planning, preserving the green areas around communities and ensuring that developments such as Old Sarum – phase 1 and 2 and the proposed development for Hampton Park contain adequate community facilities and amenities.

9 Structural Influences

Central Government has decreed that 12400, possibly more, homes must be built in the Salisbury and South Wilts area over the next 20 years. Council [SDC] published ‘Our Place in the Future’ a consultation document for communities to help shape planning policies and future development. This was followed by ‘Preferred Options’ a report setting out locations for housing development. Laverstock and Ford Parish Council has studied the documents and the sites identified in the Strategic Land Assessment Report and made appropriate representation to SDC on behalf of the Parish. Wiltshire Unitary Authority will replace the District Council in 2009 with the loss of District Councillors. Laverstock History Project has collected a wealth of historical information on the village Salisbury Cycling Opportunities Group for consultation on improving routes for cyclists. Salisbury Council for Voluntary Services a source of information and help in recruiting volunteers. Wilts & Dorset Bus Company and Community Bus

Facts and Figures

10 KEEPING THE CHARACTER OF OUR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES

Issue: Promote appreciation of the history and Possible Next Steps heritage of our communities Hampton Park A relatively new residential development on former farmland with good sense of community. Ford Ford was originally a small hamlet surrounded by farmland situated at the south east corner of Old Sarum airfield. The first residential estate was officer’s quarters for the military camp. These houses are now largely Enlist the help of residents to privately owned. A further modern estate has enlarged carry out similar research of the community Hampton Park, Ford and Old Old Sarum Sarum as for the Laverstock In 1917 farm-land was requisitioned by the War Office Church 150th Anniversary. Work for use as a Military airfield in WW I and later in WW II. with Laverstock History Project to Used as a military base until 1979. A private club produce a book/booklet. continues the flying activity. A business park with over 70 Investigate the possibility of units now occupies part of the land with private and obtaining a grant to cover the social housing being added to ex army quarters and cost. Publish extracts in Parish converted buildings to form the present community. Newsletter. Check viability of Further development is taking place putting on Local History Talks Laverstock and Guided Walks. The village has a rich heritage going back to Saxon times. A Local History Project to mark the 150th Anniversary of St Andrew’s Church was started in February 2008 culminating in a week long exhibition in July 2008. Research into all aspects of life and history resulted in a wealth of information. A very successful guided History Walk around the village took place in May 2008.

Issue: Ensure the Parish Plan is validated and Possible Next Steps continues to be a ‘work in progress’ document – responding to changing needs and aspirations.

Parish Council to ensure that Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. once the Parish Plan is in place the Action Plan timetable is monitored; changing needs are The programme for validation of Parish Plan is on target identified and addressed;, and design will allow for monitoring and amendment. communities are consulted when With the transfer from Salisbury District Council to necessary and amendments with Wiltshire Unitary Authority it is important that the Parish actions are inserted. Council remains vigilant and works with the new Ensure that meetings of the authority in the best interests of Parish residents. Parish Plan Steering Group and other relevant groups and organisations are reported.

Continued....

11 KEEPING THE CHARACTER OF OUR DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES Continued...

Issue: Promote clubs and activities and seek Possible Next Steps volunteers/leaders using Parish Newsletter and Website Hampton Park Numerous clubs and activities centred on the Pavilion and green. Good, affordable facilities appreciated but difficulty in recruiting volunteers and leaders expressed. A list of all activities with meeting Youth Club recently started. days and contact numbers is Ford produced in the Parish Ford has no community meeting facility or any other Newsletter. Encourage all amenities. Some residents are members of organisations to do feature organisations run from Hampton Park and Laverstock articles for the Newsletter and Old Sarum Website explaining more about Old Sarum has no community meeting place or their group, inviting membership amenities but the MacEnhill football stadium, home of and appealing for volunteers and Salisbury Football Club, has a function facility. There are leaders if needed. Promote local units of the Army Cadet Force and Air Training Salisbury Council for Voluntary Corps. The bus service is dire and there are some Services for help in recruiting problems with anti-social behaviour. volunteers. Laverstock Investigate sites for further Many organisations catering for all ages meet regularly Parish notice boards so that all at the Village Hall. The facilities are good and communities can be kept affordable. The schools also provide venues for informed. activities and St Edmunds Sports College has a fitness club. Membership of Laverstock Sports & Social Club is open to all.

“Development plans shouldn’t be allowed to infringe on green belt “A cycleway to gaps” the city” Hampton Park resident

Ford Resident

“Improve facilities for disabled people”

Laverstock resident

12 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

AIM - Encourage wider concern for the environment in order to give better protection.

BACKGROUND

Residents expressed concerns are: to protect the precious downland and water- meadows which wrap around the village of Laverstock and Ford, to protect the green open spaces which act as buffers between our four communities, to enhance access to the open spaces via our footpaths, to protect the views to and from the areas above, to improve recycling and to improve the street scene.

Facts and Figures

Residents expressed concerns to protect and improve the environment via improved recycling facilities; (more than a quarter of respondents rated it first or second in their priorities). Providing safe access routes for walking/cycling to the city featured strongly in residents’ priorities and, if achieved, could contribute positively to reducing our carbon emissions and improving personal health.

Residents wish to ensure sustainable and appropriate development which retains the separateness and character of the current communities. This issue also featured as a main concern in several local group responses. The green environment is considered very important or important to 85% of our schools’ populations and protecting it is seen by 74% of students as more important than putting the building of more homes first. Reducing litter and improving recycling is very important to young people, receiving support from 88% of respondents whilst litter was the first or second most important aspect of protecting the environment for 35% of respondents. 3 of the Local Group questionaires put environmental issues at the top of their list of concerns. 59% of questionnaire replies featured access to open spaces as priority 1, 2 or 3. Almost without exception all the above issues were seen as definite aspirations to improve or at least worth trying by all respondents at the feedback ‘road shows’.

13 Structural Influences The development planned to take place in South Wiltshire over the next twenty years including that proposed for Old Sarum and Hampton Park. “More litter Rights of Way regulations and the status of footpaths, bins outside bridleways and restricted byways. schools” School pupil Current contract for litter collection and grass cutting with SDC will change under the new unitary authority due to commence in April 2009.

Recycling provisions are with WCC and currently only present in Laverstock at Murphy’s factory.

The Laverstock and Ford Downland and Watermeadow Trust is very responsive and proactive on the protection and access aspects of the environment.

The River Bourne Community Farm.

Many locations in the parish have been identified by land owners for potential development in the recent Strategic Land Evaluation exercise.

Fly tipping on Laverstock Down

14 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Issue: The street scene. There was Possible Next Steps overwhelming support for trying to enhance the street scene as fed back via the road shows. Hampton Park This area is very well presented with lots of trees around the Green. Litter appears to be more of a problem around the shop and surgery area. There will be large scale development here in the future requiring careful monitoring to ensure a green street scene Encourage all communities to take Ford part in the Best Kept Village This community is largely litter free and reflects its Competition, when appropriate. rural location. There is some potential for bulb and Embark upon a programme of bulb tree planting including on land held by the PC and a and tree planting. PC to further Residents’ Partnership. enhance a sense of pride in the Old Sarum communities with initiatives such as This area currently suffers from large amounts of the school presentation cups for Civic litter and discarded household rubbish. The local Responsibility. PC to closely monitor residents have begun to work hard to improve this grass cutting by public contractors. situation, often brought about by a minority of Parish Handyperson will reduce litter residents. volumes. Laverstock Laverstock potentially has the greatest challenge to the street scene with the presence of four schools within the heart of the community. Litter and graffiti can be a problem although the community did very well in its first entry to the CPRE Best Kept Village Competition, coming second in its category.

Issue: Open access with safe footpaths and Possible Next Steps cycling routes. Hampton Park Green Lane offers access both into the city and out The Laverstock and Ford Downland to the countryside at Ford. Old Sarum is accessible and Watermeadow Trust is keen to via footpaths in Bishopdown. maintain and enhance access to both Ford the Downs and the river. The PC is This community has good access to the countryside hoping to acquire riverside land for and the Bourne via its footpaths. Plans are public amenity use, including the proceeding to complete the cycle way through to Bourne River Community Farm. Hampton Park and the city. Provide all residents with a parish Old Sarum footpath/cycling map to encourage There is some access here but most worthwhile usage. PC to press for more access requires a short vehicular journey footpaths and cycle routes as further Laverstock development takes place. .PC to take There is good access to the Downs and on to the steps to prevent unauthorised use of Clarendon Path. There is some limited access to the bridleways and byways by vehicles. River Bourne via the PC boardwalk area and through the Sports and Social Club. There are plans to provide a ‘safe’ walking/cycling route to the city. Continued...

15 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT Continued...

Issue: Recycling Possible Next Steps Hampton Park Glass and plastic recycling bins at the One Stop Shop. Expand the range of materials to be Ford recycled at Laverstock and provide No facilities currently available. similar facilities for each of the other Old Sarum communities. PC to encourage good Limited facilities for waste but not sorted to recycle. recycling practice, for example, via Laverstock the Newsletter and website and Well used recycling facility at Murphy’s factory on advice from a recycling adviser. Church Rd. Bins available for foil, plastic bottles and cans. Issue Protecting open spaces and views Possible Next Steps Hampton Park Critical for the planned new development adjacent to the current housing. Support organisations such as BFRA, Ford L&FDWT and CPRE in their fight to Critical with the planned expansion of Hampton protect the green spaces and views Park to retain the green buffers. to them. Challenge all planning Old Sarum which would overwhelm the Old Sarum has an open feel with good views to the community and greatly reduce its countryside which need protecting as development available green space and views occurs. thereto. Where possible purchase Laverstock any land that could be a public Laverstock is also at great risk due to its linear amenity and provide a green buffer.. development and proximity to the Downs. There are lots of potential infill sites which would throttle the views to the Downs and the sky beyond.

Issue: Protecting the separateness of the four Possible Next Steps communities.

Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Challenge all planning which impacts negatively on the green open spaces. This is considered VITAL by all communities. No- Acquire open space land to retain one expressed the wish to see the parish becoming green buffers between communities. one great urban spread to expand Salisbury. Promote projects which encourage a Protecting the green spaces as buffers between the sense of identity for individual four communities will be a challenge with the communities. Encourage inter- planned new development. community activities which encourage identification of the separate communities.

16 TRAFFIC CONTROL

AIM - make roads in the parish safer and quieter, through speed controls and a reduction in congestion.

BACKGROUND

Traffic control is a major concern in the parish, this key issue being rated the second most important in our household survey. In the student survey ‘Less Traffic’ was the most requested improvement. Three of four distinct areas of the parish have traffic and speeding problems although to differing degrees. From the outset, Hampton Park was designed with chicanes and speed humps with traffic calming in mind. The other three areas have busy single roads passing through them which bring speed and congestion concerns.

An occasional mobile speed camera is used at the north end of Church Road but usually mid-morning, never when the rat-run traffic is at its heaviest. A speed activated camera has been trialled in the same place.

Laverstock The schools in Laverstock, with 1800 students, (of which only 15% originate from within the parish) plus staff and support workers, account for the bulk of the congestion and parking problems which concern residents for some 200 days a year.

The results of the household survey showed that whilst more road signs and chicanes/speed bumps were supported by about one half of respondents, the measures of lower speed limits, parking restrictions, camera controlled road signs and alternative forms of transport for students were all supported by over three quarters of respondents. (Mention was made by a number of residents that whilst chicanes were supported, speed humps were considered to contribute to congestion and have inherent dangers to road users). Complaints were also made about vehicles mounting the pavements to resolve a grid- lock.

The drop-off and collection of pupils at the start and end of the school day gives rise to both congestion and parking with access problems for residents in adjacent roads.

The schools survey showed that over 30% of students travel to school by car with a further 30% using bus services. The bulk of students said that the high traffic levels were the worst part of their journey to school.

17 The major safety request from students was for more crossings adjacent to the schools with the preference of these being traffic-light or warden controlled.

At the Laverstock roadshow, a number of residents suggested investigating the possibility of a weight restriction through Laverstock Village in an attempt to reduce the number of heavy lorries using Church Road as a short cut from the to London Road.

Ford Although traffic levels on Roman Road are not high, the road suffers from speeding vehicles and some residents have called for camera controlled speed signs. It has been recorded that 78% of traffic through Ford exceeds the speed limit.

Old Sarum A number of residents called for a lower speed limit on the Portway and better parking arrangements during football matches. The new build in progress will increase the number of cars entering and leaving the Portway and this should be considered when the build is completed. Residents were unhappy that the bus lay-by was removed during recent road works as it creates less traffic back-up when the bus is stationary.

Hampton Park Whilst the design of the estate restricts speeds, some residents showed concern for speeds on Peace Way.

Structural Influences

The recently announced SDC Model for Traffic

Congestion in Old Sarum and Laverstock have external influences, both having organisations which bring traffic into the area.

Old Sarum with its industrial estate and football ground.

Laverstock with three main schools serving a large area.

The problem of main roads in the Parish being used as short cuts.

The Portway at Old Sarum links the A345 to the A338.

Development of new housing will increase the number of cars joining the Portway.

Church Road, Laverstock provides a ‘rat run’ from the Southampton Road to the London Road, in effect taking the place of the once planned ‘Eastern By-pass’. Laverstock will continue to be the route of choice until congestion on the Southampton Road is dealt with or use of Church Road is made less attractive as a shortcut . The possibility of further development in Hampton Park will increase traffic through Laverstock since the only out-of-town supermarket is located to the south of Salisbury on the Southampton Road.

18 In Hampton Park further development would massively increase the traffic entering and leaving the estate.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The student survey, which had 1152 respondents, shows that whilst 30% travel by bus and a further 29% walk to school, 30% arrive at school by private car. Anything which can be done to reduce this figure would drastically diminish the congestion experienced at the start and end of school times. The household survey (see graph below) showed that finding alternative forms of transport for pupils carried a 96% ‘in favour’ rating.

The household survey asked residents to agree or disagree with the above measures and place them in order of importance. The weighted results show that more road signs were not wanted; chicanes and speed bumps scored only a 52% rating. The remaining measures were rated highly by the majority, with ‘finding alternative forms of transport for pupils’ ranking the highest.

19 TRAFFIC CONTROL Issue: Lower speeds on main roads. Possible Next Steps Hampton Park Residents are concerned with traffic speed on Enforce speed limits the main roads through the parish. Ford Residents are concerned with traffic speed on Enforce the 30mph limit though the village. the main roads through the parish. Old Sarum Reduce the speed limit to 30mph along the Residents are concerned with traffic speed on residential part of the Portway.. the main roads through the parish. Laverstock Reduce the speed limit outside the schools to Residents are concerned with traffic speed on 20mph when the schools are in use. the main roads through the parish.

Issue: Initiate measures to reduce the ‘rat- Possible Next Steps run’ through Laverstock. Laverstock Investigate the possibility of imposing a Reduce the number of HGVs travelling through weight restriction on through traffic along the village. Laverstock Road and Church Road.

Issue: Investigate other methods of traffic Possible Next Steps calming, camera controlled road signs, restricted parking during school day Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Explore the options of SIDs in areas of The use of speed controlled road signs (SIDs) concern over traffic speeds. Consider the was suggested and approved at all public establishment of a restricted parking zone consultations and the household survey. during the school day.

Issue: Review the provision of safe crossing Possible Next Steps for pupils travelling to and from school. Hampton Park Pupils from the Parish asked for safer crossings Check that Greentrees is seen as safe near schools.. Old Sarum Check that all access to new school at OS is New schools in the community should have safe seen as safe crossings. Laverstock Examine the need for more controlled Pupils from the Parish asked for safer crossings crossings to cover all four schools in Church Road.

Issue: Encourage alternative forms of Possible Next Steps transport for pupils travelling to and from schools. Laverstock Investigate the option of using each Park & Find a method of pursuing a reduction in private Ride site (London Rd, Petersfinger, Beehive) cars bringing pupils to schools. as a collection/drop-off point for pupils. There are plans to increase cycle paths through Laverstock to Salisbury. Consider a collaborative venture between School and Parish Council to encourage more pupils to cycle to school and thus reduce the volume of traffic outside the schools.

20 FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

AIM – Do more to involve young people in the community and explore the facilities most needed by children and young people in the Parish

BACKGROUND

Facilities for children and young people are an essential part of community building. They not only encourage the physical activity which is missing in modern life, they promote socialisation between youngsters in their peer group and also provide a stage on which parents can interact with their neighbours. To be successful, these facilities need the active support of the Parish Council and of the many volunteers who give their time to organise and run socialising organisations such as toddler groups, scouts and youth clubs. It lies with the Parish Council to ensure that suitable locations are available for these groups and to make sure that any new housing developments are equipped with play areas and meeting places.

Laverstock

The play area at Whitebridge Road provides a location to play in a large pleasing area. The newly constructed ball park play area and the toddlers’ park at Pilgrims Way provide play facilities for a range of ages in that area of the parish. Beavers, Cubs and Scouts meet in the village hall, which is also home to a weekly Toddler Group and a play group.

Ford

Ford has no facilities for young people within the village but can of course make use of the facilities elsewhere within the parish.

Hampton Park

This part of the parish is well equipped with three well designed play areas for younger children, these being specified when the estate was designed. The wide open space around the Green provides a location for games and exercise. The Pavilion hosts a youth club on Friday evenings and is the location for the Hampton Park Guides and Brownies. The Pavilion is also the location of pre-school and after-school activities.

21 Old Sarum

Old Sarum, with probably the highest child to adult ratio in the parish, is the least suitably equipped community. It currently has one small, badly maintained, play area and has no village hall. It is considered essential that the proposed development includes the provision of a community building which would encourage the formation of clubs, youth groups etc and the opportunity for local shopping for basic commodities

FACTS AND FIGURES

Despite the high number of 0ver 60s completing the Residents’ survey, 70% supported the need for youth clubs and groups. In the schools survey, in reply to the question ‘What evening & weekend recreational activities would you like to see made available’, the most common response was ‘Sports and somewhere safe to socialise’.

The road show participants fully supported the provision of activities for young people, some commenting on the waiting lists for Rainbows, Brownies etc.

22 FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Issue: Ensure that suitable locations are available for the use of youth clubs and Possible Next Steps organisations. Hampton Park Investigate the further use of school New groups may be prevented from being formed premises to accommodate those groups if the current locations are already in full use.. who are unable to use the Pavilion due to it being fully booked. Ford Investigate whether Ford residents Ford has no play areas would support the provision of a play area and whether land is available for its construction. Old Sarum Ensure that future development includes There are currently no suitable locations for clubs suitable accommodation for clubs and and groups to meet. Occasional use has been groups and that play areas are built. made of the football club Laverstock Investigate the further use of school New groups may be prevented from being formed premises to accommodate those groups if the current locations are already in full use. who are unable to use the village hall due to it being fully booked.

Issue: Where appropriate support/promote plans Possible Next Steps for each community to have its own purpose built venue for social activities. Hampton Park The PC may wish to liaise with the The Pavilion is a well equipped community hall Pavilion’s management committee to managed by a Residents’ management discover if there are issues which would committee improve/extend the facility Ford No recommendations There is no venue suitable for social activities in Ford. However the well equipped facility in Laverstock is recognised as a resource available to both communities. Old Sarum The PC should make representations to There is no venue suitable for social activities in ensure that a community hall is provided Old Sarum. as part of the new housing development planned for this neighbourhood. Laverstock The PC with the village hall committee The Laverstock and Ford village hall has recently should establish whether the existing received an extensive kitchen rebuild. Funded by facilities are sufficient to meet the needs R2 monies from the new Pilgrims Way housing of this expanding community development. Continued...

23 FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Continued...

Issue: Seek ways of providing activities in the Possible Next Steps evenings and weekends where young people can socialise and participate. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Provide a forum, possibly through the Newsletter and Parish website where Clubs and groups need both volunteers and likeminded people can meet and discuss suitable meeting places in order to form and the possibility and logistics of forming function. new clubs.

Issue: Consider activities for young people after Possible Next Steps school and weekends, especially engaging with existing church /sports/youth clubs. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Talk to the schools to explore the possibility of forming after school clubs A large number of school children stated their and the use of their premises by suitable desire for sports, drama and other activities after groups. school and at weekends.

“A safe place to socialise” “Pre-school Groups Needed” A number of teenage Hampton Park Resident school pupils

“Organise Cycle Proficiency Courses” Laverstock “Re-instate Cockey Down Resident Panda as a community project” Ford Resident

24 SCHOOLS

AIM - Encourage schools to become more involved with the community and the community with the schools

Background

We have a disproportionate number of the schools in Laverstock, one of the four neighbourhoods of the Parish and this was undoubtedly why so many people at the Open Meetings made specific comment, and why it became a Key Issue. However the Parish Plan Steering Group chose to see this as an opportunity to enhance the life of residents, not a threat. During the information gathering period the Steering Group undertook a survey in the three senior schools St Edmund’s, St Joseph’s and Wyvern College. 1152 pupils completed a questionnaire which was designed by a group of pupils. Year 11 pupils from St Edmund’s also analysed the data. The analysis showed a high level of awareness amongst pupils about the impact of the schools on the local community. It suggests to the Steering Group that there would be considerable benefit from building on this Social Awareness; by finding ways of integrating the public community with the school community.

Laverstock

In this community there is the opportunity to engage with the four schools to discover a model of Social Awareness which links schools with village. The impact of 1800 pupils arriving and leaving every day has a significant impact on the residents. If we treat the pupils as temporary residents in the Parish, their presence could be seen as a resource to be made use of by the resident population.

St Joseph’s School Hampton Park

25 This community has the primary school of Greentrees. The Steering Group’s surveys support the view that it is well integrated in to the local community and actively supported by local residents.

Old Sarum There is reason to believe that, with the growth of this community, there will be a new Primary School serving the large increase of residential homes. The Steering Group suggests that the model which resulted in the highly successful Greentrees Primary School, integrated in to the community should be examined carefully with a view to replicating it at Old Sarum. There may also be another secondary school assigned to this area.

FACTS AND FIGURES

26 SCHOOLS

Issue: Parish Council will strengthen its Possible Next Steps links with the schools Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock.

The Parish Council already has a regular Liaison meeting with the schools. It may be Invite the Parish Council to consider possible to enhance this initiative. There is also sponsoring a young peoples’ council. A a very good relationship with Greentrees school Council of pupils from the parish selected at Hampton Park and St Andrew’s Primary with representation from all the senior School in Laverstock. A forum of senior pupils schools. from all the schools is proposed, through which young people can make a formal contribution to Parish events.

Issue: Work with schools to make resources Possible Next Steps available to local residents Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Parish Council to engage with the schools, The schools have a wide range of facilities and initially to discover what it might be possible equipment which local residents might make to offer in the way of leisure interests to the use of. Sports studio, dance studio etc. residents of the Parish.

Issue: Encourage pupils to engage with local Possible Next Steps residents Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Consider the possibility of pupils engaging with older people in the local community. Help young people develop their social skills by Such an initiative might involve schools sharing their time, enthusiasm and skills with visiting residential homes for the elderly, local residents. Further research required to entertaining residents at school or teaching discover practicality of this idea. them computer skills.

St Andrew’s Greentrees St Joseph’s St Edmund’s Wyvern

27 28 COMMUNITY SAFETY

AIM – Reduce the incidence of crime and anti-social behaviour and increase the sense of security among the residents.

BACKGROUND

The main concerns in relation to Community Safety emerging from residents responding to our questionnaire and the subsequent Roadshows were: - Anti-social behaviour - Need for increased awareness of a police presence - Hazards from speeding vehicles - Vandalism A significant number of the people who took part in the consultation process also felt - A lack of security in their own homes - Anxiety when walking in their community after dark.

STRUCTURAL INFLUENCES

The aim of reducing crime and strengthening links between the police and the communities they serve are central policies in Wiltshire, as shown by the following statements

• “While overall crime rates across Wiltshire are the second lowest in and Wales, there are some specific pockets of crime and fear of crime within Salisbury and the Four Rivers area.” (Core Strategy, A plan for South Wiltshire 2006-2026, pg 98) • “Reducing crime is a priority. There are pockets of anti-social behaviour in the Salisbury area, which are the worst in Wiltshire. Salisbury feels less safe after dark.” (Our place in the future! SDC, June 2007, pg26) • are committed to keeping the public up to date with all relevant information. The emphasis locally is on Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT). Each NPT will carry out regular consultation with the community and it is this engagement that will determine the priorities for the NPT and partner agencies.. Priorities will be published in a regular newsletter and contact with NPTs will be promoted by regular surgeries. Since the 1st April 2009 our parish now lies within the Alderbury NPT. (Wiltshire Policing Plans 2008/11 and www.wiltshire.police.uk) • “Key priorities for the South Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership include o Reduction in anti-social behaviour - focusing in particular on criminal damage; the rapid removal of graffiti, litter and rubbish; … and complaints about young people hanging around. o Reduction in road casualties - in particular … to maintain targeted education campaigns directed towards school pupils and those adults who are most at risk of involvement in road collisions; to achieve greater conformity with speed limits; and to make collision hotspots safer through consultation and re-design.” (The Strategy for Reducing Crime and

29 Combating Drug Misuse 2005-2008 for the Four Community Safety Partnerships In Wiltshire, pgs 38-39) However proposals have been made for 300 new homes at Old Sarum and 500 at Hampton Park. If these plans go ahead, they are likely to lead to increases in the amount of crime and anti-social behaviour in each our communities unless effective steps are taken to deal with them.

Facts and Figures

We analysed the answers to our questionnaire to find out how many people said that they were ‘Concerned’ or ‘Slightly concerned’ by each Community Safety issue in each of our communities.

We determined the percentages of the people in each of our four communities who were concerned about each issue. And the results are shown in the following chart.

Although the number of people responding to the questionnaire in the different communities was significantly different, the chart shows that problems of antisocial behaviour and vandalism were major concerns in all of them. Dangers from speeding vehicles were also a major concern. Many people were also concerned about litter and fly tipping. However, it was subsequently decided to deal with these concerns in conjunction in the section on Protecting our Environment.

It also shows that a significant proportion of the respondents do not feel secure in their own homes or safe walking around their area after dark. Some also feel concerns when walking about on their own.

Additional comments made by respondents related mainly to - Wanting a more evident police presence - Better measures to control speeding traffic

30 - Reductions in anti-social behaviour – particularly by young people.

At the Roadshow Consultations in Laverstock and Hampton Park which followed up the questionnaire, we identified four possible courses of action based on the responses to the questionnaire.

- Increase sense of social responsibility and inclusion for residents of all ages. Monitor all incidents of anti-social behaviour - Create a greater awareness of the police presence and make sure residents know how to contact the police and supportive neighbours when necessary - Reduce the incidence of vandalism - Take measures to reduce the probability of accidents being caused by traffic moving through our communities

The numbers of people visiting the Roadshows who indicated that they felt these approaches should be followed up, or would be worth trying, are shown in the following table.

These responses essentially reinforce the findings from the questionnaire. No additional causes for concern were identified by written or verbal comments.

As a result of the consultation process the main issues relating to Community Safety are - anti-social behaviour, - awareness of the police presence, - vandalism and - traffic safety.

Anti-social behaviour and vandalism are obviously closely related concerns, but the former refers mainly to behaviour directly affecting other residents. Vandalism on the other hand, is primarily directed at property, or public facilities, e.g. bus shelters, telephone boxes, or road signs.

31 COMMUNITY SAFETY

Issue: Anti-social behaviour. Possible Next Steps Hampton Park, Ford, Work with police to find ways of monitoring incidents of anti-social behaviour in order to Residents in both of these communities highlight priorities for action. Arrange expressed concerns over anti-social behaviour. discussions with councillors and community Old Sarum, Laverstock. leaders in each area to identify actions likely Residents in these communities are particularly to increase the sense of social responsibility concerned about the behaviour of children and and inclusion for residents of all ages. young people.

Issue: Awareness of police presence Possible Next Steps Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Encourage the appropriate Neighbourhood Policing Teams to arrange meetings with Many residents would like to see greater representatives of residents to identify ways evidence of a police presence in which their presence and effectiveness can be increased. Consider alternative ways of making sure residents know how to contact the police or other organisations, when their help is needed.

Issue: Vandalism Possible Next Steps Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Work with police to find effective ways of reporting incidents of vandalism; noting Many residents reported concerns about details about the time and place and any incidents involving vandalism. confidential information about the possible perpetrators. There may be a role for Neighbourhood Watch schemes here. Analyse reports to identify any ‘hot spots’ and actions which can be taken to reduce vandalism.

Issue: Traffic Safety Possible Next Steps Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock. Work with the relevant authorities to identify examples of inappropriate vehicle activity in Residents are concerned about accidents being each of our communities, e.g. speeding caused by traffic (including cyclists) behaving cars, large vehicles on narrow roads, or inappropriately in our parish. In this case the cyclists on pavements and footpaths. different layouts and activities in each Explore ways in which information on community may mean that the specific hazards accidents occurring in each community can are significantly different. be collated. Analyse the information N.B. Measures to address this issue should be collected to identify ‘black spots’, or other coordinated with corresponding measures in the areas where the risk of accidents – section on Traffic Control. particularly to older people or children – could be reduced. Implement the measures needed to reduce the probability of accidents in our communities.

32 SENSE OF COMMUNITY

AIM – Develop a Community Spirit within and across the four different communities in the Parish

Background

From our first Open Parish Meetings it became clear that residents choosing to live in one of the four parish communities had good reasons for doing so. Top of the list was that they liked being near the city but separate from it and living in a village neighbourhood. Village life and all that it means in terms of a sense of belonging to a small community was the message we heard time and time again.

Neighbourhoods in which residents do things together are also places where people help one another. (See British Crime Statistics). A caring community, it is suggested, is a safer place to live.

The evidence suggests that engendering ‘community spirit’ can have an indirect or cumulative effect on other key issues such as Protecting the Environment, Impact of schools, Community safety.

Sustainable Communities Laverstock The community is very well provided for, with an indoor social venue, representation on the Parish Council, community groups representing the interests of a wide range of age groups. Laverstock showed an interest to strengthen links between and within the Parish communities. Residents were very interested to find ways of supporting vulnerable residents in the Parish.

Ford A small community not well represented in our main questionnaire or the roadshow events. The community, being very close to Laverstock and Hampton Park, is able to share the facilities of both. The neighbourhood is represented on the Parish Council.

33 Hampton Park This community is also very well provided for, with Indoor and outdoor social venues, representation on the Parish Council and residents’ association shared with Bishopdown Farm. There are community groups representing the interests of various age groups. It already has a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in some areas. Residents are very interested to find ways of supporting vulnerable residents in the Parish

Old Sarum This area is the most deprived in the Parish. It was not well represented in any of our consultations. The neighbourhood is represented on the Parish Council. Notwithstanding the imminent house building programme, Old Sarum requires indoor and outdoor social venues, residents association or other representation, community (special interest) groups, support for vulnerable residents.

FACTS AND FIGURES

STRUCTURAL INFLUENCES “People's perceptions of their local neighbourhood give an indication of the strength of community spirit and neighbourliness. Since 1984 the British Crime Survey has asked adults in England and Wales the following question: 'In general, what kind of neighbourhood would you say you live in? Would you say it is a neighbourhood in which people do things together and try and help each other or one in which people mostly go their own way?' In 1984 the proportion of respondents who perceived their neighbourhood as one in which people 'go their own way' or one where people 'helped each other' were broadly similar, roughly 40 per cent each. However, in 1992 there was a sharp increase in the proportion of respondents who perceived that in their neighbourhood people mostly 'go their own way'”.

34 SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Issue: Strengthen links between and within Possible Next Steps the communities Hampton Park Parish wide activity between communities was The Bishopdown Farm Residents not well supported by residents of Hampton Association may wish to consider whether Park. The neighbourhood already holds Fun there is appetite for a fete and/or other days on the cricket pitch and the Pavilion is inter-neighbourhood activities. The Parish well used for bazaars and fund raising Council to support BFRA with assistance activities. Ford Residents of Ford do attend and support No recommendations. activities in Laverstock and Hampton Park. Old Sarum Initially the Parish Council must exert its Old Sarum is geographically separate from the influence on the Housing Association, rest of the Parish. It lacks even the most basic responsible for Partridge Way. In facilities. collaboration with the newly convened Residents Group, opportunities should be sought to stage community activities. Laverstock The Parish Council to seek support from Significantly seeking inter-community and intra the many community groups in the village, – community activity. There is the appetite for for the formation of a Fete Committee. The a village fete/carnival. event might afford the opportunity for the four neighbourhood teams to compete in activities such as Tug-of-war.

Issue: Where appropriate support/promote Possible Next Steps plans for each community to have its own purpose built venue for social activities. Hampton Park The Parish Council may wish to liaise with The Pavilion is a well equipped community hall the Pavilion’s management committee to managed by a residents management discover if there are issues which would committee . improve/extend the facility. Ford. There is no venue suitable for social activities in Ford. However the well equipped facility in No recommendations Laverstock is recognised as a resource shared by both communities. Old Sarum There is no venue suitable for social activities The Parish Council make representations in Old Sarum but it is in the Development Plan. to ensure that a community hall is provided as part of the new housing development planned for this neighbourhood.

Laverstock The Parish Council with the village hall The Laverstock and Ford village hall has committee should establish whether the recently received an extensive kitchen rebuild existing facilities are sufficient to meet the funded by R2 monies from the new Pilgrim’s needs of this expanding community. Way housing development. Continued....

35 SENSE OF COMMUNITY Continued...

Issue: Seek ways to support vulnerable Possible Next Steps residents in our Parish Communities. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock

At our Roadshows there was maximum support Before recommending specific support for this idea. However beyond the fact that we schemes it would be necessary to have an elderly population, little is known about undertake further research. the actual needs of vulnerable residents.

Issue: Achieve and maintain a good balance of Possible Next Steps representation on the Parish Council from the four communities. Hampton Park, Ford, Old Sarum, Laverstock Find ways of strengthening this arrangement. For example Councillors All the four neighbourhoods presently do have feed back to their own communities from at least one representative on the Parish the PC meetings. Recommend that a Council. member from each Residents Association be seconded as a member of the PC. Parish Council to rotate the venue for its meetings so that it meets in each of the neighbourhoods.

Evening cricket at Hampton Park

36