Even while the ink is still drying on the parish plan (should be published soon) we have another survey inviting us to “tell us what matters to you”. The neighbourhood plan is kicking off with the usual exhortation to “let your views be known”. You can access the survey here.
It begins quite imaginatively in that it asks us to imagine that the year is 2026. We are then asked to write a postcard from that date, as if all of the things that we would like to happen in our parish have happened. What would the postcard say?
It is hoped we will describe the good things in the Parish and the area around us in an ideal future. Sadly, it then goes on to ask very similar questions with the usual tick boxes as all other surveys. Still it will be interesting to see what emerges. Do try to complete it. Interestingly, it uses a technique piloted in Purton in 1994. It worked then so it should work again.
Of course, all this is a bit passé. Three years ago, Ps and Qs developed a comprehensive vision of what it would be like in 2030 (based on nearly twenty years of community engagement) and, importantly, relating it to stuff going on outside the parish, which is the really critical part.
At least the neighbourhood plan survey has some imagination because there is another survey, just out, from Wiltshire Council. It asks “What Matters to You?’. It goes on to say: Wiltshire Council and its partners are committed to developing and delivering services that reflect the differing needs of local communities….
Oh dear, I am asleep already!
But this is the best bit, apparently this is “A personal invitation from the Leader of Wiltshire Council: Councillor Jane Scott OBE”.
Now, can someone explain how it can be a personal invitation when it is just put on the web on the off-chance we will fill it in? Don’t these people think about what they are saying? Anyway, the survey is really boring and tedious to complete … surely interesting-to-complete surveys can be developed?
Anyway, do have a go at the neighbourhood plan survey.
