Parking and cleanliness are top priority issues for Popley residents, according to the initial results of a questionnaire sent out by the Popley Neighbourhood Partnership.
The partnership includes the borough council, the police, churches, youth services, and other local agencies. They first sent out the questionnaire three weeks ago, asking residents to help shape a future vision for Popley. The initial results, collated on March 18 from 108 responses, put open spaces and parks top of the list of three things residents liked about the area.
Popley’s community spirit shone through, with a quarter of replies listing the people as a major plus-point. The most common causes of concern were parking, cleanliness, and road safety issues. There was a clear message against overdevelopment, with 23 residents opposing more houses coming up in the area.
While the majority had both bad and good things to say about Popley, 17 respondents said they liked nothing about the area. The next phase of the questionnaire will take account of postcodes, to gain a more accurate picture of each locality. The questionnaire will close on 30 April, and the partnership will use the results to help shape their ongoing Popley Neighbourhood Plan. The plan has already delivered benefits to the area such as youth facilities, green spaces and improvements in transport.
Basingstoke and Deane borough councillor, Jane Frankum, chairman of the partnership, said: “It’s very important for us to consult people. That’s what we’re all about in Popley.” She added: “Some of the issues mentioned by residents have already been addressed, but it takes time for plans to be put into action.” For copies of the questionnaire, pick up a copy og Popley Matters, visit Shakespeare Surgery or your local community centre, or ask Popley community development worker Steve Bate.
A final analysis of the questionnaire will appear in June.
