Of the 500 forms delivered throughout the Parish (450 of which were distributed with the Parish Magazine, 25 hand delivered to each household in Firs Hill Close, and a further 25 handed out in church), only 23 replies were received, representing a 4.6% return. An analysis of the returns is as follows (in order of the questions asked):

1. The average number of people living in each house was 2.13%.

2. The average age of people living in the respondents' homes:

3. Of those who responded, 34.7% were male, 65.2% female.

4.

5. The average length of time spent living in Potterne was 16½ years, ranging from 10 months to 79 years.

6. Housing:

7. Annual Income. Of the 22 replies received to this question:

8. In response to an open question of what people most liked about living in Potterne:

• The majority (73.91%) said how much they appreciated the sense of community spirit and friendliness of people living here. 4.34% were born in the village.
• Countryside/peace and quiet scored with 52.17%, with the location of the village itself (34.78%), proximity to the local towns (21.73%), those liking the area (13.04%) and those living close to a family member (8.69%). 8.69% said they liked their house and garden.
• The church/church-centred community scored 21.73%.
• 17.39% appreciated the remaining facilities of the shop, post office and pub, 13.04% the village history and architecture, and 8.69% the village clubs, and public transport respectively.
• 13.4% of respondents commented on how safe and secure they felt living in the village and
• 4.34% commented on how much they appreciated village events (especially the annual fete), traditional village qualities, and the Parish Magazine.

9. As to what could be better about living here:

34.78%	complained about the traffic situation - suggesting a bypass, (further) traffic calming measures (with Whistley Road being an access road only for properties it serves, rather than the "rat run" it has become) and be made more bicycle friendly. On the other hand, 4.34% called for less "urbanisation" of the village, which has recently seen the installation of a mini-roundabout, large signs, flashing lights, and the use of unsuitable materials in a rural location.
26.08%	commented on the need for much greater tidiness and litter control, which was becoming more noticeable throughout the village in certain areas. This included a request for more "poop scoop" bins. It was also suggested that the refuse collections should promote re-cycling (4.34%).
13.04%	would like to see transport linking with the local rail heads, and a nearer station (Littleton Pannell?), with a further 13.04% wanting to see cheaper travel, especially to Devizes (free!), increased local transport for the elderly and young (4.34%) and, in a lighter vein, 4.34% would like escalators on the hills!
8.69%	turned their attention to the young, wanting to see increased (sports) facilities for children and a larger primary school with better facilities respectively, with a corresponding percentage also wanting to see a reduction in vandalism. 4.34% would like there to be a children's holiday club.
4.34%	would like to see an increase in social amenities, including a doctor's surgery in the village. A corresponding number of people would like there to be less prejudice towards new arrivals, a much greater involvement by everyone in village life and more use of surnames, to avoid confusion!
4.34%	would also like the village shop to be open in the evenings, with a wider range of goods and services available (Market Lavington was quoted as an example).

10. This was another open question, which overlaps the previous one, in part, where people were asked what practical steps could be taken to improve the quality of life for local people and their environment.

34.78%	again commented upon traffic and traffic calming measures, including a restriction on parking at the school entrance. 4.34% would like a village mini-bus to be available, and for parking to be made available at church.
13.04%	were concerned about the lack of communication and consultation in the village (the recent traffic calming measures being quoted in particular). There was a request for a village diary of events to be published in the Magazine.
13.04%	would like a play area to be provided on the south side of the A350 to serve the Blackberry Lane/Whistley Road areas of the village, with improved play facilities generally.
8.69%	would like to see an improvement in cleanliness of the village, suggesting clean-up parties, and that fly tippers should be prosecuted.
8.69%	would like to see a greater number of village social events (a village sports day?), particularly for the youth (8.69%) and for the elderly (4.34%). A similar number of respondents (4.34%) would also like to see the church used for more events.
4.34%	said they would like there to be gates instead of stiles on country walks, and that they would like a handrail to be provided along the path at Court Hill, which is quite dangerous in parts. The same percentage of people would like a good youth leader to be appointed, and for there to be a community or known local "bobby" (which I think there is).

11. This question identified a number of needs facing the village, on which respondents expressed their concern as follows:

78.26%	Lack of youth facilities
73.91%	Lack of facilities for children
60.86%	Loneliness of older people, isolation of single parents and lack of community care (eg a doctor's surgery) equally
56.52%	Crime
52.17%	Low income
47.82%	equally regarding overcrowded accommodation, unemployment, and drug abuse.
43.47%	Alcohol, and racial disadvantage respectively.
4.34%	also commented on the lack of affordable housing in the village, and "inappropriate" driving habits.

12. Again, this was an open question, inviting "other comments";

• by far, the largest proportion (21.73%) commented on the lack of involvement by many people in village life, especially by the "indigenous villagers".
• 17.39% felt village life was good - the annual pantomime and fete were particularly mentioned, as were the hard-working school committees.
• 13.4% felt that there was a need for a youth club, that small groups should be encouraged and that more activities were needed for the young.
• 8.69% felt the village activities and clubs for older people were excellent and that Potterne is a "lively" community.
• There was an equal 4.34% rating for:
  • the need for improved communication/publicity
  • the need to get to know our neighbours
  • the fact that children's activities are church-related!
  • how we might face the problems of low income families
  • a suggestion for big village events
  • a need for regular visits to the elderly and
  • parenting classes for single parent families
  • some areas of the village are scruffy
  On a more up-beat note, the following also scored 4.34%:
  • the good service at the post office
  • an excellent parish magazine and
  • the church community was "one of the warmest I have ever known"

Conclusion

This exercise has given us some useful "pointers" as to what residents feel about the village. There has been some overlapping of answers in the open questions but it does seem that, on the whole, Potterne is a friendly village, and a good place to live. My experience is that there are lots of good things happening here but that, as mentioned by some of our respondents, a few people work extremely hard for the good of many. It would be wonderful if anyone with just an hour or two to spare - even if only on an occasional basis, could speak with any one of the "leading lights" of an organisation that interests them.

The updated "Welcome to Potterne" book is nearing completion but, in order to have something to hand for reference purposes, a single sheet listing organisations and a contact number is to be produced shortly.

I was disappointed that despite our best efforts, we received only one reply from a resident of a Housing Association home, private rented and "other" home respectively and I do wonder whether or not the results of this survey would have been very much different had people from those housing sectors sent in their replies. Certainly there is some variation between the results of this, and the official 2001 Census.

You may all recall that the Parish Council is due to issue its own survey on local housing needs, and I sincerely hope as many people as possible will respond to it. It really is vital that there is a good response to these surveys, if those responsible for their distribution are to have weight for their arguments to change things for the better.

Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone that took the few minutes it required to complete this particular survey. We really do hope that it will help the people of St Mary's concentrate their efforts on the more important requirements of the village as a whole.

Renée