To present:

1. Data collection methods used in parish plans in the South West region.
2. Main findings of Peasedown Health Survey completed 5 years ago by Ruth Grant.
3. To report on work completed to date.
4. A series of proposals for data collection based on the above findings and suggestion from Steering Group members.

The definition of a Parish Plan is to,

Parish Plans should:

• "Represent the whole community.
• Enhance community vibrancy.
• Involve young, old and socially excluded.
• Stimulate community action and volunteering.
• Engage local businesses and Attract funding."

From "What makes a Good Parish Plan", The Countryside Agency, 2004

In essence, a Parish Plan should employ a bottom-up approach and encourage the active participation of residents in their community.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is the government department responsible for Parish Planning via Rural Community Councils (in the case of Peasedown St John, Community Action).

In deciding the best method of data collection to inform PPP, the following factors need to be considered:

• The size of the parish.
• The capacity of the PPP Steering Group (personnel & financial).
• The necessity to obtain the views of at least 50% of residents in Peasedown (through questionnaire – based on experiences of other Parish Plans).
• Diversity within the Peasedown Parish, i.e. old Peasedown in the West; new Peasedown in the East, Lower Peasedown and hamlets of New Buildings, Carlingcott, Braysdown and Woodborough.

The Commission for Rural Communities (a branch of the Countryside Agency) hosts a database detailing completed local planning projects (http://crc.rocktimeweb.net/index.asp). At present there are 3988 projects listed in the UK. The following table indicates numbers of completed projects within our neighbouring local authority areas:

It is surprising that parishes within Bath and North East Somerset have not completed a Parish Plan (with the support of the Countryside Agency or DEFRA). Several Parishes in B&NES have completed Village Design Statements (including Peasedown St John) of whom some are working towards developing a Parish Plan (Camerton & Englishcombe). This finding should support any application for funding PPP to the Commission.

To help decide which data collection method to use for PPP this table reports on a sample of experiences of our neighbours in completing a Parish Plan:

On the basis of the above table, the following conclusions may be drawn:

• The average length of time parishes take to complete a Parish Plan is about 18 months.
• A one-off questionnaire to all residents yields low response rates. Such questionnaires need to be preceded by wider consultation to raise awareness of the plan and increase participation in its development. This encourages wider participation of residents in their community and prevents the plan being a passive one-off event. It makes the plan ‘live’ by being a process all can involve themselves in.
• As Peasedown is an unusually large parish (6,500) in comparison to the parishes sampled above (which average 1,000 to 2,000 residents), special consideration needs to be given to the methodology used and time needed to complete the plan.
• Given the diversity within Peasedown Parish (see earlier point), special consideration needs to be given as to obtaining views of all diverse groups/areas (old/new Peasedown and hamlets) with a view to using PPP as an opportunity to recognise, celebrate and unite Peasedown Parish.

Ruth Grant completed this in-depth survey in 2001 in part fulfillment of a Masters degree. The survey demonstrated that Peasedown residents hold knowledge of their own health needs and that these views should be used to inform more accurate health planning. The methods used were interviews, focus groups, questionnaire (with 36% response rate), predictive psychology and quality of life surveys. The main findings were:

• Peasedown is a divided village and this was negatively affecting health.
• There are inadequate food sources.
• There is a lack of leisure facilities.
• Evidence of drug and alcohol misuse.
• Unreported levels of psychological distress (particularly male).

It is recommended that the findings of this excellent piece of research are used in the design and reporting of data collection for PPP. This will allow the Steering Group to report on the situation 5 years ago, now and a vision for the future.

At the introductory and inaugural meetings of PPP Steering Group in October and November 2005 it was decided to form topic interest headings. These headings were subsequently divided into seven groups (reflecting the Parish Plans sampled for this report); those headings have between one and three sub-groups (totaling 17). Those sub-groups are charged with providing initial reports to the Steering Group reporting on the situation ‘now’, ascertaining what Peasedown ‘needs’ and present a questionnaire strategy. This is a very useful exercise and represents a great deal of work. A broad picture of Peasedown Parish is emerging at the moment and will provide a basis for bringing PPP to the next stage.

To date reports have been received from the following groups (available on Peasedown Parish website (www.peasedown-st-john.co.uk):

• Green Belt
• Transport
• Open Spaces, Footpaths, Flora and Fauna
• Safety, Security and Policing.
• Youth, Sport and Social
• Peasedown St John Local Government

There are two broad methods of data collection, which may be used to inform PPP:

• Questionnaire surveys – Quantitive data, i.e. x% of residents want . . .
• Interview surveys (individual/group) – Qualitative data, i.e. x & y group believe . .

Reviewing the relevant literature and the Parish Plans sampled, the most effective means of data collection is to use interview surveys to inform questionnaire surveys. This ensures that the final questionnaire asks the most relevant and informative questions.

• Exhibition/Drop-in – with a map pf Peasedown Parish and advertising the objectives of PPP and appealing for more volunteers to help with PPP.

• Geographical - dividing the Parish in areas/streets with a person responsible for each area/street.
• Interest groups – a short questionnaire to be sent to all local businesses (including self-employed people?) and specific groups: Primary School, POP, FAST, Churches, Police, Youth Club and groups, Sport and Leisure groups, Adult Learning Centre, Health Centre, Dental Practice, Social Services, Youth Offending Team, Probation and others.
• Youth – disposable camera project, mapping exercise, organised graffiti wall, Youth Club based, Street-based.

• Analysis of findings from Stage 1
• Presentation of findings in local press.

• Questionnaire design – to be sent to all residents
• Dissemination and collection of questionnaire to all residents.

• Analysis of findings from questionnaire.
• Presentation of findings in Peasedown Parish Plan.

• Using PPP to lobby B&NES, government departments and lottery for funding to implement recommendations from PPP.

• Newsletters – make full use of the Peasedown Parish Council newsletter to advertise PPP at each stage and encourage volunteers to come forward to support the development of the plan. Radstock Journal, Somerset Guardian, Church and interest group newssheets may also be used.
• Road show – and have a mobile PPP Steering Group which would consult residents at a focal point in that area.
• Fun/Village Day – advertise PPP and providing a forum to gain the views of residents.
• Piggy Backing – presence at planned activities in the Parish to gain residents’ views.
• Others?

• Encourage and promote residents to have their voice heard and to make a difference to Peasedown parish.
• Advertise the intentions and work of PPP Steering Group.
• Free food at consultation events.
• Competition and/or Prize draw.
• Sponsorship from local businesses (financial, prizes or personnel).

• Timescale for completion?
• Which of the data collection options are likely to achieve most participation within available time and resources?
• How to obtain the views of residents who participate in village life, e.g. each Steering Group member to enlist help of 5-10 volunteers?
• How to obtain the views of residents who do not participate in village life?
• How to encourage volunteers to help with data collection?
• What financial resources are available and how should they be best used?
• How do we employ a staged approach leading to full questionnaire distribution?
• Do we need a logo and strap line for PPP?
• Application to Community Action for funding PPP?