Contents | 1. Overview | 2. Intro to Marnhull | 3. Actions & Strategy | 4. Residents Views | 5. Data | Summary

The full Parish Plan, which is a 55 page document, is available for you to see either on the Marnhull Messenger website, (www.marnhullmessenger.org.uk), or at the Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton libraries, the three churches in Marnhull, or through the Parish Clerk or any of the Parish Councillors.Work began on this Village Parish Plan in June 2005 when following a series of presentations made to various societies, groups and churches within Marnhull, a steering committee of 25 people was established. The size of the committee allowed the introduction of a number of working groups so that no one person was over committed. At the first full committee meeting a constitution was agreed and the officers elected. The work involved was financially underpinned by a grant from the Countryside agency of £3,560 backed by £300 from the Parish Council.

The brief for the plan was “ to produce a document that identifies all the relevant issues of importance to Marnhull, including issues of social, economic and environmental concern”. The resultant document was to represent the views of the entire community and be based on information collected from surveys, consultation and research with the final focus on actions to be taken through an Action Plan, which identified the necessary responsibilities.

The process adopted by the committee, following the extensive series of presentations seeking volunteers for the steering committee, was to engage further with the community using a stall at the Marnhull Fest held in July 2005. The PR sub committee heavily advertised our attendance and the response was significant. In addition to explaining the Plan concept the committee took the opportunity to seek views of what was important to those who lived in Marnhull. Feedback was received from over 180 people; the form used and data received form part of Appendix A. The feedback was used to influence the type and format of questions to be included in the questionnaire, which was to be sent to all households.

A sub group was formed with the task of crafting the questions to be included in the questionnaire, which were then presented to the full committee for approval. A software package was used to create the questionnaire document in order that data analysis could be achieved efficiently, however, this did have a down side because the structure was preset and certain types of questions were predetermined in the software. In excess of 900 questionnaires were hand delivered and in many cases hand collected during September, with the result that we had 581 households representing 1298 residents returning completed questionnaires. 99 youth questionnaires were also received from children and young adults. The effectiveness of the software used was demonstrated by the fact that the time to input all the data from the questionnaires was 120 hours; without the software it would have been considerably longer. A number of the questionnaires returned included comments on what respondents felt were of prime importance, these have been used to influence comments made in section 4 of the main document a copy of which is on the Marnhull Messenger web site www.marnhullmessenger.org.uk.

After the raw data from the questionnaires had been analysed, an Open Day and Evening was held on the 10th November to provide feedback to the Marnhull community and to enable further input to be obtained. The committee were very fortunate to have representatives from NDDC and Dorset County Council present to answer questions. Subsequent to the open day the committee have within the time available contacted a number of local organisations, all of which responded, their help has been greatly appreciated.

The main document has been structured to meet the demands and requirements of both local and third party bodies and therefore, we have included an Introduction to Marnhull, The Parish Action Plan and Strategy and an analysis of the questionnaire response and comments. The overall analysis of information received throughout the preparation of this document has also been incorporated. We have attempted, where answers to issues are already available, to provide those answers. Some issues are beyond this brief, but have been included for completeness.

The Action Plan detailed illustrates the desire of the majority of Marnhull residents to retain where possible the rural environment which currently exists. As a result of Marnhull comprising a number of loosely linked hamlets there appears a desire that any future strategy should consider the creation of a focal or centre point, which could be a nature reserve, pond or other such focal point. Capital projects recommended relate to the provision of a relocated pre school and the building of a youth shelter. Many local actions will depend on the local community assisting the Parish Council in their implementation. Other actions in the areas of Bus Transport, Roads, Wild Life Management, Environment and Recreation facilities will require the Parish Council working with relevant third party agencies. As a result of the questionnaire it can be seen that half the population of Marnhull has moved here during the last 15 years. This means we have a mixed agricultural and non-agricultural community, which requires better understanding and tolerance on both sides. It is expected that the Parish Council will explore ways in which this can be positively achieved.

During the development of this plan a number of people have given of their time. The Marnhull community owes them a great deal of thanks and will hopefully show their support by becoming actively engaged in ensuring, that we, as a community, meet the demands of the proposed action plan. Attendance at some of the monthly Parish Council meetings would be a good start. The Parish Council has agreed to include the Parish Plan as a standard agenda item. It has also agreed that a sub committee comprising a number of councilors with members of the Marnhull community will be established to progress the actions listed below.

Marnhull Statistics & Demographics – 2006

Demographics of Vehicle Ownership and Use
The 1298 respondents who live in 581 households in Marnhull (representing 62% households of Marnhull) between them own 805 cars. Taking the number of households registered in the 2001 census into account this figure could be extrapolated to 1,227 cars in the whole Parish. There are also 5.5% of villagers who own vans (109) and 3.5% own motorbikes (69), added to which are 3 lorries and 3 especially adapted vehicles which makes a total of 1,411 vehicles with internal combustion engines or 71% of the population and an average of 1.51 vehicles per household. Motorists have indicated that they believe that there is a significant need to improve the road surfaces.

Community action and self-help will be the most important ‘resource’ available. The questionnaire results illustrated 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 being completed by the end of 2007.

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 that the Surgery highlight and communicate the services they provide throughout the village more extensively.

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.

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.

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 services.
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 because 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.

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.

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.

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.

Marnhull itself cannot be expected to have its own Environmental Strategy; that comes from the National, Regional and District umbrella strategies. From the feedback received there is a desire to take all reasonable measures to improve the circumstances within which we all live. Conservation, Good Environmental Management in our own homes and gardens and Recycling as much material as possible all contribute.
It has been suggested that MARNHULL should be an environment where: -

1. Everyone contributes to the quality of life in the village
2. Where no social exclusion exists on economic or practical grounds
3. New generations of Marnhull families might hope to continue living locally
4. The population is maintained within 5 per cent (100) of its existing level
5. The Community ensures the preservation/conservation and improvement of our Flora and Fauna
6. Everyone can live in a peaceful, clean and harmonious environment
7. Support is given to the Community’s own facilities – Schools, Shops, Public Houses etc.
8. Crime is kept to an absolute minimum
9. The Villagers are involved in the decision making processes
10. Everyone accepts responsibility for their own part in the community.

Observation: The opinion has been advanced that conservation of our environment would be greatly improved if packaging was acknowledged as being a prime contributor to the problem. Perhaps this is an opportunity for Marnhull and the NDDC to be in the forefront of a campaign urging Government to tackle these problems from the top (ie where the potential refuse originates) rather than the bottom when it has to be recycled, giving incentives to those who generate the packaging to reduce the amount and quality of what they use. The amount of cardboard, plastic and paper that is being generated in pursuit of business has reached obscene proportions, whether on retailers’ shelves, through junk mail or elsewhere.
The world wants to arrest climate change yet does not tackle a key area that would mean saving trees and reducing the relentless production of paper and cardboard demanded for generating into waste. Making use of recycled materials, even if the finished articles are not pristine can only be a positive move. Such an initiative would be a major step forward.

Employment Of the 384 respondents who work, the majority do so within 20 miles of Marnhull, 95 staying within the village. Compared to the 2001 census in North Dorset Marnhull has +3% of people self-employed and relatively few unemployed. 137 people doing “other” employment, apart from the sections listed :- agriculture, tourism, public sector, manufacturing, retail and construction. The next highest employment area was in the public sector. 13.4% have difficulty finding employment through lack of transport.

Means of Transport
64.3% use a car as their main means of transport to work or study. The majority (65%) experience no transport difficulties. 7.6% use buses – 2/3 public buses, 1/3 private (mainly school) buses, with 35% experiencing difficulties with public transport, 6% often and 29% occasionally.

Community Land Trust
The Trust is referred to within the document and it seems it would be sensible for the potential of establishing such a Trust locally to be researched as it might give Marnhull the opportunity to have more control over planning and development in the village.

Farming
The greater intensity of farming is to some extent at the root of problems raised by respondents. This is something everyone needs to live with – both villagers not involved in the land, and farmers – so it is important that greater efforts are made to establish a better understanding and try to think in terms of co-operation rather than confrontation.

Jungle Hut – new location
This matter requires urgent attention because the lease runs out this year and the relocation of the Pre School is necessary to provide more & better facilities in the future. The present building is not available for relocation.

Marnhull Messenger
Keep an eye on the Messenger (there will be 10 editions this year) as it will continue to carry reports on the Parish Plan with the deliberations of the Parish Council and other Agencies and report on progress relating to the various recommended actions.

Police
General satisfaction was shown with the Emergency Services except the Police. It has been established however, that there are regular patrols through the village and that a mobile unit is seldom more than 20 minutes away. These patrols are meant to call in at the Post Office and we are assured this will be done every time. Meantime we are asking for the same patrol to call in at Marnhull Stores. The Police Station responsible for Marnhull is at Sherborne, but please use the number shown in the Marnhull Messenger Directory (01202 222222) to contact the Police unless, of course, it is an emergency, and they will put you through.

Surgery
A high percentage of respondents listed a requirement for several services that are, in fact already available at the Surgery. We are hoping the Surgery manager will follow our recommendation that they publicise them more frequently and more widely.

Village Pond / Hub
The desirability for creating a village pond / centre is strongly expressed and serious consideration should be given as to how something might be achieved.

Verges
It is quite clear that run of the mill services like maintenance of verges, keeping gutters and drains clean and ensuring well tended hedges is going to be a responsibility that the County and District Councils are not going to be able to continue. Therefore it is down to each and everyone in Marnhull to tend these items both in and outside their own property.

Wildlife
It is not entirely clear whether the decline in the numbers and health of our wildlife is appreciated. We do need to make strenuous efforts to stop the decline and revive their future by good husbandry in our gardens and around the parish. Indeed the Parish Council has already initiated a limited tree planting project along the drive into the Recreation Ground as the beginnings of what is hoped will be a much larger project.

Marnhull Parish Council
All meetings are open to the public who have the opportunity to speak at the beginning and end of the meetings, and in special circumstances, on subjects raised during the Agenda. The PC wants to encourage villagers to attend, especially when there are issues of particular concern, and there will be more of these sorts of items over the coming months as the Council decides on the best course of action towards solving the issues raised by the Parish Plan.
Except on Bank Holiday Mondays, the Parish Council meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Agendas are posted the week before on the notice boards at the entranced to the Recreation Ground, the Burton Street Car Park, at Marnhull Stores in New Street and outside the Old Post Office at Moorside. Also, they will be trailed in the Marnhull Messenger and on its website.

The Marnhull Village Parish Plan was developed, researched and written by a Volunteer Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. B J Goldsmith, and was made up of the following members: Mrs. Joanna Wilkinson (Vice Chairman), Mrs. Jean Miller (Secretary), Mr Richard Matthews (Treasurer), Mrs. Shirley Blackford, Mr. Gareth Bray, Mrs. Lisa Bridger, Mr Frank Bryant, Mrs. Margaret Bulford, Mrs. Ann Covell, Mrs. Nicola Ellis, Mr. Richard Findlay-Wilson, Mrs. Mali Gudgeon, Mr Adam Guy, Mrs. Jane Hibberd, Mrs. Agnes Hopkins, Mrs. Debra Ingham-Barrow, Mrs. Michaela Kendall, Mr Stan Kingsbury, Mrs. Kate Locke, Mrs. Vicky Mitchell, Mrs. Alli Plummer, Commander Rob Vitali RN, Mrs. J Vitali, Mr Jeremy Watson.

The full Parish Plan is available for you to see either on the Marnhull Messenger website, www.marnhullmessenger.org.uk , or at the Blandford, Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Sturminster Newton libraries, the three churches in Marnhull, or through the Parish Clerk or any of the Parish Councillors.

Contents | 1. Overview | 2. Intro to Marnhull | 3. Actions & Strategy | 4. Residents Views | 5. Data | Summary