Suffolk Acre presented the idea of a “Village Plan” to find out what issues concerned Newton villagers and then to come up with an action plan to deal with any urgent ones. In 2005 a small team distributed a high level survey which had a very good response rate of 66%. 

In 2006 the team followed up with another questionnaire, in order to understand more about the issues considered most important by the villagers. The response rate was again good, nearly 50%, probably lower than first time around because we did not revisit homes that had failed to leave out questionnaires, which we had done first time around.

CRIME & SAFETY
Villagers actually feel very safe in their own homes and around Newton, much less so when outside the village. Even so, there is a very strong opinion that the community police patrols should be seen more often.

TRAFFIC CALMING
Very strong response that motorists are driving too fast on the A134. Much less so for the other roads in Newton. Consensus was that further traffic calming measures are needed. Speed activated flashing signs on A134 within village by far the most popular.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The response to a list of “good neighbours” was very good. 55 homes that responded were willing to be “good neighbours” and 19 would actually use such a list themselves. Suggestions of a quiz and film show were popular (59% and 54% said yes), a dance not quite so popular (41%). 4 kind volunteers to help run an event.

FOOTPATHS
47% don’t know where the footpaths are in Newton, and 91% would find a map of local footpaths beneficial. A third never use the local footpaths and 15% think that the footpaths are in poor condition.

The Parish Plan team has now disbanded, as it was felt that these issues fall within the remit of the Parish Council. We hope that the information collated is useful and enables the council to target issues that are important to the villagers.
 
Newton Parish Council adopted the Newton Parish Plan at its meeting in May 2006. The Plan will now form part of the regular agenda for each NPC meeting where progress against plan being reported.

The full analysis of the High Level survey results can be seen here Newton Parish Plan Initial Survey Analysis

The full analysis of the follow up results can be seen here Parish Plan Responses April 2006