Community Survey Results
Published: 15 October 2024
Report on Sesswick Community Council Survey Results – October 2024
Sesswick Community Council conducted a Community Survey during August to gather the views of residents on what is important to them. This was provided in both hard copy and electronic, but unfortunately only 38 responses were received which represents approximately 10% of the households.
The attached summary will form the basis of future discussions by the Community Council. If there are members of the public that would like to make comments, they are able to do so at the commencement of each Community Council meeting or alternatively email the Clerk – clerk@sesswickcommunitycouncil.gov.wales
Whilst acknowledging the respondents gave a wide range of views on various issues the key points are included in the summary. At this stage nothing has been discounted but it has to be recognised that as a small community Sesswick does not have the financial resources of larger areas as the precept (amount collected through local community charge) in recent years has maintained one of the lowest income levels and only generated between £3 - £5,000.
1. Awareness of the Community Council's Work
The survey asked respondents how aware they were of the activities and work of the Sesswick Community Council. The responses were as follows:
- Fully aware: 10 respondents (26.32%)
These respondents are fully engaged and informed about the activities of the council, suggesting that they may be regular followers of council updates or actively involved in community affairs.
- Slightly aware: 10 respondents (26.32%)
While these respondents are somewhat aware of the council’s work, they may benefit from more targeted communication to enhance their understanding of the council's activities and initiatives.
- Hardly aware: 8 respondents (21.05%)
This group represents a significant portion of the community who have minimal awareness of the council's work, indicating a need for improved outreach or more accessible information.
- Mostly aware: 7 respondents (18.42%)
These respondents are more engaged but may require additional updates or information to reach a higher level of awareness.
- Not at all aware: 3 respondents (7.89%)
These individuals have no awareness of the council's work, which may highlight a gap in communication, particularly in reaching those less involved in community channels or less engaged with public notices.
2. Suggestions for Communication Improvement
Respondents were asked how the Sesswick Community Council could improve its communication with residents. The most common suggestions were:
- Monthly newsletter: 2 respondents
Some residents expressed a desire for a regular newsletter, preferably monthly, which could be delivered via email or physical mail to provide consistent updates on council activities and decisions.
- Facebook group: 1 respondent
A social media presence, specifically a Facebook group, was mentioned as a potential way to engage residents more dynamically, offering real-time updates and interaction.
Regular email updates were also mentioned, indicating that some residents prefer digital communication directly to their inboxes rather than relying on other platforms.
- Publish agendas and minutes more promptly: 1 respondent
There was a call for greater transparency and timely sharing of council agendas and meeting minutes. This could be done via the council’s website or notice boards, ensuring residents are kept informed of key decisions.
- General satisfaction ("It's OK"): 1 respondent
A portion of the community is satisfied with the current communication efforts, though they are in the minority compared to those requesting improvements.
3. Interest in Volunteering
Residents were asked if they would be interested in becoming a Community Councillor or learning more about the role. The responses were:
- No: 27 respondents (71.05%)
The majority of respondents indicated they were not interested in volunteering for the council. This suggests that while there is awareness of the council's activities, many residents may feel either time-constrained or not sufficiently motivated to take on a formal role.
- Maybe: 5 respondents (13.16%)
A smaller group expressed tentative interest in becoming involved, indicating that with the right encouragement and information, they could potentially contribute to the council in the future.
- Yes: 3 respondents (7.89%)
A minority of residents are eager to become more involved in the council's work, either by becoming a councillor or learning more about the role. These respondents represent a potential resource for the council in terms of future recruitment or engagement efforts.
4. Main Issues in the Community
Respondents were asked to identify the primary issues facing the community, with multiple options allowed. The most frequently mentioned concerns were:
- Litter, Traffic Volume, and Speeding (3 mentions)
Littering and road safety were the most common issues. Respondents highlighted both the volume of traffic and the problem of speeding through residential areas, suggesting a need for greater enforcement or traffic-calming measures.
- Litter, Speeding, and Overgrown Vegetation (3 mentions)
Overgrown vegetation, such as poorly maintained grass and hedges, was identified as a concern. Along with litter and speeding, these issues point to a desire for better maintenance of public and green spaces.
- Litter, Traffic Volume, Speeding, Lack of Amenities, and Overgrown Vegetation (3 mentions)
In addition to litter and traffic concerns, respondents in this group highlighted the lack of amenities, indicating that the community may need more local facilities such as shops, recreational spaces, or services.
- Litter, Traffic Volume, Speeding, Pollution, and Overgrown Vegetation (2 mentions)
Pollution was added as a concern by some residents, particularly related to traffic and the local environment. Pollution may be seen as an extension of traffic issues or industrial activities impacting air and noise quality.
- Traffic Volume, Overgrown Vegetation, and Speeding (1 mention)
This response again emphasizes the importance of road safety and environmental maintenance in the community.
5. Environmental Improvement Suggestions
Residents were asked to suggest environmental improvements for the community. The following are examples of their responses:
- Community Pride Initiatives: 1 respondent
This individual suggested that initiatives aimed at fostering community pride could encourage residents to take greater care of their surroundings, possibly through clean-up events or beautification projects.
- History Talks on the Local Area: 1 respondent
Some residents expressed an interest in learning more about the area’s history. Organizing talks on the local heritage and historical landmarks could help foster a sense of connection to the community.
- Wildlife Trust and RSPB Talks: 1 respondent
There was interest in organizing talks on local wildlife, potentially in collaboration with organizations such as the Wildlife Trust or the RSPB. These events could promote conservation awareness and environmental stewardship within the community.
- General Funding and Participation Suggestions: 1 respondent
A respondent highlighted the need for more funding to support community events and participation. They implied that without the necessary resources, it would be difficult to sustain initiatives that could enhance community life.
This report reflects the community's desire for improved communication from the Community Council, greater attention to environmental and infrastructure concerns, and stronger efforts in engaging the community, both in terms of volunteering and recreational activities. Road safety, litter, and a lack of amenities remain the key areas for improvement. By addressing these concerns and leveraging the suggestions provided, the Sesswick Community Council could foster deeper community involvement and enhance the quality of life for its residents.