healthcheck

© Fakenham Area Partnership Fakenham Area Partnership was formed in 2004 by a small group of volunteers to encourage local groups to work together for the benefit of their community. Initially it was known as Fakenham Forum. It is now one of seven area partnerships across North Norfolk, each of them centred on the region’s principal towns. Registered as a Community Interest Company, the partnership is headed by a board of directors, has its office at Fakenham Connect and is supported by the North Norfolk Community Partnership, both financially and administratively. In addition to Fakenham, its reach extends to 20 parishes surrounding the town. Initially the partnership put its main effort towards two key projects which it continues to support. These are a Tourist Information Point housed in the town library and a summer display of hanging flower baskets outside town centre shops and businesses. Following the appointment of a coordinator in 2006, a major consultation exercise sought to gather information on community needs and local priorities. This so-called Health Check enabled the partnership to build up a picture of the principal concerns of both the town and its hinterland. In 2007, an area of land close to the River Wensum was acquired on behalf of the partnership at auction. Edmondson’s Acres is just over five acres of pasture which is being managed in association with the Wensum Valley Trust, DEFRA and the town council. Thanks to a Community Project Fund, the partnership has encouraged applications for grants from community groups in both the town and parishes. It has been able to support a wide variety of small projects which make a real difference to people’s lives. FOREWORD

© Fakenham Area Partnership 1. Introduction 2. General Information 3. Transport and Employment 4. Community 5. Leisure, Housing and Environment 6. Young People 7. And Finally 8. Action Plan Contents “Fakenham Area Partnership aims to encourage local people, groups and organisations to work together for the benefit of the whole community. Through consultation and mutual support we aim to promote and improve community, economic and environmental sustainability.” The aims and objectives of the Fakenham Area Partnership are: To create a support network to pull together ideas from the community. To help community groups find and access funding to bring their ideas to life. To encourage a safe and social environment, which offers a variety of interests for all ages. To encourage a vibrant economy, promoting business development and tourism. To promote an attractive and welcoming environment. To foster a culture of lifelong learning and promote equality of opportunities for all. To develop the Partnership as an effective means of delivery and co-ordination. Welcome to the Fakenham Area Partnership Community Health Check. This work has been funded by the North Norfolk Community Partnership. The aim of the consultation was to seek local residents’ views on a variety of subjects to try and ascertain the priorities for the area. This will identify local needs and provide an evidence database for potential projects which intend to address the identified priorities. Nearly 8,000 questionnaires were distributed within the Partnership Area with a return of around 10%. We also carried out a specific consultation with younger residents to balance the number of replies from this age group. We are pleased with the response and thank everyone who took the time to complete the questionnaire or file one online. 1. Introduction 3

© Fakenham Area Partnership Fakenham Area Partnership is made up of 21 parishes as well as Fakenham itself - Questionnaires were made available to all via door to door delivery, an online version and also from various pick up points. The health check itself was publicised through the local press, the partnership website and various public meetings and displays. Around three quarters of the replies came from residents who live in the Fakenham parish with the remainder split between the other 20. No replies were received from Tattersett. 2. General Information Barsham0.40% Briningham0.30% Dunton0.40% Fakenham75.70% Fulmodeston2.10% Great Snoring0.40% Helhoughton1.10% Hempton4.40% Hindolveston1.40% Kettlestone1.40% Little Snoring1.40% Pudding Norton1.80% Raynham0.80% Ryburgh3.20% Sculthorpe3.20% Stibbard1.30% Swanton Novers0.10% Tattersett0.0% Thurning0.10% Thursford0.40% Wood Norton0.40% Area Partnership, population spread and demographics 4

© Fakenham Area Partnership The majority of respondents were female 58% as opposed to 42% of men More than half of the respondents to the main questionnaire were aged 41 or over. See page 13 An additional outreach survey addressed the initial under representation of younger people. Female 58% Male 42% Under 161% 16-193.20% 20-262.40% 27-4014.10% 41-6032.90% over 6046.40% Residents were questioned on their knowledge of local government representation. The majority of respondents did not know who their District, Parish or Town Councillors were, or where council meetings were held . The percentage was roughly the same in all three cases. However 71% were able to identify their member of parliament. Yes 34.8% No 65.2% Yes 41.4%No 58.6% Do you know who your Town or Parish Councillors are? Yes 40.7%No 59.3% Do you know where and when your local parish or town council holds its meetings?Do you know who your local MP is? Yes 71.2% No 28.8% Do you know who your District Councillor is? 5

© Fakenham Area Partnership Train0.7% Bus9.1% Car47.8% Bike7.8% Walk22.9% Lift4% Disability Scooter1% Public Transport2.8% Other3.8% What form of transport do you use to get to work, college, shops? (indicate all forms used regularly) Nearly half of the people questioned use a car to get to work, college or the shops. Over a quarter were environmentally conscious and either used pedal power or walked. Over 12% of people are dependent upon public transport, with the majority choosing bus or train. Are you dependent on public transport? Train25.1% Bus64.5% Community Bus 5.4% Community Scheme 1.1% Other4.1% If you use public transport please indicate which No 87.3% Yes 12.7% 3. Transport and Employment A few times a month42.50% A few times a year11.30% Most Days7.10% Most weeks2.90% Never36.20% How Frequently do you use public transport? 6

© Fakenham Area Partnership None13.40% 150.60% 229.30% 3 or more6.80% How many cars are in your household? Employed36.4% Retired44.8% Self Employed9.2% Student3.5% Unemployed6.1% What is your employment status? The partnership area is quite rural and travelling from A to B can be difficult when relying upon public transport. Many households have both parents in work and therefore transport is a major consideration. Just over half of respondents have 2 cars in the household and nearly a third with 3 or more. Only a small percentage do not have a car. Quite a large number of those in work, do so on a part-time basis. Just under half work in the Fakenham area, around 5% work from home. Those who work in Norwich and nearby towns made up less than one fifth. Full Time31.70% N/A49.90% Part Time18.40% Do you work? If employed or self employed where do you work? Around 6% of respondents were unemployed, 36% were in employment, just under a 10th were self employed, but the majority were recorded as retired. Fakenham49.30% Norwich4.90% Kings Lynn3.30% Dereham2.20% Swaffham0.80% Wells2.20% Home4.90% Village where you live1.60% Other30.90% 7

© Fakenham Area Partnership Retail9.90% Farming2.10% Factory Work5.30% Office14.20% Leisure & Tourism3.50% Catering4.30% Public Sector22.70% Other38% Type of Employment Retail16.70% Farming5.90% Factory Work15.60% Office10.10% Leisure & Tourism13.80% Catering3.80% Public Sector8.70% Other25.40% Please indicate which areas of employment there is more of a need for in the area Questions relating to the type of employment indicated that almost one quarter of respondents were employed in the public sector. 8

© Fakenham Area Partnership Please indicate up to 3 areas where you do most of your general shopping Fakenham38.10% Norwich19.40% Kings Lynn19.30% Dereham14.60% Swaffham2.10% Wells2.50% Other3.90% Very Important48.30% Quite Important38.20% Not Important6.70% Should be encouraged2.00% Dont know4.80% How important do you feel it is to encourage tourism in the area? Respondents do most of their shopping in the local area, but shop in Norwich, Kings Lynn and Dereham from time to time. 4. Community In addition to questions about general shopping and tourism, residents were asked about the farmers market, internet access, the use of the library and community groups. The Farmers Market is very popular and provides a good service for the local residents and nearly two thirds of those replying use the market more than 6 times a year. The town library is fairly well used but take up of the mobile facility is low representing less than 1%. Do you shop at the Fakenham Market or Farmers' Market more than 6 times a year? Town61% Mobile0.80% Both1.50% None36.70% Yes 63.50% No 36.50% Which library do you use? When it came to tourism over 85% felt that it was either quite important or very important to encourage tourism in the area, only 2% stated that it should not be encouraged. 9

© Fakenham Area Partnership Yes 59.5% No 40.5% Do you have internet access at home? Yes 39.5%No 60.5% Do you belong to any community groups or organisations? If you are not a member of a community group or organisation - why not? Lack of time33.30% Lack of transport4.20% Not aware of what groups available 19.20% Nothing of interest available 21.80% Don't know9.60% Other reason11.70% Over half of the respondents have internet access at home and when questioned about better / additional access over 40% agreed that there could be more made available to the community. Strongly Agree21.60% Quite Agree19.40% Neither agree or disagree28.50% Disagree4.30% Dont Know26.20% Do you feel there is a need to make more internet access available to the community within the area? Quite a large number of people belong to a community group or organisation. The two main reasons for not doing so were lack of time and nothing of interest available to them. 10

© Fakenham Area Partnership Under 5's7.20% 6 to 1210.70% 13 to 1932.60% Adults19% Retired21.90% Disabled8.70% Which age groups would you like to see more leisure facilities for? 5. Leisure, Housing and Environment Residents were asked about their thoughts on which age groups need more leisure facilities, top of the list were the teenage group 13-19 years followed by retired groups. Parks & Open Spaces22.40% Recycling Facilities24% Nature & Environmental Conservation 20.10% Reduce Traffic Pollution14.80% Renewable Energy15.70% Other3% Which environmental issues do you feel are important to the area? Being a rural area the environment and housing are very hot topics and residents were keen to give their opinion on these two areas. Recycling Facilities, Parks and Open Spaces scored highest followed closely by Nature and Environmental Conservation. Yes 66% Don’t Know 21.9% No 12.1% Is there a need for more affordable housing in the area? Two thirds of people felt there was a need for more affordable housing and around 12% did not. On the siting of affordable housing the responses were quite evenly split with the edge of village or town being the most popular answer at 36% 11

© Fakenham Area Partnership Infill22.80% Edge of village or town 36.80% Dedicated estates or developments 24.70% other15.70% Where do you think affordable housing should be developed? Travelling to work8.40% Social event9.70% Pleasure38.80% Exercise33.60% Other9.50% A little more29.50% A lot more31.20% About the same37.80% Less than now1.50% If you walk or cycle where do you do it? If more walking or cycle routes were made available would you walk or cycle...? Walking or cycling has many benefits, including health, the environment and the domestic budget. Most cycled for pleasure or exercise and over 60% said they would walk or cycle more if better walking or cycling routes were made available 12

© Fakenham Area Partnership 6. Young People 1. Wildlife and open spaces followed by living in a quiet place and having lots of friends nearby were the most popular preferences. 2. The most popular dislikes were busy roads, traffic and poor facilities. Housing development on fields was raised by two of our young responders 3. Better leisure facilities scored highest in a list of requests for improvements, with particular emphasis on the need for a swimming pool. In addition to talking to young people at the Pensthorpe event feedback was received through the EP Youth “Chatterbus” project. Young people are frequently difficult to reach, but with some targeted outreach work additional data relevant to this survey was collected. At the Pensthorpe ‘Wild About The Wensum’ event young people were encouraged to express their thoughts in 3 areas. 1. What they liked about the area where they live. 2. What they did not like about the area. 3. What would they like more of in the area. 13

© Fakenham Area Partnership At the end of the questionnaire respondents were asked to identify the ten top priorities for them in their area in which they live. 27 subject headings were available some of which had been covered earlier, others had not such as GP services. Overall the final readings were fairly evenly spread. The top 6 priorities were : Activities for Teenagers/Young People Anti-Social Behaviour Availability of Affordable Decent Housing Efforts to Reduce Crime Clean Streets Parks and Open Spaces Recycling4.20% Parks & Open Spaces4.90% Tourism & Heritage3% Clean Streets5% Sports & Leisure Facilities4% Access to GP Services3.50% Nature & Environmental Conservation3.60% Adult Education2.90% Education Provision0.90% Activities for the Over 60's3% Development of New Housing3.50% Disability & Equality Relations1.70% Facilities for Young Children3% Community Facilities3.70% Road Safety3.70% Road & Pavement Repairs4.70% Efforts to Reduce crime5.20% Access to Hospital Services3.80% Training & Job Prospects3.10% Public Transport3.40% Availability of Affordable Decent Housing5.20% Renewable Energy3.10% Anti-Social Behaviour6.10% Activities for Teenagers/Young People6.60% Economic Development2.70% Health & Welfare3.30% Arts & Culture2.20% 7. And Finally From a number of options please indicate 10 areas you feel are in need of improvement. 14

© Fakenham Area Partnership What people want in Fakenham – 437 replies The top 10 replies are listed Swimming pool258 13 – 19 provision/80 More facilities for everyone70 Youth centre/more youth groups 49 Adult education20 More gym and sports facilities 19 Community centre18 Facilities for children of all ages 16 Skate boarding park14 Better play parks for young ones 13 One of the open questions we asked was -What leisure facilities or activities would you like to see where you live or nearby? 258 people of the 437 replies requested a swimming pool. This represented over 50% of the replies and was over 3 times more popular than the next favourite suggestion 15

© Fakenham Area Partnership Swimming pool383 Reduce Pollution and litter / improve recycling 175 Better transport links/ integrated public transport 148 Reduction of vandalism/graffiti/petty crime/anti-social behaviour 132 Economic development/jobs130 Clean/well maintained /footpaths/streets/pavements/d og mess/public facilities 128 Traffic restriction or pedestrian of town centre 105 More safe leisure/sports facilities103 More/better shops/including village shops 77 Footpaths/cycle routes linked to schools or town 55 In addition to the question about leisure facilities and activities, residents were asked 2 general questions: 1) What ideas do you have for improving the general quality of life in your area? 2) Write one thing you would change in your area Comments were analysed and then summarised as the “top ten” most popular suggestions. 16

© Fakenham Area Partnership This survey set out to provide the residents of Fakenham and twenty- one surrounding parishes with an opportunity to air their views on the priority needs of the area. Its findings will serve to inform discussions about future development of the area and the published document will provide valuable evidence in the funding application process when pursuing Action Plan projects. The document will be reviewed regularly and updated by the inclusion of subsequent consultations such as local Parish Plans. More Leisure Facilities and Activities for Young People The need for a swimming pool has been specifically identified. A popular choice which would offer health benefits for all age groups. Better facilities and wider participation in activities can have a positive impact in helping to reduce anti-social behaviour. Anti-Social Behaviour & Reduction in Crime The partnership area has boundaries in common with the local Safer Neighbourhood Teams with whom they work closely to maximise the potential benefits of initiative and projects such as Speedwatch. Conclusion Fakenham Area Partnership has set out an initial Action Plan addressing the challenges emerging from this survey. A key factor determining success in any of these aims will be the development of partnership working across all local organisations: statutory and voluntary, parishes, groups, clubs and the wider community.Our combined efforts will make a difference. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 17

© Fakenham Area Partnership PRIORITYPROJECTPARTNERSFUNDINGJUSTIFICATION PUBLIC CONSULTATION Publish Public Survey of partnership area ascertaining local FAP General Public NNCPTo provide evidential base for project activity and future funding. FACILITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Millennium Park redevelopment - upgrade play/climbing equipment in community park. Town Council (Charity land Trustees) Salvation Army Youth Leader NNDC Councillors. FAP External Funding to be sought Town Council Grants Addressing Health Check priorities and thematic group objectives in Community Strategy 2008/11 to improve public amenities. CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CCTV at Millennium Park Town Council Police Neighbourhood groups External Funding Town Council Grants Health Check & Community Strategy priority / Thematic Group "Quality of Life" target COMMUNITY FACILITIES Resource Centre - offices/meeting rooms & social amenity for various comm.groups. FAP Community Groups NNDC Town Council/ Social Services Pensthorpe EP Youth Lottery NNDC External funds User groups Public Health Check priority Community Strategy objective "Quality of Life" target OPEN SPACESDevelop Edmondsons Acres amenity eg. Guided Tours, signage/educat/info Library Garden - pleasant 'green' public seating space on edge of shopping centre Wensum Valley Trust Town Council FAP FACT Local Govt DEFRA Landowners NOA Pensthorpe Trust Learning Community External Funding for Environmental projects Health Check priority Community Strategy aim "Quality of Life" target FAKENHAM AREA PARTNERSHIP ACTION PLAN 2008/9 18

© Fakenham Area Partnership PRIORITYPROJECTPARTNERSFUNDINGJUSTIFICATION ENVIRONMENT'Bin the Plastic Bag' Promotion of jute recyclable bags Fakenham in Bloom Possibly Wymondham Farmers Market & Pensthorpe/Wild about Wensum Day FAP FACT Town Council External Funders eg Energy Co. FAP Bus. Sponsors Health Check concern In line with Comm Strategy objectives: "Quality of Life" target SPORTS & LEISURE FACILITIES Swimming PoolHigh School Local Authorities Community Lottery Local Auth Comm Public Survey all-time favourite Community Strategy target "Quality of Life" target No.1 "What People Want" poll ROAD SAFETYSpeedwatchCommunity/Safer Neighbourhood teams FAP FAPHealth Check priority Comm. Strategy objective "Quality of Life" target BUSINESS ENTERPRISE Manage mthly Farmers' Market. Assist promote local business, join Business Forum & Tourism Round Table Xmas Fair - FunDay- promotional events FAP Town Cl. Local Farmers & Suppliers North Norfolk Business Forum Local Businesses Chamber of Trade Self financingHealth Check priority Comm. Strategy objective "Quality of Life" target TOURISMTIP - Produce up to date Visitor Guide/map Co-operation with Gas Museum FAP Library Gas Museum FAP/Market Tolls Grants Health Check priority Comm. Strategy objective AFFORDABLE HOUSING Campaign, promote and monitor local development. FAP Town Council Hsg Trust General Public Health Check Comm. Strategy Improved Housing' FAKENHAM AREA PARTNERSHIP ACTION PLAN 2008/9 19