2022 Resident Survey - Results
Published: 21 February 2023
RESIDENT SURVEY 2022 - RESULTS
Last autumn as part of our strategy development for the next few years, Theale Parish Council conducted a residents' survey to help us better understand what issues matter most to you as residents.
From the Survey the Council has been able to gain some very valuable insights from the results that will help to shape its strategy for the next few years. Overall, residents feel Theale offers a lot for the local community, but several key themes emerged as matters that you would like to see the Parish Council prioritising over the next few years.
Overwhelmingly, environmental issues came out as the top concern for respondents. The Council's Environmental Working Group (EWG) has developed an Environmental Strategy to help shape and guide its ongoing work on addressing environmental matters around the village. Over the last 18 months the EWG has been working to improve the biodiversity of Theale's green spaces through installing bat/bird boxes, building a bug hotel, and the flower and hedgerow planting on the recreation ground last year along with the creation of the wildflower bund on North Street Playing Field. The EWG are planning to plant holly trees on the recreation ground underneath the old oak tree and the London Plane tree to help protect and preserve their root systems. Recycling bins are being installed in the new playground and multi-use sports area and future plans include a wildlife census to assess the health of local flora and populations and a Theale in Bloom competition to help encourage planting to support pollinating insects.
The Parish Council is always looking at ways for communicating and informing residents of local issues, as well as highlighting its work and remit as a Parish Council. It is looking at how to improve its website and social media presence to ensure that you have a reliable source of local news and information on issues such as planning applications and public consultations on the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital and Royal Berkshire Fire Authority's draft Corporate Plan and Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) for the next four years. The Council is also looking at ways to further engage with residents offline - such as the parish magazine and community walkabouts. The Council is always keen to hear from residents and is exploring opportunities to further engage with the public at community events. In particular, the Council is reformatting the Annual Parish Meeting to encourage local residents to come and find out more about the work of the Council and other local bodies and community groups.
Community events were raised as another matter of importance to residents who responded to the survey. The Annual Christmas Market in December continues to prove very popular, receiving great feedback and is set to return once again this year. Following the positive response from residents following last year's Jubilee Fete, the Parish Council will be hosting another village fete on Sunday 25th June 2023 at Theale Recreation Ground. Everyone is being encouraged to get involved as community events of this scale require significant planning and volunteers to help manage them. The Parish Council would also love to hear from any community groups or clubs who wish to host or organise community events. If you have any ideas or suggestions or would like to volunteer to help with the Village Fete or Christmas Market, please do get in touch with the Parish Council via the office, our website, or Facebook page.
Other community events planned for the remainder of 2023 are a community picnic to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and a sporting celebration to mark the new playground and multi-use sports area that will soon be completed as part of the Council’s ongoing plans to help improve Theale’s open spaces. Stay tuned for more details!
21st February 2023
Theale Residents Survey
The Parish Council are very interested to listen to you, and to hear your views on what you would like to see the Council do on your behalf to improve Theale. The Council have organised a strategy day and are looking to compile a 3-year project plan so really want to know what residents would like to see in the plan.
Please do take a few minutes to answer this survey. In return, the Council is committed to taking action to follow up on comments made.
Deadline for response: 30th September 2022.
All households will be delivered a copy of the survey plus it is also available to complete electronically at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JVPKYZS
