Feedback on Manifold Community Development Evening at Warslow Village Hall 12.6.2024
Thank you to all residents, Parish Councils and Action Groups who supported the development evening on Wednesday 12 June 2024. The meeting was well attended with between 25 and 30 residents present, along with Celia Muir from Support Staffordshire, Marc Wootton from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Alison McCrea from Moorlands Climate Action and James Firkins and Julian King-Salter from Staffordshire Moorlands Green Party. The main points of discussion and outcomes from the meeting are listed below:
Key Issues identified by residents in Manifold Ward
- Community Safety in relation to speeding both in 30 mph zones and on rural roads. Specific villages were identified that were of concern – Onecote, Warslow, Hulme End and Sheen
- Lack of Young Peoples Services. Residents reported a loss/reduction in youth clubs, youth workers and youth activities in local communities.
- Limited Public Transport Options. There are few regular buses available. Moorland Connect is a very good service but some residents experience difficulty using the App and booking system.
- Lack of Social and Affordable Housing, particularly for young families and individuals wanting to work and live in the area.
- Poor Digital Connectivity – re broadband, internet and mobile signal
- Wildlife, Habitat Loss and River Pollution. Concerns raised about the significant reduction in fish in the upper Manifold River
- Lack of Community Facilities in some villages – Longnor has no village hall. Grindon and Sheen no longer have a village pub.
Key Outcomes and Actions from the Meeting
- Community safety – Villages to consider a coordinated response across Manifold Ward so that different speed watch groups can share resources, training opportunities, advice and best practice. It was also suggested that villages have speed indication devices positioned in strategic places. Residents/Parish Councils to contact Jonathan Kempster if they are interested in exploring these actions.
- Young Peoples Services. Residents/Parish Councils who are interested in raising the profile of the need for youth services to contact Jonathan Kempster so that as a group they can liaise with Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services to explore options.
- Limited Public Services. Jonathan Kempster to continue to liaise with Staffordshire County Council and Moorland Connect and to advocate for local demand led services.
- Lack of Social Housing and Starter Homes. Jonathan Kempster to work with local residents, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Staffordshire County Council in identifying need across villages in Manifold Ward.
- Digital Connectivity. Local residents/Parish Councils to contact Marc Wootton (Marc.Wootton@highpeak.gov.uk) and discuss need/consider options for improving connectivity.
- Wildlife, Habitat Loss and River Pollution. Manifold residents/Parish Councils and Action Groups to contact ManifoldCAN (www.Manifoldcan.co.uk) and explore the reasons for habitat loss and pollution in rivers.
- Lack of Community Facilities. Manifold residents, Parish Councils and Action Groups to review local needs, develop business plans and explore options. Jonathan Kempster and Celia Muir (Support Staffordshire) to provide support and advice where requested.
