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Eyam Village Plan

2007 – Version 4

Front Cover – Suggested that the front and back cover should be the Eyam map – agreement of the Map group has been given.

Proposals to improve life in the village developed through consultation with the residents of Eyam

Contents

Eyam Village Plan

Contents

Overview

Introduction & Consultation Process

Consultation Process & Chronology

Parish Council

Car Parking

Affordable Housing

Other Issues

Older People

Methodology

Findings

Young People

Methodology

Findings

Sports & Recreation

Methodology

Findings

Environment

Methodology

Findings

Business Community

Methodology

Findings

Other Issues

May 2005 Open Day

Funding Issues

Conclusions

Draft Action Plan

Business & Employment

Education

Environment

Housing

Parking

Shopping

Sports & Recreation

Transport & Traffic

Overview

Why have a Village Plan?

Village Plans arose from the Countryside Agency’s ‘Vital Villages’ initiative. The primary purpose is to encourage all members of village communities to become involved in expressing their views on how the village should develop. The Plans provide evidence of the community’s views for other organizations which make policy decisions affecting villages, for example the District and County Councils and the National Park Authority and can be used as a basis for a strategic programme of improvements by the Parish Council and other groups.

What’s in the Village Plan?

The Plan includes ideas which represent the views of those residents who responded to the consultation exercises carried out from 2004 – 2006. In some areas work is already well advanced to provide solutions – in others work is yet to start.

Items included in the plan are things which respondents in the community want and which are important to them.

How will the plan be carried out?

Some of the proposals in the Plan can be carried out quite quickly and do not involve major spending or a great deal of consultation – other proposals will require significant planning and fund-raising. Some proposals may turn out not to be feasible after detailed investigation and others are affected by the legal framework which affects all of us. The Action Plan at the end lists the individuals and groups which will continue to work on each aspect of the Plan.

Who does the Plan belong to?

For everything in the Village Plan it is vital for everyone to remember that –

  • the Plan is not something that is being done TO the village of Eyam
  • the Plan is not just something being done FOR the village of Eyam
  • the Plan must be seen as something being done BY the village of Eyam.

Everyone has a part to play in making the Plan realistic and relevant to local people. Everyone will have a part to play in implementing the proposals in the Plan – whether this be the sports development or other proposals. Anyone can use the Plan as a lobbying tool or as evidence of need to support grant applications.

Detailed Research

An Appendix giving details of the questionnaires and other discussions has been produced and is available if required.

Introduction & Consultation Process

Eyam is a parish which developed because of local sources of water – indeed the very name Eyam derives from the Anglo-Saxon meaning of Water (EY) and settlement (HAM). Like so much of the Peak District the location of Eyam is determined by Geology – the village is on the divide between the limestone and shale beds – this was the point where the streams disappeared underground – and the last point where a good water supply could be guaranteed all year round. Eyam is particularly famous as the village which isolated itself in 1665/6 to prevent the spread of the plague through the Peak District. Like many Peak District villages Eyam became prosperous in the 18th century from the expansion of the lead mining industry and during the 19th and early 20th centuries was involved in shoe manufacture and silk production. Since the end of the 2nd World War the character of the village has changed and many of the inhabitants now commute to Sheffield and other local towns and cities for work. However, the village retains a vital mix of lifelong residents and newcomers.

Currently Eyam has 409 households (2001 census) and has a very active village community as evidenced by the number of organisations listed in the Eyam Village Guide (3rd edition published by the Eyam Village Society in 2005). Major annual events in the village include the Half-marathon, the Wells Dressing, the Carnival and the Bonfire. The history of the village, as well as its location in the Peak District National Park, attracts many tourists. However, as well as the economic benefits tourism also affect the lives of residents of the village and these concerns are represented in the Plan.

The Village Plan was set in motion by a Public meeting in November 2004. A steering committee was formed with representation from various groups including the Parish Council and the areas identified for specific investigation were:

  • Older People
  • Young People
  • Sports and Recreation
  • Environment
  • Local Business

Proposals for Sport and Recreation were already advanced as Eyam Sports Association has been active in this area for a number of years. The Eyam Village Society undertook to research and report on the Village Environment.

The Plan has been produced with the help of a Derbyshire Rural Community Council (DRCC)/Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Village Plan grant – this report is the consolidation of the work of the 6 groups and it is intended that the plan will act as a driver for the Parish Council and other bodies working to enhance the future development of the historic village of Eyam.

Consultation Process & Chronology

1999-2002 / Initial surveys to establish views on sports and recreation development
November 2004 / Open Meeting
May 2005 / Village Open Day and Consultation event (in conjunction with various Eyam Village groups)
  • Conservation area questionnaire
  • Interactive displays covering ‘issues of concern’, ‘ideas for projects’, ‘environmental issues’
  • Village Society’s questionnaire

June 2005 / Formation of Village Plan Steering Group
June 2005 / ESA survey of Eyam households
July 2005 / Parent survey, school survey (including artwork)
August 2005 / Youth Film Night
Autumn 2005 / Business communities questionnaire
Autumn 2005 / In-depth interviews by ESA following up the June survey
Autumn 2005 / Outlying communities questionnaire
November 2005 / Publication and household distribution of ‘Eyam Village Plan News’
November 2005 / Application to DRCC/DEFRA for Village Plan grant
November 2005 / Mobile skate park, youth survey
December 2005 / Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) Community Planning grant for reprint of Eyam Village Guide
February 2006 / Drop-in session for people interested in bowling
March 2006 / Survey of local bowling clubs
April – August 2006 / Taster sessions for would-be bowlers at various local clubs
May 2006 / Second Village Open Day and Consultation event (in conjunction with carnival committee coffee morning)
May 2006 / Publication and household distribution of second edition of ‘Eyam Village Plan News’
August 2006 / PDNPA Community Planning grant for replacement of seats on Village Green together with match funding from the Eyam Map Project. The Eyam Half Marathon Committee have funded an additional seat.
February 2007 / Opportunity for the public and Eyam organizations to review the draft Plan.

Parish Council

From the Parish Clerk (Barbara Taylor)

Eyam Parish Council (EPC) recognizes the importance of the Village Plan which has been produced on behalf of the community. It identifies actions which it would like to see taken forward by EPC, other individuals and groups in the community, or by other service providers and statutory providers.

The most significant development currently affecting the regeneration of the village is the LRM/Glebe Mine Development project. LRM is working closely with EPC, Eyam Sports Association (ESA), the Wrights, owners of Eyam Hall, and Derbyshire Dales District Council (DDDC), to ensure the success of the project, which will address several of the issues raised in the Plan, namely:

  • Provision of a new car park
  • Local needs affordable housing
  • Improved sports facilities
  • New children’s playground

Car Parking

The problem of car parking in a tourist village has emerged as a key issue of concern amongst residents. The new car park which is to be sited on the old football pitch will provide 84 parking spaces (to include 4 x disabled). EPC has committed £30,000.00 to this project and an application for further funding is currently being considered by DDDC. The car park will be managed and maintained by EPC. The impact of this provision on residents’ car parking will be monitored by EPC, as DDDC has advised that some of the problems currently experienced may be alleviated by the provision of an extra car park.

Affordable Housing

A Housing Needs Survey conducted in November 2000 clearly identified a need for low cost housing in the village, especially for young couples wishing to remain in the area. 10 such units will be built on the Glebe Mine site in the vicinity of the primary school, offering the opportunity to rent or to enter into a shared ownership agreement.

Other Issues

The Parish Council is also working towards resolving other issues identified in the Plan, some of which are already the subject of discussion with statutory providers. Some will receive attention in the near future, whilst others are long term objectives. They include the following:

  • To improve the cleanliness of the village. The cleansing officer of DDDC has assured EPC that the recycling area in the car park is to undergo a thorough cleanup, and street cleaning schedules and the provision of litter bins is being questioned. The provision of extra dog waste bins is resulting in cleaner pavements.
  • To increase street lighting, with a view to extra provision on Main Street, the Lydgate and Townhead.
  • The replacement of the dead tree in Eyam Square.
  • An undertaking to resite the sculptured bench from the stocks area when the Glebe Mine redevelopment is completed. The Village Plan has already been instrumental in securing funding for new seating for the village from the Eyam Map Project, the Peak District Community Planning Grants Scheme and the Eyam Half Marathon Committee, and EPC has overseen the replacement of 8 worn out seats. This is an endorsement of what can be achieved through the Village Plan and a community working together.
  • To address the problem of trail bikes and offroad vehicles and the proposed modification Orders for BOATS (Byways Open to All Traffic) within the Parish. EPC is working with residents of Tideswell Lane and Stoney Middleton Parish Council in a concerted effort to oppose these applications.

Eyam Parish Council meetings are held monthly, details are displayed on the Parish Council noticeboard. Members of the public are welcome to attend these meetings or to raise issues of concern with Councillors and the Clerk.

Older People

Group members – John Plant, Tony Oddy

Older people were considered a priority as it was felt that this age group had not been represented at the Open Day. The Old Folk’s Luncheon Club is a well-established and well-attended event which many of the older people in the village attend regularly. Catering for the elderly people in Eyam the Luncheon Club has been taking place every Wednesday for around 20 years and is organised by volunteers. Eyam Old Folks Fund is also very active in raising money through the year to provide Christmas gifts for older residents of the village.

Methodology

On Wednesday 1st March 2006, members of the Luncheon Club were told about Eyam Village Plan and asked to give their views on a number of issues. There were 16 people at the event. Eight people filled in the questionnaire and most others talked to the PDNPA Village Officers although did not want to make any specific comments.

Findings

Shops and Services

The village store and the Post Office are clearly very important, mentioned by all the respondents. The Peak Pantry and the butchers are also mentioned. Several people complained that there is no greengrocer in the village and feel that they should not have to go into Bakewell for fruit and vegetables (since the survey the greengrocer’s shop has recently re-opened with a new tenant). Most people don’t have trouble accessing services provided by local authorities, except for disposing of or recycling of larger household items. The mobile library is appreciated. Similarly only one responded reporting that ‘getting to the doctors’ was a problem.

Social and Cultural Life

The Luncheon Club, the Mechanic’s Institute, the Women’s Institute and the Village Society are most valued by older people in the village. Village events are also appreciated, with walks and bingo getting a particular mention! One respondent wanted to see more music and dancing events. The only obstacle to people being more involved in social and cultural activities, according to the 3 people who answered that particular question, is age!

Transport

Most people in the survey rely for transport on either the community bus or relatives or more usually both. The car and walking are also important. Only one person said that their quality of life was affected by lack of transport – perhaps significantly this person was totally reliant on family.

General Likes and Dislike about Eyam

In general respondents think that Eyam is a good place to live: for its quiet countryside, places to walk, friendly people and social activities. One respondent said: “there is a lot going on, and the village is very good to its old folk.”

Young People

Group Members – Jo Killingley, Diana Cameron

This section covers babies and toddlers, primary school children and teenagers. Opinions have been sought by a range of methods to try and get a broad and representative selection of opinions.

Methodology

0-11’s

  • A Parent Survey was carried out. Parents were interviewed at the Mother and Toddler group, in the village primary school, and by targeting a sample of parents whose children go out of the village for schooling. This was based around an informal questionnaire, and reached 21 parents.
  • All the children in school were involved in classroom exercises to find their opinions for the Plan. 48 children took part.
  • The Children from Eyam School Art Club produced a collage depicting things that they felt were important in their village.

11+

  • A film night was organised for the young people
  • Young people were interviewed ‘hanging out’ around the village.
  • A mobile skate park evening was held.
  • Young people were appointed as official representatives on the Village Plan Steering Group and attended several of the meetings.

All questions were asked in person in the form of an interview. The questions were around subject areas, and were left very open in the hope of finding the real issues that were in peoples’ minds, rather than putting words into their mouths by using specific questions, or responses. Views of the younger school children were expressed through the medium of the Community Collage.

Findings

All age groups interviewed highlighted the lack of places for young people to go.

A large majority of the parents interviewed raised the need for a playground. This was also raised by children and young people.

Many parents highlighted the lack of provision for teenagers. Young people would like ‘something to do in the evenings’ and, when asked ‘Are you happy in Eyam?‘ several said ‘It’s boring and there’s nothing to do’!

This need to get young people off the streets was supported by parents when asked whether they were worried about crime, vandalism and drugs, and some said ’the youths hanging about’ was their main concern. Some of the schoolchildren also mentioned ‘teenagers wrecking stuff’ as something that they didn’t like about their village.

Concerns over safe walking/ cycling routes and inconsiderate parking were also high.

Parents felt that the road crossings by the Hall, and opposite Pursgloves were dangerous and also raised the need for safer routes to walk/cycle to school. The idea of a safe cycle routes and footpaths to school was also raised by the schoolchildren.

Several issues relating to parking and traffic were mentioned:-

cars speeding through the village

cars and motorbikes parking on the pavement outside the Peak Pantry

parking at the bottom of New Close.

Parents would like a Pre-School or Nursery for the village

Some of the parents suggested that they would like a Pre-School or playgroup in the village.