RESIDENTS in part of Chester’s countryside have been having their say on rural issues.
They spelt out the issues which concern them to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Broxton community forum during the summer and autumn.
Public transport, parking, including around schools, and traffic congestion have been raised along with facilities and activities for youths, bin collections, speeding and the care of the elderly.
Rural occupiers point to a lack of banking and post office facilities and have commented on how planning applications are dealt with, crime and anti social behaviour, affordable housing and first responders.
Asked what is not working well in their neighbourhood, they mention attendance by the public at parish council meetings, funding for local improvements and feedback when a problem is reported.
However, they describe parish council meetings as “productive” despite the fact they are not well attended by the public.
Other aspects which are working well include the reporting of faults such as pot holes, Project Rural Matters, Home Watch, street cleaning and meetings being held in the rural area rather than in Chester.
Aspirations include having some control over where and what development takes place, influencing local decisions, the borough council engaging more with the community and local people having more control over council tax and how it is spent.
