The Marnhull Village Parish Plan, Section 3 - on the Marnhull Messenger website, the community website of Marnhull, Dorset, United Kingdom

Adapted from the cover of the Marnhull Messenger designed by George Cox

The Marnhull Village Parish Plan 2006

SECTION 3

Parish Plan Actions and Strategy

Community action and self-help will be the most important ‘resource’ available. The questionnaire results illustrate there exists within the village a willingness to do more, particularly in areas such as maintaining and improving the environment. It is expected that all actions will be started during 2006 with the majority completed by end of 2007.

Living In Marnhull

Future Strategy
The residents of Marnhull have clearly stated that any future planning or developments should ensure that the village retains its existing character, no building on green field sites and not overload the current infrastructure. It is clear that there is a desire to ensure any future strategy for the village should be targeted at creating a clearly identifiable village centre, both socially and environmentally.
Action: Parish Council and NDCC to ensure due consideration is given to the above requirements when considering any future village planning strategy.

Housing and accommodation
According to the questionnaire response there is a limited requirement for alternative accommodation, which is further amplified by the response from NDDC, however for the few to whom it applies it is a serious problem.
Action: Parish Council to continue to provide what assistance it can by supporting individual cases and to pursue other avenues such as the Community Land Trust.

New accommodation for Jungle Hut Pre-School The current Pre-School accommodation comes up for planning review in 2006 and it is felt that the time has come to restart a significant project to support the young. The opportunity exists to revitalise and progress a previous scheme to look at alternative locations and assist in the necessary finance to construct a replacement building for the existing Jungle Hut Pre-School. This action should also aim at providing future facilities such as after school care.
Action: This project could initially be led by the Parish Council in partnership with the charity and staff running the Pre-School, together with parents, school governors and other interested parties A site should be designated and new accommodation provided, to ensure the future of our village Pre-School.

Information – gathering/disseminating.
Many respondents highlighted a lack of knowledge of existing facilities and services that are available within the village. At the same time acknowledging the use of existing forms of communication methods, i.e.. Marnhull Messenger, Notice Boards, Telephone poles. These must added to by the implementation of a Marnhull Messenger Website (currently under construction), plus additional Notice Boards, which contain a greater variety of information
Action: The Parish Council must examine existing means of communication and formulate a policy, to ensure that information is available to the Community by increasing the number of Notice boards and the implementation of one or two information points in the village for residents and visitors; to assist in the promotion of the Homewatch scheme. To promote in discussion with the local Job Centre Plus local job vacancies and to improve the level of tourist information provided. It is recommended: the services provided by the surgery are highlighted and communicated more throughout the village by the surgery.

Best Kept Village.
There is a positive desire within the village to enter the Best-Kept Village competition.
Action: Parish Council to initiate enquiries as to taking part.

Police
We are advised by the Police that Marnhull is one of the safest parts of the country to live, work and visit and it is their intention that it remains that way. The questionnaire does, however, highlight the fact that we do suffer from incidents of mindless vandalism. The police advise that they are committed to a 20-minute response to incidents.
Action: Parish Council to approach local police to encourage more local contact and encourage the local residents to contact the police to report incidents of vandalism.

The Environment

Future development strategy
Communication facilities allow the potential for considerable change in working practices, which lead to changes in lifestyle with knock on effects in different communities. There exists a strong case for setting up a Village Working Party to see how this will impinge on the life of Marnhull, both beneficially and negatively. At the same time, since both subjects are related, the same Group could/should study the ongoing Development Policy and develop the strategy over any future expansion of the Village. Any policy adopted should aim to restrict population expansion growth over the next 5 years so as not to overload the existing infrastructure.
Action: It is proposed that the Parish council consider establishing a working party, which would include any relevant expertise available in the village to assist in producing a working document..

Pollution
Air pollution, fly infestation and road muck were raised as significant concern to villagers, although it must be acknowledged that many actions are being taken by the local agricultural community to minimise the effect. It is important to establish a dialogue with the farmers on what should be a convivial and constructive basis to establish what more both they, the farmers, and we the community, can do to help with these issues involving both them and their contractors. Poor communication has led to misunderstandings. As always a balance has to be struck regarding muck on the road, excessive mud for prolonged periods is unacceptable, however, it is impossible to run an agricultural business and continuously clean the roads.
Action: Any issues of excess should be reported to the Parish Council, it would be helpful if care is taken in accurately identifying the responsible party.

Litter collections - Rubbish disposal.
The Parish council has already instigated an annual ‘clean up’, unfortunately with little local support.
Action: Parish Council to increase promotion of the clean up dates and provide a budget for any necessary fluorescent clothing and materials. It will still require the local community to make an effort and become involved.

Dog Fouling
A local issue caused by thoughtless and uncaring local people, particularly at the Cemetery, Recreation Ground and near the Schools all affecting areas used by local children.
Action: Parish Council to continue to be robust in their attempts to pursue any possible resolution to this issue with a strong publicity campaign, aimed at offending dogs owners.

Recycling
North Dorset District Council is among the leading councils in Britain for its recycling efforts. At the Open Day people said they would like cheaper garden refuse bags but the NDDC say they are unlikely to be robust enough both for weight of refuse or the protection of the collectors.
Action: Parish Council to seek NDDC assistance in providing the out lying areas of Marnhull with the benefit of kerbside collecting, and press both District and County to broaden the scope of what is collected so that Villagers have greater opportunity to recycle as much as possible

Wildlife habitat/s
Many respondents highlighted this subject area, suggesting that a pond could be established to make a wildlife centre in the village, also the use of our verges and tree planting, to encourage wildlife in the area and the provision of more benches to allow time to enjoy the environment.
Action: Parish Council to instigate research into the viability of all /any of these proposals and liaise with the Dorset Wild Life Trust, DCC and NDCC, with any villagers likely to be directly involved.

Footpaths, Obstructions, Signposts and Difficulties
During the past 20 years the number of Footpaths in the Parish has risen to 107. Many wish to see more and better Footpaths Maintenance. Some items objected to are the natural obstructions that have to be expected in the countryside although Locked Gates, (though most cross country walkers might climb these), barbed wire and crops across footpaths are all illegal. All issues have to be discussed with the Landowners and Dorset County Council to see how these problems can be resolved. Any missing Signposts need to be advised to the Parish Council for their attention. The Parish Council has a dedicated volunteer Footpath Representative who reports periodically about the state of the footpaths, styles etc, and liaises with Dorset County Council on these matters.
Action: The Parish Council has recently made a provisional allocation of funds for a few Footpath Maps to be produced in 2006/7. Planning for them to be available early in the budget year is under way.

Transport

The provision of Public Transport Services for Marnhull, with the exception of Nordcat, is a contradiction in terms; the bus services for Marnhull are totally inadequate. The timetable is sufficiently complex that it acts as a disincentive to use; bus transport is a complex problem that is not going to be solved easily. It is a matter of concern across all age groups within the village.
Action: This is not a problem restricted to Marnhull but affects many parts of rural Dorset. What is required is a comprehensive study into needs of villages and to provide a complete integrated service that is of use to villages and not run for the convenience of the contractors. Initiative is required from the Parish Council, liaising with DCC, NDCC and Transport suppliers, so that future services are more user friendly.

Roads
As is evident from several sections of this report, there are strong feelings amongst villagers about the roads, pavements and verges, as well as the perceived danger spots. Villagers believe there is an urgent need for additional road safety measures to make Marnhull a safer place. Particular problems are associated with parking, particularly at school opening and closing times. The issue at St Gregory’s School could be eased if more parents used the goodwill offer of the Crown car park, even with the slight inconvenience of a walk. The request to DCC for a lower Speed Limit on the B 3092 at St Gregory’s Church corner should also be pursued. The head of St Mary’s is also trying to alleviate their problems associated with parking and bus access, but needs more local support for the proposed plan.
Action: Parish Council to pursue the possibility of a Traffic Deflector being introduced at the end of New Street by the Churchyard wall and other issues raised by the questionnaire response.

Improvements of Surfaces
There is overwhelming support for an improvement to the road surfaces in Marnhull.
Action: The Parish Council to continue to provide periodic reports to the various agencies at District and County level for these problems to be addressed. The Parish Council would always welcome reports from anybody wishing to indicate places of most concern to them, either through the Parish Clerk or at one of the Council’s monthly meetings.

Road Safety
Road safety in Marnhull is perceived to be an important issue with many believing there are danger spots throughout the Village. More traffic restrictions and wider pavements are urged, though it is difficult to see how the latter can be accommodated in most parts of Marnhull without significantly changing the character of the place. Many want to see restrictions on access for Heavy Goods Vehicles and buses (mainly Sackmore Lane it seems), but changes are unlikely as things stand, since any restriction on access for buses will go against Marnhull getting better public transport. However, depending on the development of the bio ethanol plant at Wessex Grain, restrictions governing heavy vehicles could change since the projections for the increase in traffic movements of 40-ton trucks and tankers are between an extraordinary 200 and 300 a day. Dorset County and District Councils have indicated they will want to implement measures to ensure access for those vehicles is confined to specific routes and is closely controlled.
Action: Parish Council to maintain a watching brief for any potential improvements.

Traffic Hazards
According to the Police and the Traffic Department of the County Council there are no accident black or danger spots in Marnhull as there have been no reported injuries or deaths in recent years. Two years ago the Parish Council approached the DCC with a list of requests to improve road safety in the Parish including the introduction of 20 mph speed limits in parts of Burton Street and New Street and at the Church corner of the B 3092. The Parish Council hold the view that the existence of a lower limit works as a clear warning to drivers that there is an unusually tricky hazard at the relevant place. However, Traffic at DCC rejected the speed limit suggestion both because of their wish to reduce the number of speed limits in the County and they hold that 20 mph is not the added deterrent some people believe.
Action:Parish Council to maintain a watching brief for any potential improvements

Recreation

Village hall / Recreation area
As these amenities are important to village life, a high priority must be given to upgrading/improving existing facilities. The changes to the Village Hall most would like to see include the addition of indoor sporting facilities, improvements to the kitchen and redecoration of the hall both inside and out a number of respondents wanted improvements to the sound and stage. These points have been passed to the Village Hall committee.
Action: The Village hall committee will seek guidance from the village regarding what indoor sports should be considered, they are waiting for a project plan for the kitchen and will undertake a review of decoration both inside and out. The Village Hall Committee in conjunction with the Parish Council will review the requirement for car park security.

Children’s play area
The existing area is in need of a total makeover. The reasons for this are contained within the main body of the report. The Parish Council, perhaps by means of a sub-committee, together with interested parties should formulate a plan to identify current and future usage, design and layout, together with all relevant issues, best practice, health and safety implications etc., This matter should receive a high priority because, at present the existing site is not being used to its full potential.
Action: The Parish Council in conjunction with the community to review the current equipment status and invest where necessary in new equipment.

Swimming Pool
Villages support the need to provide, in some form or other, either access to or availability of a local swimming pool. It has been suggested that St Gregory’s School be approached to determine if there exists the possibility of access to their pool under controlled conditions.
Action: Parish Council to pursue with St Gregory’s any possible opportunities.

Mobile Cinema facility
Research shows that the best way forward is to become involved with the “MOVIOLA” agency. The scheme has merit, in that it is an additional activity within the village and also provides the possibility of raising additional funding for other projects.
Action: The Parish Council to agenda this item regularly, possibly together with a publicity campaign, to seek out volunteers and interested parties.

Youth

Older children / teenagers
A response to the Youth Questionnaire showed that 60% would like somewhere to gather. A fully detailed analysis is in the main body of the report. Dialogue with young people and others, some with experience in these matters, must be initiated, again it will fall to the Parish Council to lead the way in this matter, so that viable and affordable options can be explored in an effort to prevent the disaffection of this group. As lack of transport inhibits movement of this group, it is very much in their, and our, best interests to try to provide facilities to meet their needs. This item should be treated as a priority.
Action: Parish Council to urgently review the prospect of providing a shelter in the recreation ground, this to be designed to allow for the village youth somewhere to meet out of the weather. It is also recommended that the Parish Council contact the Dorset Youth & Community Service to determine what advice and help can be given.

Club Premises
Based on the information gained there exists a definite need for premises that will allow the Youth of the village to meet and engage in leisure activities.
Action: This is very much a community action where the Parish Council could act as a catalyst, however the real need is for premises within the village to be made available.

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