Weston-sub-Edge
Parish Plan 2010
Contents
Introduction
Page 3
Background
Profile
History
Demography
Community Facilities
Businesses
Transport
Environment/Biodiversity
Page 4
Maps
Page 7, 8
The Parish Community Plan Process
Page 9
Children and Young People
Page 10
Economy
Transport
Communication
Leisure Activities
Page 11
Page 12
Health
Page 13
Page 14
NCVHC
Hospital Services
Other Medical Services
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
A Safer and Stronger Community
Page 14
Environment
Traffic
Flooding
Public Utilities
Signage
Village Green
Page 15
Page 17
Housing
Page 18
Church
Page 19
Acknowledgements
Page19
Action Plan
Page 20
Page 18
Page 2
WESTON-SUB-EDGE PARISH PLAN
The 2010 Weston-sub-Edge Parish Plan has been developed at the request of the Parish Council in
an effort to ensure the views of the parishioners are taken into consideration when developments
are planned for the community by, not only the Parish Council, but the Cotswold District Council
and Gloucestershire County Council.
The concept of the plan is to sustain the valued character and features of our community and
strengthen and develop them further.
This Parish plan is based on a survey conducted in Spring 2009 with around 70% of households
responding thus making the analysis of responses statistically viable.
The Action Plan developed is owned by the Parish Council and has been developed by a Steering
Group on behalf of the Parish Council. It will be an input into any planning decisions affecting the
village.
However, the impact of the Plan depends very heavily on the continued input and support of the
residents of the village and I commend everyone to voice their views to the Parish Council at every
opportunity and to support initiatives generated by the Plan.
Many thanks from the Steering Group to all who have contributed via the survey and during the
subsequent Plan construction. The Plan has both long and short term actions and I hope that in
the future, all Parishioners can see the implementation of actions based on the consensus of views
of village development needs.
W Carruthers
Chairman, Steering Group
28th March 2010
Page 3
Background
Profile
On the very edge of the Cotswolds and at the northern end
of the Cotswold escarpment between Evesham and Chipping
Campden, the parish of Weston-sub-Edge combines
Cotswold charm with quiet serenity and is part of the
Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is one of
the most northerly parishes in Gloucestershire and the
B4632 links the village with Stratford-upon-Avon
(Warwickshire) and Broadway (Worcestershire). Many of
the buildings in the parish, which consists of the ancient
manors of Weston and Norton, are constructed from local
honey coloured Cotswold Oolitic limestone.
History
It is hardly surprising that people chose to settle here where the permeable Cotswold limestone gives way
to fertile lowland clay and clean water flows from the hills. There was probably an Iron Age settlement
near the ancient trackways in Weston Park and the Romans occupied Weston from the 2nd Century AD,
building their villas below the hill and probably growing vines on the clearly defined terraces below Lynches
Wood. Buckle Street and Dirty Lane follow the course of Ryknield Street which linked Watling Street and
the Fosse Way and still forms the parish boundary with Saintbury. Even now, Roman coins, pottery and
roof tiles are still being unearthed by vigilant residents.
Not far from the hill is the Kiftsgate Stone, the stone pillar
marking the Kiftsgate Hundred. Here in Saxon times, the
Court of the Hundred met and public announcements were
proclaimed. The ridge and furrow landscape so common in
the parish landscape dates from ploughing techniques in this
period when land was owned and cultivated in strips. By the
late 800s the threat of Danish invasion lead to land being
brought together into estates and boundaries being defined
by the planting of hedgerows, many of which remain today.
At the time of the Doomsday survey in 1085 the manors of Weston and Norton were in the hands of the de
Cormeilles family, a gift from William the Conqueror to a loyal follower, and covered 1200 and 600 acres
respectively with populations of about 100 and 60. These were small agricultural communities relying on
their arable land and wool from the famous Cotswold sheep. A moated castle was built in what is now
Church Orchard and a second castle constructed at Norton. Sadly only the moat remains as a reminder of
the castle’s former glory.
The manors passed to the Giffard family through marriage in the 13th century and the church dates from
this period. Norton was deserted about the end of the 14th century, perhaps as a result of the Black Death
or the need for more pasture land for sheep.
The 16th century Reformation saw the farming system change to one of crop rotation in eight great “open
fields” with a further 267 acres of common land available for grazing use by all the villagers.
By 1620 the manors of Weston and Norton had been acquired by the Saye and Sele families who opposed
King Charles I during the English Civil War. As a Roundhead enclave within a Royalist stronghold, Weston
suffered badly. It is believed that the castle was sacked and much of the stone used to build the walls of
the village. One wealthy resident had the foresight to bury his money below the floor of an old coach
house, the Hall of Friendship. His hoard was unearthed during building alterations in 1981.
Page 4
The Saye and Sele families were also responsible for building a farmhouse at Norton. This was extended to
a country house by Sir William Keyte, who later set fire to it giving rise to the current name, Burnt Norton.
In 1753 the incumbent Harrowby family acquired Norton Manor and Weston-sub-Edge Detached, as it is
now known, which became an attractive area of parkland and scattered farmsteads.
Farming continued to be the main occupation until the Second World War, during which an aerodrome was
built on the lower fields. The countryside surrounding Weston-sub-Edge is still farmed land, largely sheep
and cattle grazing with some arable areas and remnants of orchards, and is classified as predominantly
grade 3 agricultural land.
Demography
The Population Census of 1891 showed 363 people in the parish. Figures have increased since then but the
total population has changed little in the last thirty years. The following chart was created from Census
records of population:
Population
700
70
600
60
Number of people
Number of Residents
Weston-sub-Edge Population
500
400
300
200
100
50
40
30
20
10
0
0
1901
1911
1921
1931
1941
1951
1961
1971
1981
1991
2001
Census Years
0-10
11-24
25-44
45-59
60-74
75+
Age Ranges
The second chart shows the spread of the age groups in the current population of respondents.
A large proportion (majority greater than 50%) of Weston-sub-Edge households that responded to the
questionnaire are two person households with 29% having 3 or more occupants.
The bulk of housing is owner occupied (71%), with 23% being rented and only 3% of the housing falling into
the “second home” category despite a considerable body of opinion (26%) that believes Weston-sub-Edge
is predominantly made up of second homes and holiday properties.
Of the second home owner respondents, all indicated they spent more than 8 days in the village per annum
but few of them (25%) took part in village activities with the others seldom or never.
Community facilities
A major problem for the parish is the dearth of community facilities in Weston-sub-Edge. The village school
was closed in 1985 and, whilst the playing field was retained as the Village Green, the building was
converted to residential use. The village shop served its last customer in 1995 and the Post Office, which
latterly was open on four mornings a week, closed in June
2008. 2009 saw the closure of our only pub, the Seagrave
Arms. Fortunately, the building has been sold and it is hoped
that it will re-open with bar and dining facilities in Summer
2010.
Currently the only community facilities are the Church, the
Hall of Friendship and the Village Green. Considerable effort
has been made over the last 2 years to improve the
sustainability of the Hall of Friendship. With the help of
grants, double glazing and a new gas central heating system
Page 5
have been installed, the ceiling has recently been lowered and the lighting improved. The hall now has
internet and projector facilities. New tables have been purchased and a makeover of the toilet areas is in
progress. Plans are afoot to repair the flat roof and provide new seating and, in the longer term, to make
substantial improvements to the kitchen.
The Village Green situated opposite the Church and behind the cottages is a playing field with football
posts. There are two picnic tables and a wild flower garden. The footpath from Dover’s Hill runs down the
south side of the field. The Parish Council have recently signed contracts with a company to keep the grass
cut to a more reasonable length and keep the surface suitable for games. Dog walkers are asked to act
responsibly and keep the area free from fouling.
Allotments were created from an 1853 Enclosure Award and are in the ownership and responsibility of the
Parish Council. Presently there are 26 plots for cultivation and a small paddock. Plots are only rarely
available but when they are it is notified on the parish noticeboard and in the Messenger.
St Lawrence’s Church is a major asset to the community. Not
only is it a beautiful building, but it remains the focus of the
Christian life of the village. It is the venue for the annual
Flower Festival and Gift Weekend, Harvest Festival and
Christmas celebrations in addition to the regular weekly
services. The churchyard and Lych Gate, the parish
memorial, are a permanent reminder of those who have
lived in Weston-sub-Edge and helped shape its present
character.
Businesses
Within the village there are several businesses. The largest and most obvious is Hartwells, the wood yard
on the junction of Evesham Road and Friday Street. A farmer has a number of holiday cottages, and there is
a B & B at the Manor Farm. There is a stables with livery business at Broad Close Farm at the south end of
the village. Less obvious are the small business run from private houses; a cheese supplier, an ironing
business, painter and decorator, chimney maintenance business and several consultancy firms.
The aerodrome buildings are used for other purposes including a small industrial estate.
Transport
As in many rural communities, access to public transport is limited, severely reducing the mobility of those
without private transport. Honeybourne railway station (2½miles from Weston-sub-Edge) lies on the route
from the Malverns and Worcester to London Paddington. For those with the time and the stamina,
therefore, the national rail network is within reach. Relatively infrequent bus services are also available,
providing links with Moreton-in-Marsh and Stratford-upon-Avon (Service 21) and with Chipping Campden
Page 6
and Evesham (Service 554). The Hedgehog Community Bus passes through the village weekly en route to
Tesco in Stratford-upon-Avon and Evesham.
Environment/Biodiversity
The landscape of the parish varies from the flat Oolitic limestone plateau, to the steep, partially wooded
slopes of the Cotswold limestone escarpment and the clay of the flat Vale of Evesham. The clay vale is, for
the most part, a patchwork of improved arable or pasture fields separated by hedgerows.
Dover’s Hill maintains its traditional Cotswold escarpment
character. Gifted to the National Trust in 1926 it combines
areas of deciduous woodland with unimproved grassland.
The woodland, much of it beech, is ancient and species-rich
and probably at its best when the bluebells bloom in spring.
Where the woodland has been cleared, because the slopes
are steep and the soils thin, there has been little attempt to
farm the land. The grassland remains and is home to a large
number of rare and declining plants, including many species
of orchid. Grazing helps manage the growth of vegetation,
allowing more sensitive and less competitive plants to compete with more vigorous species. Cereals and
vegetables are, however, to be seen in the flatter scarp top fields to the south.
The fauna are no less diverse than the flora. Foxes, badgers and deer abound and a wealth of bird life can
be spotted both in the fields and in gardens. Flocks of fieldfares and redwings are features of the winter
months and long tailed tits are a welcome addition then in the gardens.
The following OS map shows Weston-sub-Edge and the outlying area of the parish called Weston-sub-Edge
Detached, ie Burnt Norton and Norton Grounds Farm.
Page 7
Page 8
The Parish Community Plan Process
The Parish Council agreed in June 2008 to create a Parish Community Plan. The initiative was launched and
volunteers enlisted in July 2008 to form a steering committee.
A village plan initial consultation was undertaken and a straw poll conducted from Sept/Nov 2008 collecting
information from groups such as Westenders, Bowling Club, Rural Cinema & Theatre, I.T.Group, Gardening
Club, Allotment Owners and also young people, seniors and farmers.
This initial consultation allowed people to air their views on matters such as aspects of the village or
community they like or dislike; the important issues they feel are facing the village or community and what
changes people would like to see made.
It allowed people to discuss topics such as opportunities for young people and for the more mature
members of village society, transport, state of the roads and paths, shopping, health services, traffic, leisure
facilities, security and many other points.
From the results of the initial consultation, a structured questionnaire was produced consisting of 70
questions under the following sections:- Your Household, Children & Young People, Economy, Health, Safer
& Stronger Community, Environment & Housing.
This questionnaire was developed with assistance from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council (GRCC).
The questionnaire was distributed to all households within Weston-sub-Edge in order to establish the
topics of greatest importance to local residents. A separate specific questionnaire was distributed to young
people in the village.
Of the 179 questionnaires issued, 123 were returned (69%), and of the 39 issued to young people, 22
responded (56%). From the results it was considered that the information received was statistically sound.
The results have highlighted areas of concern of the village residents and also of the young people in the
village. The following are some of these but are not listed in order of importance: Restoration of Post Office
 Creation of a village shop and coffee shop
 Improved bus service
 Improved condition of roads and paths
 Improved village hall
 Creation of better flood defences
 Calming measures to prevent speeding
 Improved visibility of Parish Council activities
 Improved Environmental services
 Provision of Welcome Pack for new residents
 Implementation of measures to prevent dogfouling.
Additional issues brought up by the young people’s questionnaire were: Improved quality of playing field
 Lack of recreation and leisure activities
 Provision of children’s playground
 Requirement for a bus shelter on Church Street for school pupils.
It was established from the results that there is much work to be carried out and priorities have been
assigned by the Steering Group. Some issues can be easily resolved and solutions implemented but others
require longer term planning and action.
Page 9
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Whilst the majority of residents (88%) know where the Village Green is located, almost two thirds of
respondents make no use of its facilities and only a very small minority of families visit it more than 5 times
a year. The quality of the playing field surface and the lack of play equipment for young children rank
almost equally highly as major concerns, problems also noted by the young people themselves. Individual
respondents worry that the location of the Village Green is an issue. Church Street is an unsafe route for
younger children to follow.
Village Green Usage
Percentage of Households
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Not at all
1-5 times a year
6-10 times a year
11-20 times a
year
More frequently
Frequency
A range of additional facilities is considered important but none receive overwhelming backing. A coffee
shop and a youth cinema are however, deemed most appropriate.
None of the sources of information available for young people to access details of activities in the village is
considered particularly effective. However, the Messenger and the Campden Bulletin receive most
support, but only from 40% and 29% of respondents respectively.
The questionnaire for children and young people was completed by 30 respondents aged between 10 and
18 years. This represented the vast majority of those in these age groups resident in Weston-sub-Edge.
They were asked for their use of, and views about, the adequacy of facilities and activities available for
young people in the village and for their suggestions for improvements.
The age groups of the respondents showed small, and almost equal, numbers of young people in each
three year age cohort.
Many of the activities available in the village do not interest the young people. The annual Village Fete is
attended by almost two-thirds of the group and about half belong to the Youth Group and use the playing
field. None expressed interest in the Church or the village website.
Young people value their rural environment and the peace
and quiet of the countryside, but the availability and quality
of recreation and leisure facilities is a major cause for
concern. Three quarters of the respondents regretted the
relative lack of appropriate activities on offer and
complained about the quality and of the playing field. Traffic
related issues were considered less important, though
individual respondents referred to the difficulty of accessing
larger towns, such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Cheltenham,
by public transport.
Page 10
Play facilities were central to the improvements required. In particular, it is felt that the surface of the
playing field needs attention and that a children’s playground should be provided. Just over half of the
young people would like a bus shelter on Church Street to accommodate those waiting for the school bus.
Individual respondents would like a focal point for youngsters, such as a café, whilst others mentioned a
skate park and information about routes accessible to mountain bikes.
ECONOMY
Village amenities were one focus of this section of the
questionnaire. The village shop closed in 1995 and the Post
Office closed in June 2008. 2009 saw the closure of our only
pub, the Seagrave Arms. The building has recently been sold
and it is being renovated before re-opening with bar and
dining facilities in Summer 2010.
Of the respondents 42% used the shop and 46% the Post
Office regularly before they closed; however, a larger
percentage demonstrate a willingness to support an
enhanced village store (78%) and postal facility (60%).There
is also some support for a tea room and coffee shop. When
the Seagrave Arms has been refurbished, 27% of the respondents indicated they will use it regularly and
another 58% occasionally.
Seagraves Arms
New Facilities
70
80
Percentage of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents
90
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Tea Room
Clothes
Shop
Charity
Shop
Pet Shop
Postal
Facility
Possible Facilities
General
Store
Coffee
Shop
Internet
Café
0
Regularly
Occasionally
Never
Possible Usage
The mobile facilities, fish & chip van, ice cream van and library are not used by over 80% of the
respondents.
The appearance and maintenance of village amenities were questioned. All the amenities are classified as
reasonable to good with the exception of the Village Green where 32% of respondents indicate the
condition as poor and only 2% think it is good.
Page 11
General Condition of Amenties
Good
Reasonable
Poor
Percentage of Respondents
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Bus Shelter
Village Green
Allotments
Hall of Friendship
Church
Amenties
Transport
The rural position of Weston-sub-Edge makes transport a major issue for the residents. There are some
residents who do not have cars and for them a reliable public transport system is essential. Bus services
from Stratford-upon-Avon to Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh run through the village several times a day,
but not necessarily conveniently for business or school users. There is no late evening service. Residents
have to get to Willersey to catch a service to Cheltenham. The nearest train station at Honeybourne does
not have a bus connection to Weston-sub-Edge.
The questionnaire queried the use of new or enhanced public services to the nearby towns and to
Cheltenham. Respondents indicate the most popular would be improved services to Stratford upon Avon
and Cheltenham. However in all cases the majority said they will not use any service, illustrating the
dependence on the car.
Communication
With the closure of the village shop, post office and pub there are few opportunities for residents to meet
and chat, and exchange information about events. A notice board for publishing social and leisure events is
situated outside the old post office, and there is another board for Parish and District Council news inside
the bus shelter.
The Aston and Weston-sub-Edge Messenger is a monthly magazine delivered to residents of the two
parishes. It reports the social and official activities of the churches, clubs and organisations. It is also a
source of local information for the many tourists that visit the area. Eighty-nine percent of respondents find
the Messenger a satisfactory conduit for information. Another 25% use the village website to obtain
information, but 31% are unaware the village had a website.
One suggestion to help new residents to settle in would be to receive a Welcome pack providing
information on local shops and services, leisure activities, etc. Eighty-three percent of respondents support
this idea. The Steering Group has developed such a pack and it is available free to new residents.
Leisure Activities
The Weston Leisure Group was formed nearly three years ago in response to another questionnaire. and
the individual activity groups generally continue to grow in support. Several grants were received which
enabled the setting up of several of the individual groups. Of these the most popular is the rural cinema
with 23% of respondents regularly attending. It also attracts visitors from out of the village. The Gardening
Club has 18% support and the Seniors’ Coffee Morning caters for 14% of the respondents. The Keep Fit
group is active, with a hard core of consistent support as are the Hill Walkers and Theatre Groups.
The Bowling Club has been in existence for over 20 years and has a strong membership from here and
surrounding villages. It provides several events on the village social calendar.
Page 12
25
20
15
10
Keep Fit
Friendship Club
Rural Cinema
Book Club
Bowling Club
Youth group
Westenders
Hill walking
IT
Theatre
Gardening
0
MusicMakers
5
Seniors
Percentage of Respondents
Leisure Activities
Types of Activities
The Youth Club was formed with support of Gloucestershire Youth Service. Several grants were received
and sports and leisure equipment was purchased. Social activities and visits with neighbouring villages have
been successful. The continuing success of this venture relies on the commitment of a few residents and
the good behaviour of the young people.
A private Social Club is run independently from the Hall of Friendship but utilising the Hall’s facilities for a
variety of social functions. It has been in existence since 1970 and holds a licence for the sale of alcohol to
members and guests. All villagers are eligible for membership.
Other educational classes and activities were suggested. However the timing of such classes and numbers
involved do not make them a viable option at the moment.
There is some support for a Car Boot Sale, but a large minority (39%) show little interest.
HEALTH
Weston-sub-Edge situated in the far north of Gloucestershire, comes under the Gloucestershire Primary
Health Trust and has no health amenities within the village. However residents have a choice of medical
facilities with doctors’ surgeries, dentists, pharmacists, etc. being found in both Chipping Campden,
(Gloucestershire - 2 miles away) and Broadway, (Worcestershire - 5 miles away).
Chipping Campden Surgery is a modern practice with a range of medical services and clinics. The practice
has a website for presenting all patients with an up to date resource for all information.
Barn Close Surgery is a NHS general medical practice committed to delivering modern, high quality general
practice to the local community from a well equipped surgery in the heart of Broadway village.
Both surgeries have dispensing facilities. A prescription collection service is available for residents from the
Broadway surgery. Only a few residents use this free service (9%).
Page 13
YES
Travel Difficulties
NO
Percentage of Respondents
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Chipping
Campden
Broadw ay
Hospitals
Transport
Prescription
Service
Destinations
A car ferry service is available, run by Campden Voluntary Help Group, for transport to the Campden
surgery. Few residents have problems travelling to the surgeries or hospitals, (2% Chipping Campden, 5%
Broadway and 6% Hospitals) and many were not aware of these transport services (29%).
North Cotswold Voluntary Help Centre
This is a charity serving the rural communities of the North Cotswolds offering transport, sitting and
befriending services. NCVHC can arrange a car and driver to take residents to hospital appointments,
doctors’ surgery, or even a shopping trip. Carers can call the sitting service to arrange respite care from one
of the specialist volunteers.
Hospital Services
The Doctors refer to a wide range of hospital consultants based mainly at Cheltenham, Oxford, Warwick,
Worcester, Banbury and Evesham. General Out-patient Clinics, Physiotherapy, Chiropody and X-ray
facilities as well as Day Hospital Services are available at Moreton-in-Marsh, Shipston-on-Stour, Evesham
and Stratford Hospitals.
Other Medical Services
Three quarters of people who answered the questionnaire were satisfied with the services provided by the
NHS and private practice.
A SAFER AND STRONGER COMMUNITY
The Weston-sub-Edge Parish Council is committed to contributing to a safer and stronger community in the
Parish. It can do this in many ways within the constraints of available finance. Weston currently raises one
of the smallest amounts of money per capita of any Cotswold community through the medium of Council
Tax. The challenge for the Parish Council is to spend these limited funds to greatest effect.
Sixty-two percent of respondents to the questionnaire are unaware of how the Parish Council allocates
funds. Nineteen percent are satisfied with how the money is spent and only 7% somewhat dissatisfied.
Page 14
Satifaction with PC Spend
Percentage of Respondents
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
Don't Know
Level of Satisfaction
On the theme of communication with the Parish Council, 88% of respondents would like to know more
about Parish Council activities demonstrating a keen interest in what is being done in the village.
People were asked if they would be prepared to contribute more to village funding via an increase in the
Parish precept element of the Council Tax and 59% of responses were positive.
The questionnaire attempted to establish the high priority issues requiring attention in the village and the
improvements people would like to see addressed were pavement repairs, Village Green/playing field
improvements, better flood defences and a variety of improvements to the Hall of Friendship facilities
including heating, furniture, car parking, lighting, kitchen facilities, flooring and the provision of Broadband
services.
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
None
Road Signage
Bus Shelters
Pavements
Improvements
V Green
Grass
Verges
Flood
Equipment
Flood
Defences
Improvements
HOF
Percentage of Respondents
Willingness to pay higher tax
Categories for spending more
A village shop provides a focal point for any village and the lack of a shop can be an obstacle to building a
stronger sense of community in the village. The previous village shop was a commercial venture and closed
in 1995 as it had become non–viable economically. If a shop run by village volunteers can be established,
then 78% of respondents said they will use and support a shop.
The Village Flower Show and Fete is well supported and there is some enthusiasm for a post event
community barbecue.
Residents do not believe that there are significant social disorder or crime problems in Weston-sub-Edge
but there are other areas of concern, the major issue being dog fouling despite the provision of bins. Other
issues are: illegal fly tipping and general litter, again, despite the provision of bins. 46% of respondents
believe Weston-sub-Edge needs a more visible and regular police presence. However, crime statistics
indicate Weston-sub-Edge is one of the safest places in Gloucestershire to live.
Page 15
Police Presence
Percentage of Respondents
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
YES
NO
No Opinion
More Police Required?
ENVIRONMENT
The general condition of the village came under scrutiny in this section of the questionnaire. Last summer
most people thought the roads, pavements and verges were in a reasonable or poor condition. Since then
the appalling winter weather has caused them to worsen considerably. The roads to Willersey and Astonsub-Edge (B4632) have deteriorated to the point of accidents as drivers attempt to avoid the potholes and
possible damage to vehicles. The pavements, particularly in Church Street, are in a poor state of repair.
Verges and overhanging vegetation are also a cause of concern.
In April 2010 most of the pavements along Church Street were repaired. There is no indication as yet that
the pavement between Parsons Lane and the Manor House will be repaired. The B4632 to Willersey and to
Aston-sub-Edge was resurfaced. The layout of the junction of Friday Street and Evesham Road has been
redesigned.
Locations of poor state of repair
Percentage of Respondents
Pavements
40
Roads
35
Verges
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Evesham
Road
B4632
Harris Lane
Dover's View
Parson's Lane
Church Street
Stratford Road
Friday Street
Locations
A suggestion that there should be pavements along Evesham Road and Buckle Street to the allotments has
been considered. Although these would be of benefit to some of the allotment holders the majority will not
use a pavement and so the need for this is not regarded as a priority.
The village has a number of public footpaths. It was considered by 54% of respondents that these have
adequate signage, but while 38% think they are reasonably maintained 35% believe them to be in a poor
condition.
In a rural situation street lighting is an emotive issue. For safety’s sake a number of street lights are
essential but, at the same time, they create a feeling of urbanisation. Generally the village was thought to
be sufficiently lit; only Cidermill Orchard has too many lights.
Page 16
Generally the village appearance could be improved by greater care taken by individual residents and
landowners in keeping their property tidy, especially with regard to overhanging vegetation. Fly tipping is
an occasional nuisance, litter still occurs and dog fouling of pavements continues to be a problem despite
bins being provided in the village. These social problems are regularly highlighted by the Parish Council in
the Messenger and residents are asked to take more responsible action.
Improving the Village Appearance
Percentage of Respondents
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Pavement Repairs
Verges
Overhang
Central Village
Particular Areas
Traffic
Speeding is seen as a cause for concern throughout the village, particularly along the B4632 from
Mickleton. A new 40mph limit has been extended along this road to Aston-sub-Edge, and the 30mph is
clearly signed at the limits of the village. Forty-two percent of respondents think more calming measures
are required here. Despite numerous accidents at the junction of Buckle Street and Evesham Road, many
respondents do not see Evesham Road as a problem area and only 14% think calming measures are
necessary.
60
50
40
30
20
10
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Church Street
Church Street
Evesham
Road
A4632 from
Willersey
B4632 from
Mickleton
Locations
35
Evesham
Road
0
40
A4632 from
Willersey
Percentage of Respondents
Calming Measures
45
B4632 from
Mickleton
Percentage of Respondents
Locations at which speeding occurs
Locations
Flooding
According to the Environment Agency Weston-sub-Edge has a significant likelihood of flooding. This
premise was proved to be wrong in the terrible floods of July 2007 when only 17 properties in the village
were flooded. However there has been a great collective effort made by many residents to try to alleviate
the risk to these properties and the village as a whole. A report on drainage was funded by Cotswold
District Council in 2009 and together with the Parish Council and a village self-help group, the Weston
Riparian and Flood Action Group, a proposal for flood alleviation is being prepared.
Answering questions about improving the flood resilience with new flood defences, 56% respondents think
improvements should be made, despite 78% stating their home, property or business had not suffered
flooding.
Page 17
The majority (78%) thought that CDC should clean the gullies and culverts more frequently, and 62%
thought local landowners should act more responsibly in keeping ditches and streams clear. Forty-eight
percent thought investment into diverting water safely away from homes should be made. Only 2% of
respondents are against further improvements.
Percentage of Respondents
Flood Resilience Improvements
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Investment to
divert
Investment to
hold back
More
information
Landowner
responsibilities
Frequent
Cleaning
Not at All
Possible Actions
Seventy-five percent of respondents agree that any future development must not be allowed to increase
the risk of flooding, 2% disagree and 1% had no opinion.
As part of a CDC initiative after the severe problems of 2007, the Parish Council appointed several people to
create an emergency plan. This involved making a database of responsible and able people, the Community
Response Team, who will lend assistance in case of an emergency in the village. Every household received
notice of this when it was being prepared, but only 63% of respondents were aware of this plan.
Public Utilities and Services
The general standard of these services was deemed to be reasonable to good; mains electricity scoring
83%, gas 80% and water 84% satisfaction. Refuse and recycling rated an average score of 77% although
residents would like to see local collection of plastics for recycling. The mobile phone service was
considered to be poor. Fortunately the emergency services are rarely called on by Weston-sub-Edge
residents, and the majority of respondents had no opinion of the standard of their response. However the
police response was deemed to be poor by 18% of respondents, compared to 2% for the fire service and
4% for the ambulance service.
Signage
A majority (67%) think there are sufficient road name signs in the village although Harris Lane could do with
a sign. There was also a majority (62%) who think there are sufficient direction signs in the village.
Village Green
A young children’s play area is an important requirement with seating and a more central position.
Page 18
HOUSING
The ready availability of affordable housing is essential for a sustainable and balanced parish community.
However, villagers predominately (62%) do not wish to see further housing development with only 14%
being supportive. There were mixed views about the type of houses from private, affordable, part
ownership or renting schemes. The availability of affordable housing and allocation of rented housing on a
priority basis to young Weston-sub-Edge residents remains a challenge.
Weston-sub-Edge residents believe that the village has a high proportion of second homes and holiday
properties. Twenty-six percent of respondents agree with this opinion with 30% having no view. However,
the questionnaire indicated that only 3% of properties were second homes, clearly fewer than believed by a
significant number of respondents.
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CHURCH
St Lawrence’s, the parish church of Weston-sub-Edge, is part
of the Benefice of the Cotswold Edge, and shares the Priestin-charge with St Peter’s in Willersey, St Andrew’s in Aston
Subedge and St Lawrence’s in Mickleton.
Services are conducted every Sunday by the Priest-in-Charge
or other licensed clergy throughout the benefice. Our rector
Rev’d Fred Dawson, who lives in the village, is always keen to
hear from residents.
From the questionnaire 73% feel the church is an important village asset and part of village life. More than
half attend fund raising events although the attendance at regular services is poor (less than 10%).
For further information please contact:
The Rector
Rev’d Fred Dawson
Churchwarden
Mr Barrie Knight
Mr David Herbert
PCC Secretary
Mrs M Dow
840292
840459
840419
831756
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Grateful thanks to members of the Plan Steering Group:
Lavinia Stephenson, Joan Jenkins, Chris Rossington, Daphne Bell, Edith Hughes and Rosemary Robbins.
In addition, Jenny King and Jennifer Caldecott who made significant contributions.
Marilyn Cox and colleagues at Gloucestershire rural Community Council for their experience, advice and
support.
Finally, Weston sub-Edge Parish Council for the sponsorship and providing resources to make it all happen.
Page 20