The group came together to look at local transport problems. The group is a partnership of ten parish councils, local transport providers and any local people with an interest or involvement in local transport.
The
first task was to find out what prevents people getting from A to B and
why. A questionnaire was posted to every household in the ten parishes-using
the electoral roll. Members of the group spent hours (in a local pub!)
putting the 2,762 questionnaires in envelopes. A database was devised
to manage the information when it was returned. Nearly 40% were returned
and group members received training so that people with little or no IT
skills could contribute to the data entry stage of the project. A consultant
was then brought in to analyse the data and produce recommendations on
how to proceed.
The group plan to
take advantage of the Countryside Agency's Vital Villages Parish Transport
Grant to carry out the recommendations.
Local Transport and Travel Survey
If sending out a questionnaire, make sure:
- People know it is coming
- Trust why you are doing it
- Know who the information belongs to and who will see the results.
Keep people informed. Parish newsletters are a good way
Keep thorough financial records and not the time volunteers give as a donation in kind.
Get advice on where
you can get help from. There are lots of people out there able to help
and more heads = more knowledge = more chance of getting resources.
Cumbria Rural Transport Partnership
Parish Councils
Bill Bailey
Telephone: 019467 26380