The Thatcham Survey 2006 Results and Commentary. © Thatcham Vision 2006 Background The Thatcham...

The Thatcham SurveyThe Thatcham Survey20062006

Results and CommentaryResults and Commentary

www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk © Thatcham Vision 2006

BackgroundBackground

• The Thatcham Vision project is one of a The Thatcham Vision project is one of a number of parish planning exercises taking number of parish planning exercises taking place across West Berkshireplace across West Berkshire

• The aim of parish planning is to involve The aim of parish planning is to involve communities in improving their town or villagecommunities in improving their town or village

• Over 80 volunteers are working on Over 80 volunteers are working on developing the Thatcham Vision Action plandeveloping the Thatcham Vision Action plan

• More details of the project are available from More details of the project are available from www.thatchamshapethefuture.org.ukwww.thatchamshapethefuture.org.uk


ConsultationConsultation

• It is vital that the Thatcham Vision action plan It is vital that the Thatcham Vision action plan is based on a good understanding of the is based on a good understanding of the needs and aspirations of the communityneeds and aspirations of the community

• Considerable effort has been devoted to Considerable effort has been devoted to consulting the publicconsulting the public

• This presentation contains the results of our This presentation contains the results of our largest consultation exercise, the Thatcham largest consultation exercise, the Thatcham SurveySurvey

• Details of other consultation exercises are Details of other consultation exercises are available from our website and local librariesavailable from our website and local libraries


The Thatcham SurveyThe Thatcham Survey• This was our major quantitative surveyThis was our major quantitative survey• Most of the questions included tick box responses so Most of the questions included tick box responses so

that the results could be analysed statisticallythat the results could be analysed statistically• We also conducted qualitative surveys of various We also conducted qualitative surveys of various

kinds, in which people were asked for comments and kinds, in which people were asked for comments and ideasideas

• No consultation method is perfect, but we have No consultation method is perfect, but we have approached consultation in a number of different approached consultation in a number of different ways which has enabled us to build a good ways which has enabled us to build a good understanding of needs and aspirationsunderstanding of needs and aspirations

• Further surveys will be needed in the future as the Further surveys will be needed in the future as the Vision is developed to cover new topic areasVision is developed to cover new topic areas


MethodologyMethodology• The questionnaire was distributed on 28The questionnaire was distributed on 28 thth

March 2006 as a supplement to a local March 2006 as a supplement to a local newspapernewspaper

• The questions were based on the results of The questions were based on the results of early qualitative consultation exercises and early qualitative consultation exercises and the emerging work of topic teams which were the emerging work of topic teams which were looking at a range of topics related to looking at a range of topics related to Thatcham’s futureThatcham’s future

• The supplement also included brief The supplement also included brief background items on topics covered in the background items on topics covered in the questionnaire and other informationquestionnaire and other information

• A copy can be downloaded from our websiteA copy can be downloaded from our website


Methodology - continuedMethodology - continued

• The questionnaire was also made available The questionnaire was also made available onlineonline

• 5,000 additional copies of the questionnaire 5,000 additional copies of the questionnaire were printed and made available at the were printed and made available at the railway station, town centre shops, schools railway station, town centre shops, schools and numerous other locationsand numerous other locations


ResponsesResponses• A total of 838 responses were received by A total of 838 responses were received by

the closing date of 10the closing date of 10thth May May• Not all respondents gave their post code, but Not all respondents gave their post code, but

based on those that did the most based on those that did the most respondents live in the parish of Thatchamrespondents live in the parish of Thatcham

• This level of response provides a good This level of response provides a good statistical basis for drawing conclusions statistical basis for drawing conclusions about the views of the population as a wholeabout the views of the population as a whole

• A more detailed analysis of the statistical A more detailed analysis of the statistical significance of these results will be made significance of these results will be made available from our websiteavailable from our website


Analysis and commentaryAnalysis and commentary• The slides which follow show charts The slides which follow show charts

summarising the responsessummarising the responses• At the time of the survey, six topic teams had At the time of the survey, six topic teams had

been working since the previous autumn and been working since the previous autumn and most of the questions relate to these topicsmost of the questions relate to these topics

• In addition to the overall response to each In addition to the overall response to each question, breakdowns by age and length of question, breakdowns by age and length of residence in Thatcham are shown, usually residence in Thatcham are shown, usually where there are significant differenceswhere there are significant differences

The Town CentreThe Town Centre

A thriving town centre is vital to the future of Thatcham, as it is to any town.

The town centre topic team are exploring a number of initiatives and

the survey tested feelings about some of them as well as asking for general views about specific aspects of the

centre.


Develop a plan for improving the town centreDevelop a plan for improving the town centre

86% of respondents agree or strongly agree that a plan should be developed to improve the town centre. Our separate town centre survey indicated that the community’s highest priority is for more, and more varied, shops


Develop a plan for improving the town centreDevelop a plan for improving the town centre

An analysis of responses to this question, based on length of residence in Thatcham, shows that those who have lived in the town for two years or less have the strongest views on this issue, with 91% agreeing strongly or agreeing. (In the remainder of this presentation the percentage agreeing or agreeing strongly will be referred to as ‘agree’.)


Build a community facility in the town centreBuild a community facility in the town centre

An early proposal from the town centre topic team was the development of a new facility in the town centre which could include a bigger library, an internet café and other facilities. 78% of respondents agree with this proposal.



As this chart shows, those who have lived in Thatcham for less than two years again had the strongest views, with 85% agreeing.



Under 25s had the strongest views on this, with 85% agreeing, but the proposal is popular across all age groups.


Keep the existing Friday marketKeep the existing Friday market

Exploring other aspects of the town centre, 82% are in favour of keeping the existing Friday market, which takes place in the Broadway.



Once again, strength of feeling is highest amongst those who have recently moved to Thatcham: 90% agree.



Considering responses by age, views are very similar across all age groups. The strongest agreement was from those aged 65 and over who, with 84% agreeing, were marginally ahead of other age groups.

Transport and AccessTransport and Access

Transport and access causes particular Transport and access causes particular problems in Thatcham, as responses problems in Thatcham, as responses to questions related to rising heavy to questions related to rising heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through goods vehicle (HGV) traffic through and around the town demonstrate. and around the town demonstrate. Road safety and views related to Road safety and views related to

Thatcham’s level crossing were also Thatcham’s level crossing were also covered in the survey.covered in the survey.


How do you travel to your location of How do you travel to your location of work or study?work or study?

Low levels of bus travel to places of work or study (more people walk) is of particular interest and partly reflects the poor state of Thatcham’s bus network.


Reduce HGV movements along the A4Reduce HGV movements along the A4

The A4 effectively cuts Thatcham in two and increasing HGV movements not only cause congestion but also generate air and noise pollution. 71% thought that measures should be taken to reduce HGV movements on the A4. This won’t be easy to achieve because of the large number of distribution depots adjacent to the A4 at Colthrop. 71% agree with this proposition.


Reduce HGV movements along the A4Reduce HGV movements along the A4

Views about this were strongest in Thatcham West ward


Stop HGVs using Crookham HillStop HGVs using Crookham Hill

HGV traffic over the level crossing and on Crookham Hill causes particular problems. This road is acknowledged by West Berkshire Council’s Highways Department to be unsuitable for HGVs and 72% agree with the need to stop HGVs using it. As with the first slide on this topic, a relatively high proportion of respondents have no opinion and it is possible that many of these are not affected by this issue.


Stop HGVs using Crookham HillStop HGVs using Crookham Hill

Again, those in the ward in which the road is located unsurprisingly have the strongest views with 81% agreeing.


Reduce HGV movements on other roads in Reduce HGV movements on other roads in ThatchamThatcham

HGV traffic through and around the town inevitably has consequences for other roads. 79% agree that HGV traffic movements generally around the town should be reduced.


Reduce HGV movements on other roads in Reduce HGV movements on other roads in ThatchamThatcham

Thatcham South and Crookham residents have the strongest views on this, with 83% agreeing.


Introduce further measures to improve road safetyIntroduce further measures to improve road safety

While reducing HGV movements will be a major challenge, improvements in road safety are an ongoing concern for many and local measures can be taken.

66% agree that they should be, although numbers disagreeing – 36% – are significant. It is possible that this reflects of those who live in areas where measures like road-humps, which are rarely popular, have been implemented.



Thatcham’s senior citizens have the strongest views on this, with 76% of those aged 65 and over agreeing. Evidence from consultation exercises conducted in schools suggests that school children of all ages have very strong views about this topic (see the Databank link on our website for more details) and have major concerns about road safety.



Residents from Thatcham West have the strongest views on this, with 71% agreeing, although views are similar across the town.


Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride bus service to hospitalsbus service to hospitals

Getting to the general hospitals in Reading, Basingstoke and Oxford that serve Thatcham can be a major problem, particularly if you are visiting relatives or friends and don’t own a car. 78% agree with the proposal that the feasibility of a dial-a-ride service should be investigated.


Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride Investigate the feasibility of introducing a dial-a-ride bus service to hospitalsbus service to hospitals

Views on this varied quite significantly by ward, with 89% of those in Thatcham West agreeing with this proposal.


Encourage employers to implement green transport plansEncourage employers to implement green transport plans

Poor bus services, higher levels of car ownership than elsewhere in West Berkshire, poor bus provision and the fact that many people who live in Thatcham work elsewhere result in many journeys being made by car. 80% of respondents agree that as many employers as possible should implement green transport plans to help reduce the damaging environmental consequences of car use.


Build more distribution depots in ThatchamBuild more distribution depots in Thatcham

A major cause of the high and growing levels of HGV traffic in Thatcham is that there are many distribution depots in the town. Nearly 20% of the town’s built-up area is taken up by the Colthrop industrial estate and it is the location of many distribution depots. Only 16% want to see more and 67% disagree with this proposition.


Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?Should an eastern bypass be built at Colthrop?

Frustration with Thatcham’s level crossing which is on the only route out of the town to the south, figured strongly in our qualitative surveys. Some 67% of respondents agreed with the proposition that an ‘eastern bypass’ should be built. However, this responses conflicts with the overwhelming wish of respondents to protect the countryside around Thatcham. Building a bypass would have major detrimental impact on the countryside and recent studies have indicated that it would attract more traffic to Thatcham’s roads.



Opinions about this didn’t vary significantly based on length of residence.



Residents in Thatcham North had the strongest views on this subject, with 78% of them agreeing.


If a new eastern bypass was built would you use it?If a new eastern bypass was built would you use it?

There were quite wide differences of opinion about this based on the wards in which respondents live. 82% of Thatcham North residents said that they would use an eastern bypass but those in Thatcham South and Crookham were least likely to do so. This may be because it would be residents in this part of Thatcham who would adversely suffer from increasing traffic likely to use such a new road.

Homes and HousingHomes and Housing

It was decided to defer detailed work on this It was decided to defer detailed work on this topic until after the publication of the first topic until after the publication of the first action plan. Like health and wellbeing, action plan. Like health and wellbeing,

schooling and other topics not yet considered, schooling and other topics not yet considered, in detail this is obviously an important aspect in detail this is obviously an important aspect of life in Thatcham but they require more time of life in Thatcham but they require more time

and effort than we had available during our and effort than we had available during our first year. However, views about homes and first year. However, views about homes and

housing were sought in the survey.housing were sought in the survey.


Option A: Build only within the already built-up areaOption A: Build only within the already built-up area

West Berkshire Council’s Local Development Framework – which is essentially

a strategic plan for the future of West Berkshire – recognises that Thatcham’s infrastructure and services seriously lags behind the rapid increase in the town’s population. But recognising some new housing is inevitable, this question asked where people would like to see any new homes built. 76% opted for building within the already built-up area…


Option B: Build only within the already built-up areaOption B: Build only within the already built-up area

Only 8% thought that all development should take place solely on greenfield sites. …


Option C: Build only within the already built-up areaOption C: Build only within the already built-up area

… and for 31%, the first preference was that a balance of infilling and greenfield development.


Build more homes which are suitable for senior Build more homes which are suitable for senior citizens, key workers and those on low incomescitizens, key workers and those on low incomes

68% agreed that more affordable housing is needed: an issue across West Berkshire given the very high cost of homes.



Perhaps unsurprisingly those who have lived in Thatcham for more than 10 years – some of whom will have family members seeking homes in the area - have the strongest views on this, with 74% agreeing.



Again, looking at responses by age, the 65s and over have the strongest views with 88% agreeing.


Replace some older stock with larger numbers of Replace some older stock with larger numbers of modern houses with small gardensmodern houses with small gardens

Infilling, or ‘pepper potting’ is unpopular, with only 33% agreeing that this is desirable.


Replace some older stock with larger numbers of Replace some older stock with larger numbers of modern houses with small gardensmodern houses with small gardens

Here are the responses based on length of residence: 26% of those who have lived in Thatcham for 2 years or less agree.


Build more low-rise blocks of flatsBuild more low-rise blocks of flats

One way of increasing housing density in Thatcham would be to build more low-rise apartments. Local housing associations would be keen to do this so that they can make more efficient use of the land they own, but only 29% agree that this should be done


Build more low-rise blocks of flatsBuild more low-rise blocks of flats

Responses based on length of residence are quite similar.

Provision for Senior CitizensProvision for Senior Citizens

Two of the Vision’s topic teams Two of the Vision’s topic teams considered the needs of specific considered the needs of specific age groups. The senior citizens age groups. The senior citizens topic team had two major ideas topic team had two major ideas that they wanted to test via the that they wanted to test via the

questionnaire.questionnaire.


Investigate the feasibility of building a senior Investigate the feasibility of building a senior citizens centre in Thatchamcitizens centre in Thatcham

Although rare in the UK, senior citizens centres – which provide a comprehensive range of facilities for older people – exist in many other countries and the senior citizens topic team have proposed that one is provided in Thatcham. 78% of respondents agree that this should be looked at.



The strongest support was from those who have lived in Thatcham for over 10 years, with 83% of them supporting the proposed feasibility study.



89% of 65s and over agree with this proposal.


Thatcham needs specialist workers for older peopleThatcham needs specialist workers for older people

The team is also investigating the idea of providing specialist workers to support older people, with a remit similar to that of youth workers. This idea isn’t quite as popular as the senior citizens’ centre, with 67% agreeing.



72% of those who had lived in Thatcham for over 10 years supported this proposal.



84% of the over 65s support this.

The EnvironmentThe Environment

This is a very broad topic area, This is a very broad topic area, covering everything from the covering everything from the

consequences of urban growth and consequences of urban growth and sustainable energy use through to sustainable energy use through to

pollution of various kinds. pollution of various kinds.

These issues are high on national and These issues are high on national and international agenda. Based on the international agenda. Based on the

survey results, they are a major survey results, they are a major concern for Thatcham residents concern for Thatcham residents

as well.as well.


Require all new houses and other buildings to be Require all new houses and other buildings to be environmentally friendly and meet some of their own environmentally friendly and meet some of their own

energy needsenergy needs

Although some changes are in the pipeline, developers have few incentives to build homes which minimise energy costs, water use and sustainability in general. 90% of respondents think that this situation should change.


Investigate the feasibility of building a wind turbine Investigate the feasibility of building a wind turbine in Thatchamin Thatcham

Reading’s wind turbine – featured in the supplement that accompanied the survey – has generated a lot of interest in the possibility of a similar installation in Thatcham. A feasibility study will be needed to determine whether this makes economic and environmental sense and 68% agree that one should be conducted.


Mandate local councils to take action to reduce their Mandate local councils to take action to reduce their impact on the environmentimpact on the environment

The public sector has an important role in leading the way in this area and 93% think that local councils should be doing more in this area.


Restore current and new gravel workings to protect Restore current and new gravel workings to protect wildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valleywildlife and landscape in the Kennet Valley

Gravel extraction has had a major impact on Thatcham’s countryside and continues in the area. However, sensitive restoration of the land affected can have major benefits for wildlife and the landscape and 91% agree that gravel workings should be restored.



Those who have lived in the area for over 10 years have the strongest views, with 93% agreeing.



Those living in Thatcham central/west had the strongest views, with 95% agreeing.


Protect the countryside around ThatchamProtect the countryside around Thatcham

A quite dramatic indication of the strength of feeling related to this topic area – 98% agree with this proposition.



98% of those who have lived in Thatcham for more than 10 years agreed with this proposition.



In Thatcham North there is a remarkable 100% support for the proposition, possibly because that if there were to be development on Thatcham’s countryside it would almost certainly have to be north of the A4.


Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Allow the “green gap” between Thatcham and Newbury to be built onNewbury to be built on

As maps which will be made available via the Thatcham Databank show, there is still a ‘green gap’ to the west of the town. 87% think that this should be preserved.



Views are similar regardless of length of residence.


Set up an informal youth forum to allow young Set up an informal youth forum to allow young people to express their views and ideaspeople to express their views and ideas

This relates to the idea of engagement and it is likely that in practice a range of methods will be used to involve young people in Thatcham’s future both in terms of consultation and taking practical action to improve the situation. 78% of those consulted agree that something is needed.



Again, those in Thatcham North have the strongest feelings about this issue.

Health and WellbeingHealth and Wellbeing

As noted earlier, health and wellbeing is one of As noted earlier, health and wellbeing is one of a series of important topics which will be a series of important topics which will be

examined in the future – hopefully early in examined in the future – hopefully early in 2007. Further consultation exercises will be 2007. Further consultation exercises will be conducted in the future in relation to this and conducted in the future in relation to this and other topics. A general question on this topic other topics. A general question on this topic

was included in the survey. was included in the survey.

(Please get in touch with us via one of the contact methods detailed on (Please get in touch with us via one of the contact methods detailed on our website if you would like to be involved with this team.)our website if you would like to be involved with this team.)


The provision of NHS services in the town is The provision of NHS services in the town is adequateadequate

The new topic team will need to find out why only 38% of people think that NHS provision is adequate.

Youth ProvisionYouth ProvisionThe youth provision topic team was the The youth provision topic team was the first to be set-up in 2005, partly because first to be set-up in 2005, partly because

strong opinions had been expressed strong opinions had been expressed about this topic during the qualitative about this topic during the qualitative

consultation exercises. consultation exercises.

The team have made a wide range of The team have made a wide range of proposals, but the word ‘engagement’ proposals, but the word ‘engagement’

summarises their work: effort is needed summarises their work: effort is needed to continue to engage young people in to continue to engage young people in

the future of their town.the future of their town.


Provide more facilities for young peopleProvide more facilities for young people

85% agreed with this broad proposition: as with many other aspects of Thatcham’s infrastructure and services, there is a strong feeling that rapid population growth has not been matched by improved provision.



Those who have lived in the town for between 5 and 10 years have the strongest feelings about this, with 87% of them agreeing. This might reflect the views of young families thinking about the future.



Unsurprisingly the under 25s have the strongest feelings, with 90% of them agreeing.


Set up an informal youth forum to allow young Set up an informal youth forum to allow young people to express their views and ideaspeople to express their views and ideas

Interestingly, when ‘agree’ and ‘strongly agree’ are taken together the 45-64 age group were most in favour of this idea, although the strongest feelings were in the under 28 age group.

Social and Community DevelopmentSocial and Community Development

High levels of participation in local clubs, High levels of participation in local clubs, other organised activities and volunteering is other organised activities and volunteering is a real strength of Thatcham. The proposals a real strength of Thatcham. The proposals

made by this topic team are to do with made by this topic team are to do with exploiting the internet to build on this exploiting the internet to build on this

strength, partly by facilitating the formation of strength, partly by facilitating the formation of new groups and also by enabling existing new groups and also by enabling existing

ones to promote their activities more ones to promote their activities more effectively.effectively.


Develop a community website for Thatcham, Develop a community website for Thatcham, providing news and local informationproviding news and local information

The development of a comprehensive community website is one proposal and 80% support this idea. A project team is already working on this, and the associated idea of extending web access covered on the next slide. It has been looking at examples of the best community websites in the UK and around the world so that it work out how to build on others’ ideas.


Develop a community website for Thatcham, Develop a community website for Thatcham, providing news and local informationproviding news and local information

Those aged 25-44 show the strongest support for this idea, with 84% agreeing.


Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or free broadband access in Thatchamfree broadband access in Thatcham

Increasing numbers of towns in the UK and overseas are introducing low cost or free ‘wireless’ access to the internet, which means that a suitably equipped computer can connect to the internet without a physical connection. 70% support work in this area. The benefits of making web access available to all cut across all the Vision’s topic areas.


Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or Investigate the feasibility of providing a low-cost or free broadband access in Thatchamfree broadband access in Thatcham

Again the 25s-44s show the strongest agreement, with 76% supporting the idea.

Respondent’s ProfileRespondent’s Profile

In addition to the topic specific questions, the In addition to the topic specific questions, the questionnaire included a series of questions which questionnaire included a series of questions which were aimed at building a picture of respondents’ were aimed at building a picture of respondents’ background. The charts which follow show the background. The charts which follow show the

responses.responses.

Please note that the responses to the questionnaire Please note that the responses to the questionnaire were weighted to reflect the age distribution of were weighted to reflect the age distribution of

Thatcham’s actual population, which differs slightly Thatcham’s actual population, which differs slightly from the survey response rate in different age groups.from the survey response rate in different age groups.


Age of respondentsAge of respondents


Length of residence of respondents.Length of residence of respondents.


Are you self-employed and working from home?Are you self-employed and working from home?


Would you join a support network for home Would you join a support network for home workers?workers?

The idea of providing support, in various ways, for those who work from home was suggested early in the project and it seems that there would be a sufficient number of people interested to make this worth pursuing.

OverviewOverview

The next slide summarises the overall The next slide summarises the overall response to questions which were based response to questions which were based

questions based on a five point scale.questions based on a five point scale.

The responses are ordered by level of The responses are ordered by level of agreement. The overall strong response to agreement. The overall strong response to questions related to sustainability and the questions related to sustainability and the

environment is worth noting. environment is worth noting.


Commentary

The Thatcham Vision DatabankThe Thatcham Vision DatabankThe first version of this summary was published on 30 The first version of this summary was published on 30 November 2006. Updated versions of this summary, November 2006. Updated versions of this summary,

summaries of the Vision’s other consultation exercises, summaries of the Vision’s other consultation exercises, statistical information, maps, and a large collection of statistical information, maps, and a large collection of

photographs will be added to the Thatcham Vision photographs will be added to the Thatcham Vision Databank over the coming days and weeks. Databank over the coming days and weeks.

The Databank’s home page, which can be accessed The Databank’s home page, which can be accessed via the Vision’s website, includes guidance on a simple via the Vision’s website, includes guidance on a simple way of keeping up-to-date with additions and changes.way of keeping up-to-date with additions and changes.

Please email questions about or comments on this Please email questions about or comments on this survey to survey to [email protected]@gmail.com or leave a or leave a

message on the Vision’s voicemail line 020 8133 3423.message on the Vision’s voicemail line 020 8133 3423.

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