How Woolaston Parish Council managed a survey of its whole population.

For a village plan to have any credence and use, it is necessary first to have as much factual evidence as possible of the needs, wishes, and lifestyle of the village population. In an area of about four square miles approximately half the population live in the village itself, but the remainder are scattered fairly evenly over the rest of the Parish, including some who seldom come into the village.

So it was clear from the beginning that a questionnaire delivered to every house would be required as well as some means of making it simple to return once completed.

It was necessary to ensure that

• Responders understood the information was confidential and individuals could not be identified. There were no questions involving income or marital status
• The questions asked exactly what was needed to know, and the whole form was kept as short and simple as possible for easy response and likely completion.
• Return was made easy by including a Freepost envelope with the pack when delivered. 

Younger people
Those age 11 to 17 constitute a significant part of the population whose needs tend to be neglected when talking of village facilities.
For this age group a separate 11-17 questionnaire was produced asking for ambitions and their thoughts about their home village.
Two copies were sent with the pack to each house, though this time the number returned was less satisfactory there were some useful ideas.

Funding
At the time, 90% funding was available through the Countryside Agency to finance production of village plans under a scheme called Vital Villages.
Much practical advice was also obtained through Gloucestershire Rural Community Council
With a grant of nearly £2000, the parish council was able to complete the whole scheme.
Grant money covered all outgoing expenses including exhibitions and public consultations during construction of the plan. The village contribution was easily met from chargeable hours spent with voluntary participation in planning the questionnaire, and distribution; collating the report, and producing the plan.

For any who have visited this page and would like to see a PDF file of the published questionnaire please click here.

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