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Llanedi Community Survey Results December 2019 0
LlanediCommunity Survey Results December 2019
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CONTENTS1. Executive Summary...........................................................................2
2. Homes and Housing...........................................................................3
3. Community………….…………………………………………………………………………6
4. Amenities.........................................................................................10
5. Working, Travelling & Prosperity.....................................................14
6. Healthcare........................................................................................17
7. Countryside and Greenspace...........................................................18
8. Roads and Safety........................................................................…….20
9. Council Feedback..............................................................................24
10. References........................……………………………………………………………25
11. Profile of respondents to questionnaire.........................................25
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1. Executive SummaryLlanedi Community Council, having an annual income of over 200k has a legal requirement under the Wellbeing and Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to ensure that services and developments (within the council's remit) are both sustainable and meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the current and prospective services, environmental and housing developments, cultural and social experiences of the residents of Llanedi based on a the community consultation of 2018 and subsequent consultation in 2019 LDP workshops). The results from this report will be used to draw up our Wellbeing Plan.
Data was collected from local residents through a paper questionnaire (22 responses) and an LDP consultation event.
1.1 Key Findings
Llanedi has a strong, well established sense of community with good access to countryside and green spaces. However, locals identified key areas of concern as well as a vision for how their community can improve:
Traffic is a major concern – particularly speed, pedestrian safety and dangerous junctions
Respondents to the questionnaire felt there is a need for low cost housing for local people (but this contradicts, to some extent, the feedback from the LDP workshop)
They feel that local health care provision could be improved There is a need for more adult education/recreation classes/clubs in the community The community would like a local shop There is an interest in developing a community orchard Opportunities to help develop local business need to be explored The council should be better at communicating with residents and councillors should
raise their profiles.
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2. Homes and Housing2.1 Housing Needs and Development
Respondents were asked if there was a need for more housing in Llanedi. 58% either agreed or strongly agreed that there was a need. This was, however, not borne out by the LDP workshops where, when faced with proposals for land that could be developed, the majority of comments were against further housing development.
However, when the question was expanded upon (see the graph below), respondents felt there was a need for affordable housing as well as housing for people with a local connection.
“We need housing for first time buyers and 2-3 bed homes.1”
Types of Housing Ranked by Perceived Need
Housin
g for t
hose w
ith lo
cal c
onnectio
n
Small
homes
to buy
Housing f
or key
work
ers
Large
homes
to buy
More sh
elter
ed housin
g
More re
ntal pro
pertie
s
Flats f
or purc
hase
More Care
homes
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Housing Needs AgreeHousing Needs Strongly agree
1 Survey respondent3
The survey asked people to say what types of development they would prefer to see. The responses are summarised in the graph below:
4-9 unit
develo
pmen
ts
With
in vill
age b
oundaries
Green
field
sites
outside e
xistin
g LDP
Convert e
xistin
g build
ings
for h
omes
Infill b
uilds
Brownfie
ld si
tes
Combin
ed dev
elopm
ent
Develo
pmen
t on one s
ingle si
te
9+ unit dev
elopm
ents
Covert e
xistin
g build
ings
to fl
ats0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
AgreeStrongly agree
In terms of any new housing developments, respondents clearly felt that they should have a high specification:
85% agreed that off street parking was important 85% were in favour of the use of modern efficient energy and eco-friendly technology 84% felt they should be limited to two stories 83% felt they should have pavements and kerbstones by the roadside 83% felt they should have gardens 66% felt they should be innovative in design
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2.3 Suggested Locations for Housing
The questionnaire asked respondents which sites they felt could be developed for housing in the area. Individual suggestions were made, as recorded below:
o On land to the North of the villageo Alongside Ebenezer Roado Not Greenfield siteso Church Road, opposite the school, between Gwalyrwch entrance and the school
There were, however individual concerns raised regarding the capacity of local facilities:
“I have no suggestion as I believe the village is big enough. We have few and far between pavements, a small school and an infrastructure which is out of date and not suitable for modern living i.e. broadband is beyond slow bordering non-existent.2”
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Whilst there were concerns expressed about future development as part of the LDP process, it does seem that there is a need to create affordable housing for local people. The Community Council has shared the community’s concerns regarding large-scale development with the County Council as part of its response to the LDP.
2 Respondent to questionnaire5
3. Community
3.1 Community ‘Spirit’
A ‘sense of community’ is a psychological definition which focuses on the experience of a community rather than its structure or setting.
It is clear that Llanedi has a strong sense of community spirit. 95% of those who completed the forms agreed that they feel safe in the community and 89% of people value the sense of community within the village.
Most people also highly rate their local community assets. As the graph shows, the responses suggest that they particularly value the rural character of the area.
The rura
l char
acter
of the v
illag
e
Sense
of com
munity
Open an
d gree
n spac
es
Friendly
enviro
nmen
t
Local w
ildlif
e/hab
itats
The sch
ool
Villag
e gre
en
Churches
/Chap
els
The par
ks0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
What People Value
When asked what other strengths and positives they felt the community had, 5 people mentioned the pub, whilst the Church hall, Village Agricultural Show, Pig Roast and Friendship Circle were also singled out.
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When asked what concerned them in terms of their safety, one respondent mentioned the traffic and lack of pavements. Issues around traffic safety are further explored in chapter 8.
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3.2 Community Locations
A sense of community is multifaceted and includes the need for membership and belonging. Within a geographical community this sense can come from opportunities to socialise with others. Llanedi is fortunate in that it has the Church, the Church Hall and the Tafarn y Deri.
59% of residents felt that there was no need for an additional community building.
3.3 Community Groups
Llanedi already has some successful groups including the Friendship Circle.
The questionnaire asked “What new community groups could be formed in Llanedi?” A range of responses were received, as illustrated in the word cloud below (the larger the words, the more often they were mentioned).
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3.4 Community Events
Llanedi is a vibrant village that enjoys a number of regular annual community events including Curry Nights, Christmas Lighting Ceremony etc.
86% of those who completed the questionnaire stated that they regularly attend community events.
When asked what new events the community would like, the following were suggested:
Friends group Games nights Church and school events
3.5 Community Weaknesses
When asked to choose their main sources of concern from a list, respondents ranked the choices as follows:
Spee
d of Tra
ffic
Litter
Pedes
trian
safet
y
Dog foulin
g
Parkin
g
Lack of d
evelo
pmen
t
Exces
s or l
ack of s
ignag
e
Over dev
elopm
ent
Volume o
f Tra
ffic
Light p
ollutio
n0%
10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Weaknesses
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The questionnaire then asked them to identify any other weaknesses or negative features, to which the responses were: Councils aversion to 'Ribbon development' Extremely bad broadband Lack of first-time buyer homes, shop There are no pavements after the school in the direction of Tycroes. Problem with sewage Road safety
They were then asked to identify any particular features of the village which they considered unpleasant. The responses are listed below:
EYESORE: the small plot next to Glwfryn (Church Road) is very untidy/A small garden on top of Heol Y Eglwys needs maintaining and is a terrible eyesore [both these comments refer to the same area]
Vacant land next to Tafarn Y Deri opposite bus stop Old buildings for former Llandre Farm, Church Road
3.6 Barriers to Community Participation
There can be many barriers to community participation such as poor physical health, low confidence, and choice of venue or a lack of information. The principle barrier in Llanedi at present would seem to be lack of choice and opportunity.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Work with the County Council to mitigate traffic problems and improve pedestrian safety/access
Continue to tackle dog fouling through prosecution and provision of dog bins etc. Provide support to fledgling community groups Support the development of a litter picking group Encourage landowners to improve unpleasant areas
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4. Amenities 4.1 Existing Assets
The village and its wider environs have a number of assets and amenities available to residents. The questionnaire asked respondents which they used most regularly. The table below shows the results ranked in order of most used to least used.
Local p
ub
Chapels
/Churc
hes
Public tr
ansp
ort
Notice b
oards
Post offi
ce
Local s
hops
Multi-u
se ga
mes
area
Rugby pitc
h
Rugby Clu
b
Football
field
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Use Facilities sometimesUse Facilities often
Residents were then asked what other facilities they used in the village. In response, they mentioned the Church Hall, the Park and the School. It was also pointed out that some of the facilities listed were not provided within the village itself, but in neighbouring communities.
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When faced with a list of other amenities, the majority of respondents stated that they were needed within the community, as shown in the graph below:
More li
tter b
ins
More dog b
ins
More ben
ches
/sea
ting
More hist
orical
inform
ation boar
ds/poin
ts
More sp
orts fa
ciliti
es
Public to
ilets/
baby ch
angin
g0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
What do we need?
Residents were then asked a further open-ended question ‘Are there any other facilities you would like to see in the village?’
The comments received are shown below:
A local/community/farm shop and a Post Office. Signage to Motorway from Tafarn-y-Deri A larger bin outside the Church/Church Hall More community and school functions Church Roof
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4.2 Parks
Play parks offer local children opportunities to engage in social, emotional and intellectual activities within a relaxed environment, outdoors. Play parks also allow children a place to visit and meet other children when out of school time. Parks are also an important meeting place for parents and grandparents, and offer increased social participation and engagement.
48% of respondents reported that they use the local parks. It was felt that the village park lacked equipment aimed at children aged 2-4.
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4.3 Sports Facilities
Participation in organised sports is widely regarded important for mental and physical health. Other benefits include improved self-esteem and social interaction. The village has a small multi-use games area attached to the playground.
As seen above, just over a third of respondents felt there was a need to provide more sporting facilities within the village. However, around 60% felt that this would be a good use for existing green/open spaces (see Chapter 7). It would seem that villagers who need such facilities are currently using those in the neighbouring villages and towns.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Provide more bins and benches and explore the opportunities for more information boards Look to publicise the definitive Rights of Way in the area Encourage users to report blocked paths/Rights of Way to the Community and County
Councils Explore opportunities for the development of a local/community shop Review the playground equipment and its suitability for a mix of ages
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5. Working, Travelling & Prosperity5.1 Improved Prosperity
52% of those who completed the questionnaire stated that they were in some form of employment. Of those who work:
35% said they run a business in the village
27% said they work from home
27% work in the local area
27% work within 25 miles
19% worked more than 25 miles away from the village.
They were then asked what services would benefit local businesses and employment. The results are shown in the graph below.
Impro
ved m
obile re
ceptio
n
Faster
broad
band
Local s
kills d
irecto
ry
Spac
e for n
etwro
king and dev
lopem
nt
Better
public tr
ansp
ort
Private
office
spac
e
Work
shop
Studio
spac
e
Garag
e spac
e
Shar
ed offi
ce sp
ace
0%
40%
80%
120%
Business Needs
When asked the open question “What else would improve your experience of working, training or studying in the community, one respondent suggested the provision of a study area in the Church Hall.
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5.2 Business Development
There appears to be some clear opportunities for business development in the area. When given a list of potential opportunities, respondents gave their views on the following prospective enterprises.
Pubs
Break
fast/a
fter s
chool c
lub
Care s
ervice
s for e
lder
ly
Agricu
lture
Shops
Small
scale
horticu
lture
Arts/c
rafts
/cre
ative
Domes
tic/g
arden
serv
ices
Finan
cial/p
rofes
sional
Office
s
Takea
ways
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
In support
When asked what other business they would support in the village, all those who responded suggested a local shop, with some proposing it could also double–up as a Post Office.
5.3 Transport and travel to work
44% of those who responded stated that they travel to work. All travel by car or van.
67% of all respondents felt that bus services were adequate in terms frequency and 24% felt that additional bus routes were needed. However, when asked the wider question about which bus routes they would like to see improved, there were a number of people who suggested that there should be a bus to Llanelli/Prince Philip Hospital and Carmarthen.
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5.4 Adult Education
None of the respondents attend adult education of any form in the village. A number of respondents did suggest courses as summarised in the word cloud below.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Based on the above information, there are a number of services that could be improved for the benefit of local businesses and employment:
Develop a local skills directory so that the benefit is kept within the community Lobby for improved broadband and mobile phone reception Work with the County Council to develop opportunities for new/start-up businesses Develop opportunities with partner organisations for more adult education classes Speak to the County Council and public transport providers re potential to improve bus
services.
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6. HealthcareThere are no surgeries or health care clinics in the immediate village. As such, respondents rated the adequacy of health and social care services in the wider locality. The graph below depicts the responses.
Doctors' surgery
Care for elderly
Social Services
Dentists Mental health Care for children
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%
100%
Adequacy of health services
As can be seen, most respondents felt that the services on offer locally were inadequate. Most of those who specified stated that they used the Doctors’ Surgery in Pontarddulais - the nearest large town. It was also noted that there were no NHS dentists in Pontarddulais.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
There is a need to work with health care providers to improve the areas identified, wherever possible.
This could include better signposting to services and offering community facilities as venues for peripatetic clinics etc.
Work towards developing a mental health project.
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7. Countryside and GreenspaceBased on the findings of this survey, Llanedi residents clearly value their environment and the green spaces around them (see also section 3.1).
7.1 Access
89% of respondents report being satisfied with their access to countryside and greenspace.
When asked about things that were preventing access, the responses were as follows:
o 4 people mentioned state and conditions of footpaths o 3 people mentioned lack of pavements/footpathso 2 people mentioned lack of signage/information boardso 1 person mention no bridged pathso 1 person stated that public rights of way through farm land are badly maintained or
obstructed
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7.2 Use of Green and Open Spaces
On further questioning residents gave their opinion on the appropriateness of using green and open spaces for the following uses:
A co
mm
unity orc
hard
Dev
elopm
ent o
f sports
facil
ities
Develo
pmen
t of g
reen
ener
gy
Allotm
ents
Better
car p
arkin
g
More ri
ghts
of way
/footp
aths i
n the a
rea
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%
Use of Green/Open Spaces
When asked if there was something else green/open spaces could be used for, respondents mentioned:
o Something for the elderlyo Yes, to car parking but not on green areas
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OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Facilitate closer working with the County Footpaths Officers regarding condition
of/blocked footpaths/Rights of Way
Explore the opportunities for a community orchard
Explore the opportunities for developing more sports facilities
Explore the opportunities for developing more green energy opportunities.
Explore opportunities with Sustrans etc. re development of cyclepaths
Help the community to establish a litter-picking group.
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8. Roads and Safety
8.1 Sense of Safety
As we’ve seen in Chapter 3 above, 95% of people who completed the questionnaire feel safe in the community.
However, 79% also felt that the speed of traffic was a concern in the village (see 8.2 below).
The following were seen as areas of particular concern re pedestrian safety:
o More attention needed to the end of the Villageo Roundabout at junction of A4297 entering A493 is called foro Outside schoolo Pavement from village towards Pontarddulais is in disrepair
When given some options for improving pedestrian/cycle safety:
94% of respondents felt that there was a need for more pavements in the village 69% felt there was need for more designated on and off road cycle routes 67% felt there was a need for more alternative pedestrian/cycle routes.
8.2 Roads
42% of those who responded felt that the condition of the roads in Llanedi was a cause for concern. Only 16% felt that traffic lights would help alleviate traffic issues in the village.
2 respondents noted that parts of the roads were very weathered and in need of repair, whilst another stated that the road to Hendy needed cleaning on a regular basis.
As we’ve seen above, of more concern was the speed of traffic. In terms of alleviating the problem:
80% either strongly agreed or agreed that reducing the speed limit would help 69% either strongly agreed or agreed that traffic cameras would help 47% either strongly agreed or agreed that speedbumps would help
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Respondents made a number of suggestions regarding improving traffic speed:
o Speed bumps or cameras on entrance to the village.o Near school and village green where children are likely to be. Speed restriction to 20
mph around the school during opening and closing hours.
In terms of traffic safety, the following road junctions were singled out as being unsafe:
Junction turning right into Heol Troeon Bach Road junction at North end of the village to Tycroes Junction from Garreg Llwyd onto main road Narrow junction Church Road, Ebeneser Road Numerous farm tracks/ roads that are difficult to get out of, onto the faster main
road through the village The junction from church road and main road
8.3 Car Parking
The survey asked if there was a need for more parking in the village. 52% of respondents stated that there was not a need. When asked follow-up questions:
77% either strongly disagreed or disagreed with the idea that roadside parking should be restricted by ‘no parking’ signs
63% either strongly disagreed or disagreed with the idea that roadside parking should be restricted by yellow lines
60% either strongly disagreed or disagreed with the idea that parking should be restricted by residents parking permits.
When asked what other parking restrictions could be considered, those who responded suggested better/safer parking at the school and the Church/Church hall. In particular, respondents stated that parking by the Church could be difficult when there were large events or services taking place.
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OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Road safety is a major cause of concern for local people.
The Community Council may wish to liaise with the County and appropriate Highways Authorities regarding new pavements and problem junctions
Explore opportunities to relieve parking at key times around the School and Church Explore opportunities for more alternative/off road pedestrian and cycle paths
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9. Council Feedback
Residents were asked “Do you think your council is doing a good job?”
Most gave a simple yes or no answer.
63% of those who responded felt that Councillors did a good job.
Some felt that they were unsure of the role of a Community Councillor, whilst others welcomed better communication about the work of the Community Council as a whole. One respondent felt they would like the council/councillors to be more supportive of local initiatives.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING
Keep the community better informed through newsletters, notice boards, a new web site, social media etc.
Encourage Councillors to build their profiles on-line/at public events. Look at ways of regularly consulting/engaging with the public (via planned
events/groups etc.).
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10. ReferencesMcMillan David W. Chavs David M., (1986) Sense of community: A definition and theory. Volume 14 Issue 1
John Bynner., Risks and outcomes of social exclusion, Insights from longitudinal data. Institute of Education University of Londonhttp://www.oecd.org/education/innovation-education/1855785.pdf Accessed 10.01.19
Eime, RM, Young JA , Harvey Jack T et al. Published: 15 August 2013. A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity 201310:9
Why play is important. http://www.playengland.org.uk/about-us/why-play-is-important/. Accessed 10.01.19
Government Digital Inclusion Strategy, 4th of December https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-inclusion-strategy/government-digital-inclusion-strategy. Accessed 10.01.19
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11. Profile of respondents to questionnaire
The community consultation is a snap shot of what the community thinks and is based on a fair proportion of residents - 22 responses in a village with approximately 100 households.
Those who responded have the following profile:
75% were female 60% were aged over 58; 25% between 47 and 57 and 20% were aged under 47 but no
one from the 21 years and under categories completed a form 69% lived in a detached house, 26% in a bungalow and 5% on a farm 85% owned their own home 48% were retired, 28% were employed full time and 14% part time and 10% were self-
employed. 39% could speak Welsh and 40% could read Welsh
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