Feedback

The Avenue project team recently organised community consultation and information events relating to the main remediation, landscape and recreation proposals. The events were organised so people could find out first hand about the future plans for the site and where the £100 million would be spent.

It gave people the opportunity to ask the project team questions on the landform design and to complete a questionnaire on what recreational and landscape uses they would like to see in the future. The events took place at the surrounding communities of Grassmoor, Birdholme, North Wingfield, Tupton, Hasland and Wingerworth and finished with an open day at the site.

The presentation of the proposals included a combination of multi-media interaction, through a 3D ‘fly through’ of the new landform and landscape (presented on PC and a Plasma Screen) and fixed information boards including three alternative designs. Media coverage, through radio and TV broadcasts, and information posters ensured that all the events were extremely well attended from a wide cross section of the community. Questionnaires, comments sheets, a caption contest and information on a public art competition were provided at each event. These events were attended by key members of the project team.

A total of 133 questionnaires were completed and returned to emda. The key questions were:

a) What aspects shown on the three `opportunity plans’ do you prefer?

b) What types of recreational uses would you like to see?
c) Are you opposed to any of the suggested activities?

d) Do you support the proposals for `The Avenue’ or not?

Each questionnaire has been analysed and the responses given a score based on the preferences of individuals in relation to these questions. The following is a brief summary of the results.

The majority of respondents preferred to see the introduction of a more natural environment with increased tree and hedgerow planting, as many bridleways and footpaths as possible, development of community woodlands, openness around watercourses and sports areas buffered by planting. The preferred recreational and leisure activities tended to relate to the natural environment i.e. birdwatching, picnic areas, nature study, fishing, jogging, pond dipping, horse riding and panoramic viewing points.

Other recreational activities which were reasonably popular were football, cricket and rugby, adventure park, events arena, model boating lake and outdoor theatre. A farmers market was a reasonably popular activity but not car boot sales.

Less popular activities included activities such as train spotting, trim trail, outdoor gym, hockey, archery, BMX track, sculpture park and graffiti walls. The provision of a community building was also quite popular. Several respondents were opposed to noisy sports such as motorbike trails.

Other individual suggestions, which were not scored, included recreational activities such as skateboarding, tennis, model aircraft flying, toboggan run, swimming, canoeing and a children’s farm.

Of the 133 responses, 125 supported the landscape proposals for `The Avenue’ and only 1 person did not support them. 7 persons did not choose to offer any views or opinions on the proposals.

As well as the questionnaire, people who attended the events provided many useful comments and ideas. One key message was the need to ensure that all sections of the community could enjoy and access the facilities on the site. The feed back received is now been used to inform decisions on the final design and landscape details. This design will be submitted to Derbyshire County Council as part of the overall remediation planning application in late 2006.

The caption contest, which was picture of a worker in white overalls covered in tar talking to his colleague, provided many amusing comments. The project team had a difficult task choosing a winner but opted for the topical slogan of ‘Didn’t you know that the auditions for Doctor Who have ended’. Congratulations to the winner who enjoyed free food and drinks in the Hunloke Pub.

Now that the Avenue project is entering a phase where activity will begin to increase, emda is looking to form a community liaison group. The project team is currently deciding how to organise and run this group. Anyone who expressed an interest in been part of this group will be contacted shortly.

Thanks to all the people who took the time to attend the events.