TycroesCommunity Survey Results November 2019

1

`

Contents1. Executive Summary page 32. Homes and Housing page 43. Community page 74. Amenities page 115. Working, Travelling & Prosperity page 146. Healthcare page 177. Countryside and Greenspace page 188. Roads and Safety page 219. Council Feedback page 2410. References page 2511. Profile of Respondents page 25

2

`

1. Executive Summary Llanedi Community Council, having an annual income of over 200k has a legal requirement under the Wellbeing and Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 to ensure that services and developments (within the council's remit) are both sustainable and meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations.

This report provides an analysis and evaluation of the current and prospective services, environmental and housing developments, cultural and social experiences of the residents of Tycroes based on a the community consultation of 2018 and subsequent consultation in 2019 (LDP workshops).The results from this report will be used to draw up our Wellbeing Plan.

Data was collected from local residents (adults and children) through a paper questionnaire (58 responses), an LDP consultation event, and an imaginative storytelling event.

1.1 Key Findings

Tycroes has a strong, well established sense of community with good access to countryside and green spaces. However, locals identified key areas of concern as well as a vision for how their community can improve:

Traffic is a major concern – from road safety to parking and pedestrian access Residents do not want to see any further large scale housing developments They feel that local health care provision could be improved in some areas including

mental health provision There is a need for more adult education/recreation classes/clubs in the community There is an interest in developing community green spaces such as Orchards or

Allotments Opportunities to help develop local business need to be explored The council should be better at communicating with residents and councillors should

raise their profiles.

3

`

2. Homes and Housing

2.1 Housing Needs and Development

Respondents were asked if there was a need for more housing in Tycroes. Only 33% either agreed or strongly agreed that there was a need. This was borne out by the LDP workshops where the majority of comments were against further housing development.

However, when the question was expanded upon, respondents identified a number of areas where they felt there was housing need:

Housing f

or those

with

loca

l connec

tion

More re

ntal pro

pertie

s

More sh

elter

ed housin

g

More Care

homes

Housing f

or key

work

ers

Small

homes

to buy

Large

homes

to buy

Flats f

or purc

hase

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Housing Needs AgreeHousing Needs Strongly agree

4

`

The survey asked people to say what types of development they would prefer to see. The responses are summarised in the graph below:

Infill b

uilds

4-9 unit

develo

pmen

ts

9+ unit dev

elopm

ents

Combin

ed dev

elopm

ent

Develo

pmen

t on one s

ingle

site

With

in vill

age b

oundaries

Green

field

sites

outside e

xistin

g LDP

Brownfie

ld si

tes

Convert e

xistin

g build

ings

for h

omes

Covert e

xistin

g build

ings to

flats

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

AgreeStrongly agree

In terms of any new housing developments, respondents clearly felt that they should have a high specification:

87% felt they should have pavements and kerbstones by the roadside 86% felt they should be affordable 85% agreed that off street parking was important 83% were in favour of the use of modern efficient energy and eco-friendly technology 77% felt they should have gardens 74% felt they should be limited to two stories 73% felt they should be innovative in design

2.2 Suggested Locations for Housing

The questionnaire asked respondents which sites they felt could be developed for housing in the area. There was very little support for any further building with respondents reiterating concerns over the strain on local services and facilities. What was suggested was that brown field sites would be developed before any further green field development is considered. These views were re-iterated at the LDP workshop held in January 2019.

5

`

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Based on the consultation, our residents are concerned about new residential development in the area. As we will see later in this document, this is due to a number of issues including traffic and pressure on existing services. The Community Council has shared these issues with the County Council as part of its response to the LDP, in order that these can be considered in future development plans.

6

`

3. Community3.1 Community ‘Spirit’

A ‘sense of community’ is a psychological definition which focuses on the experience of a community rather than its structure or setting.

96% of those who completed the forms agreed that they feel safe in the community and 76% of people value the sense of community within the village.

Most people also highly rate their local community assets. As the graph shows, the responses suggest that they particularly value the open and green spaces, the friendly environment, and the rural character of the area.

Respondents also highly valued the school, the parks, sports fields and wildlife habitats. Churches and Chapel were also felt to be of value by most people too.

Open an

d gree

n spac

es

Friendly

enviro

nmen

t

The rura

l char

acter

of the v

illag

e

The sch

ool

The par

ks

Sense

of com

munity

Sports

field

s

Local w

ildlif

e/hab

itats

Churches

/Chap

els0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

What People Value

Other facilities mentioned as being of value included the pharmacy, the woodland walk, the Local Aid, the Post Office and the Doctors’ surgery.

7

`

8

`

3.2 Community Locations

A sense of community is multifaceted and includes the need for membership and belonging. Within a geographical community this sense can come from opportunities to socialise with others. Tycroes is fortunate in that it has a number of established community venues including the Church Hall, Tycroes Hall, The Rugby Club and the Scouts Hall. 67% of residents felt that there was no need for an additional community building.

A small number of respondents did, however, suggest the need for new facilities including:

Updated equipment in the Village Hall A sports/multi-use hall

3.3 Community Groups

Tycroes is fortunate in that it has a number of established groups including a Meithrin, a Friendship Group, a Whisk Drive, an Senior Citizens Group, The Rugby Club, the Local Action Aid and various exercise etc. classes that take place on a regular basis.

The questionnaire asked “What new community groups could be formed in Tycroes?” A range of responses were received, the most common of which were:

A children’s/youth club/afterschool club Coffee mornings Neighbourhood Watch Clubs for older people Mother and toddler Luncheon/dining clubs Singing/community choir Litter picking Community Forum to take forward the vision/community plan and for information

sharing Various special interest classes – history, reading, walking, fitness etc.

One respondent stated that the elderly were strongly represented.

9

`

3.4 Community Events

Tycroes is a vibrant village that enjoys a number of regular annual community events including Party in the Park, Christmas Lighting Ceremony and Fayre, Wine and Mince pie evenings, a Twmpath and Fireworks Night celebrations.

53% of those who completed the questionnaire stated that they regularly attend community events. 47% said they rarely or never attend community events. When asked why they didn’t attend events, responses included lack of time, work commitments and lack of information.

When asked what new events the community would like, the following were suggested:

Reinstate the carnival Family fun days Street or park parties/BBQ’s Job fairs Family events More concerts

3.5 Community Weaknesses

When asked to choose their main sources of concern from a list, respondents ranked the choices as follows:

Spee

d of tra

ffic

Volume o

f traf

fic

Dog Foulin

g

Pedes

trian

safet

y/ram

ps

Car par

king

Litter

Over dev

elopm

ent

Lack of d

evelo

pmen

t

Light p

ollutio

n0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

Main Concerns

10

`

Respondents also mentioned the need for a bypass and the lack of a central post box.

The questionnaire then asked them to identify features that they felt were unpleasant. By far the most common responses (around 50%) related to the former chip shop/take away (which they felt detracted from the Square). There were also individual comments about the park (which has since been refurbished), The Mountain Gate (which has since re-opened), misuse of the monuments in Fferws Park and youths in cars at night.

Furthermore when residents were asked an open ended question ‘Are there any other facilities you would like to see in the village?’, only a few comments were received. These included:

A bakers A dental office A general store (but others felt there were adequate shops already) Employment opportunities Workshop/studio spaces (see chapter 5) A boutique A wildlife reserve Walking routes with views/benches (see chapter 7)

3.6 Barriers to Community Participation

There can be many barriers to community participation such as poor physical health, low confidence or a lack of information.

There can be many barriers to community participation such as poor physical health, low confidence, and choice of venue or a lack of information. The principle barrier at present would seem to be lack of choice and opportunity.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Work with the County Council to mitigate traffic and parking problems and improve pedestrian safety/access

Continue to tackle dog fouling through prosecution and provision of dog bins etc. Provide support to fledgling community groups as identified Support the development of a litter picking group.

11

`

4. Amenities 4.1 Existing Assets

The village has a number of assets and amenities available to residents. The questionnaire asked respondents which they used most regularly. The table below shows the results ranked in order of most used to least used. NB it should be noted that there may be some in-built bias given the profile of respondents.

Villag

e Phar

mac

y

Villag

e Shops

Post Offi

ce

MUGA

Football

Pitch

Church H

all

Villag

e Hall

Church/C

hapel

Rugby Clu

b

Scout H

ut

Notice B

oards

Public T

ransp

ort

Rugby Pitc

h0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Amenities Used Often

Amenities Used Sometimes

The fish shop was also mentioned as a community facility that respondents use.

12

`

The majority of respondents supported the need for other facilities within the community, as shown in the graph below:

More li

tter b

ins

More ben

ches

/sea

ting

More hist

orical

info

rmati

on boards/

points

More outd

oor sports

facil

ities

0%20%40%60%80%

100%

What do we need?

Individual respondents also mentioned other facilities that they would like to see including hanging baskets and dog foul bins.

4.2 Parks

Play parks offer local children opportunities to engage in social, emotional and intellectual activities within a relaxed environment, outdoors. Play parks also allow children a place to visit and meet other children when out of school time. Parks are also an important meeting place for parents and grandparents, and offer increased social participation and engagement.

When asked about satisfaction levels regarding local parks:

91% were satisfied with the condition of Mill Terrace Play Area

91% were satisfied with the condition of Coopers Park

90% were satisfied with the condition of Fferws Park

81% were satisfied with the condition of Heol Brown

13

`

When asked what could be improved, there was no single overwhelming concern, however, some responses were received and are listed below:

New play equipment/more for older children More use of football field/add goal posts Drainage of Heol Brown Park Maintenance of Boardwalk Litter Cleanliness of park equipment Tree planting, landscaping, wildlife friendly Somewhere to relax for older people Grass cutting

It is worth noting that the play equipment has recently been improved at all three parks.

4.3 Sports Facilities

Participation in organised sports is widely regarded important for mental and physical health. Other benefits include improved self-esteem and social interaction. The rugby pitch and football field are valued local assets (over 70% value them, see chapter 3). They are also relatively well used (over 50% of those that replied stated that they use them regularly/sometimes - see graph above). When prompted, 51% of respondents supported the need for more outdoor sports spaces (see the graph above).

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Provide more bins and benches and explore more information boards Look to publicise the definitive Rights of Way in the area Encourage users to report blocked paths/Rights of Way to the Community and County

Councils Explore opportunities for more activity on the football field Review cleanliness/maintenance of parks and boardwalk Work with the Rugby Club re greater community usage of their facilities

14

`

5. Working, Travelling & Prosperity5.1 Improved Prosperity

55% of those who completed the questionnaire stated that they were in some form of employment. 16% said they ran a business in the village.

They were then asked what services would benefit local businesses and employment:

88% said that more frequent transport links were needed.

87% of felt that the village needed faster broadband

89% agreed that improved mobile reception would be of benefit.

72% would welcome a skills directory

75% would welcome dedicated space for networking

9% required a workspace within the village

5.2 Business Development

There appears to be some clear opportunities for business development in the area. When given a list of potential opportunities, respondents gave their views on the following prospective enterprises.

Break

fast/a

fter s

chool c

lub

Baby/p

re-sc

hool child

care

Care s

ervice

s for e

lder

ly

Domes

tic/g

arden

serv

ices

Restau

rants/

cafes

Small

scale

horticu

lture

Arts/c

rafts

/cre

ative

Pubs

Office

s

Agricu

lture

Shops

Takea

ways

Finan

cial/p

rofes

sional

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

In support

15

`

5.3 Transport and Travel to Work

55% of those who responded stated that they travel to work. Almost all of them get there by car or a mix of transport including the car. When asked what would make people more likely to use public transport, one respondent stated:

“The availability of transport to where I need to go”.

Around half of all respondents felt that bus services were adequate in terms of routes and frequency. However, when asked the wider question about which bus routes they would like to see improved, there were a number of people who suggested that there needed to be direct services to Llanelli, Carmarthen, Cross Hands and the hospitals. People also complained about having to change busses at either Ammanford or Pontarddulais for onward services, and there were comments about the regularity and reliability of existing services.

5.4 Adult Education

None of the respondents attend adult education of any form in the village. A number of respondents did suggest courses as summarised in the word cloud below. NB the larger the word appears, the more times it was suggested. This shows that courses in computers, Welsh, photography, sign language and languages would appear to be the most popular.

16

`

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Based on the above information, there are a number of services that could be improved for the benefit of local businesses and employment:

Develop a local skills directory so that the benefit is kept within the community Identify space/opportunities for networking and business training opportunities e.g.

explore using the Village Hall as a venue Lobby for improved broadband and mobile phone reception Lobby transport providers to provide better and more regular public transport links Work with the County Council to develop opportunities for new/start-up businesses Develop opportunities with partner organisations for more adult education classes

particularly around Welsh, IT, Photography and languages/sign language Support the provision of more training opportunities within existing community facilities Invite educators into local spaces via advertising or links, informing them of

opportunities to develop sessions within the community Speak to the County Council and public transport providers re potential to improve bus

services.

17

`

6. HealthcareRespondents were asked to rate the adequacy of local health and social care services in their village. The graph below depicts the responses.

Doctors' surgery

Care for elderly

Care for children

Social Services

Dentists Mental health

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%Adequacy of health services

As can be seen, most people were satisfied with the provision of Doctors’ surgeries, but all other areas were felt to be inadequate by the majority of those who responded.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

There is a need to work with health care providers to improve the areas identified, wherever possible.

This could include better signposting to services and offering community facilities as venues for peripatetic clinics etc.

Work towards developing a mental health project

18

`

7. Countryside and GreenspaceBased on the findings of this survey, Tycroes residents clearly value their environment and the green spaces around them (see also section 3.1).

7.1 Access

71% of respondents report being satisfied with their access to countryside and greenspace.

When presented with a number of choices of things that were preventing access:

19 respondents said conditions of footpaths 13 said lack of footpaths 11 said lack of signage/information boards 8 said lack of cyclepaths

One respondent stated that there was some uncertainty over access in some areas and another stated that a number of Public Rights of Way were blocked.

When asked if new footpaths were needed, the following were mentioned by a small number of respondents (in order of popularity):

Tycroes road to Fforestfach. Tycroes and Pantyffynnon Through forest and woodland Right of way lighting between Derlyn Road Park and Teglan Park Through forest and woodland Clear the paths from Gelli Field to Llanedi Heol Brown down to Pantyffynnon Mynydd Bach over to top of first hill on Hendra Road Opposite village shop

It was also stated that the road down to Mill Terrace needed a pavement

19

`

7.2 Use of Green and Open Spaces

On further questioning residents gave their opinion on the appropriateness of using green and open spaces for the following uses:

a co

mm

unity orc

hard

develo

pmen

t of S

ports Fac

ilitie

s

support

allotm

ents

better

car p

arkin

g

develo

pmen

t of g

reen

ener

gy

more ri

ghts

of way

/footp

aths i

n the a

rea

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Use of Green/Open Spaces

When asked if there was something else, a small number of respondents stated that they valued the woodland and that the boardwalk needs maintenance (see also chapter 4). The need for a postbox was also re-stated.

20

`

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Facilitate closer working with the County Footpaths Officers regarding condition

of/blocked footpaths/Rights of Way

Explore the opportunities for a community orchard

Explore the opportunities with local landowners for allotments.

Explore the opportunities for developing more green energy opportunities.

Explore options around car parking.

Explore opportunities with Sustrans etc. re development of cyclepaths

Help the community to establish a litter-picking group. 

21

`

8. Roads and Safety8.1 Sense of Safety

As we’ve seen in Chapter 3 above, 96% of people feel safe in the community.

However, 90% also felt that the speed of traffic was a concern in the village. When asked to express their concerns about aspects of pedestrian safety responses were as follows:

Are more cross-ing needed?

Are alternative pedestrian/cycle

routes needed

Are more pavements

needed?

Are designated on and off cycle routes needed

Are more traffic lights needed?

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

AgreeStrongly agree

22

`

8.2 Roads

Only 47% of those who responded felt that the condition of the roads in Tycroes was a cause for concern. Those with concerns mostly cited potholes and poor/double parking as issues.

As we’ve seen above, of more concern was the speed of traffic. In terms of alleviating the problem:

76% either strongly agreed or agreed that reducing the speed limit would help 74% either strongly agreed or agreed that speedbumps would help 68% either strongly agreed or agreed that traffic cameras would help

Of particular concern was the speed/volume of traffic on the following roads/areas (in order of number of times mentioned):

Main road/Ammanford Road Outside the school Road to Penygarn The Square By the shop/s Road to Pantyfynnon Road to Mill Terrace

In terms of other solutions to the issue of road safety, the most popular suggestions were: Speed reduction/speed limit enforcement Build the bypass Add pavements where missing (e.g. Tycroes to Pantyffynnon).

Individuals also suggested:

Make Brynhafod a one-way system Put a roundabout or traffic lights on the Square More lowered pavements for mobility scooters and pushchairs Provide a pedestrian crossing near the shops/Church Hall.

Someone also raised concerns about youths racing cars on Penygarn Road.

23

`

8.3 Car Parking

The survey asked if there was a need for more parking in the village. 72% of respondents agreed that there was a need. When asked follow-up questions:

72% either strongly agreed or agreed that roadside parking should be restricted by yellow lines

72% either strongly agreed or agreed that roadside parking should be restricted by ‘no parking’ signs

53% either strongly agreed or agreed that parking should be restricted by residents parking permits.

When asked where, the site of former takeaway on Tycroes Square was the most popular suggestion. Other ideas included:

More off-road parking on estates/more use of driveways Bus station opposite school Better use of existing spaces by the shops/chemist etc.

Other respondents stated that they felt there was a lack of available space in the village. A number also used this as an opportunity to reiterate concerns regarding road safety.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Road safety is a major cause of concern for local people.

The Community Council may wish to liaise with the County and appropriate Highways Authorities on these matters in order to investigate future plans on how these issues could be remedied.

Community Council to relay information to locals and support public to communicate issues with the local police, County and other highway agencies as appropriate.

24

`

9. Council Feedback

Residents were asked “Do you think your council is doing a good job?”

Most gave a simple yes or no answer.

66% of those who responded felt that Councillors did a good job. One respondent said that councillors were “transparent and approachable.” Others complimented the council on grounds/park maintenance.

Of those who said they didn’t feel the council was doing a good job, 3% cited the park as an issue and 7% cited lack of contact/communication.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP WELLBEING

Keep the community better informed through newsletters, notice boards, a new web site, social media etc.

Encourage Councillors to build their profiles on-line/at public events.

25

`

10. ReferencesMcMillan David W. Chavs David M., (1986), Sense of community: A definition and theory. Volume 14 Issue 1

John Bynner, Risks and outcomes of social exclusion, Insights from longitudinal data, Institute of Education University of London. http://www.oecd.org/education/innovation-education/1855785.pdf. Accessed 10.01.19

Eime RM, Young JA , Harvey Jack T et al. Published: 15 August 2013. A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity 201310:9

Why play is important. http://www.playengland.org.uk/about-us/why-play-i s-important/ Accessed 10.01.19

Government Digital Inclusion Strategy, 4th of December https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-inclusion-strategy/government-digital-inclusion-strategy Accessed 10.01.19

26

`

11. Profile of Respondents to Questionnaire

The community consultation is a snap shot of what the community thinks and is based on a small proportion of residents - only 58 out of an electorate of over 1800.

Those who responded have the following profile:

46% were aged over 58; 26% between 47 and 57 and only 28% were aged under 47 50% lived in a detached house, 41% in a semi and 7% in a terrace and 2% in a flat 93% owned their own home 40% were retired, 34% were employed full time and 9% part time, 12% were self-employed and

5% were unemployed 47% could speak Welsh and 43% could read Welsh

It is worth noting that some areas of the village may have been better represented than others due to localised issues.

27