brown edge village plan 2013

Brown Edge Action Group

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Brown EdgeAction Plan

Jubilee Beacon 2012, Marshes Hill

Lighting the Pathway tothe Future


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Foreword 3

Introduction 4

Parish Map 12

Brown Edge Profile 13

Amenities 14

SWOT Analysis 17

Priority Projects 20

Appendix 22

Consultations 23

BROWN EDGE WELL DRESSING 2013


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This is the culmination of the work of the resident groups within the village of Brown Edge over thelast six years, in response to the issues raised during the original Village Plan consultation in2006.

All age groups within the village have been consulted and everyone has had the opportunity to getinvolved and to voice their opinions about how they would like to see the village progress in futureyears.

Villagers’ comments provide the Action Group with the information to include in this documentwhich is produced for the guidance of the parish council, community groups and interested parties.As elected representatives of the community, the parish council is consulted at all stages of BrownEdge Action Group’s projects.

Linda D. LeaChairmanBrown Edge Action Group


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The original village plan was developed as the result of extensive consultation with localresidents of all age groups beginning in March 2006. Many of the projects that wereprioritised have now been achieved and it is time to consider how residents would like to takethe village forward into the 21st Century. Brown Edge Action Group Volunteers arranged a series of consultations throughout 2012to bring the village plan up to date and this report is the result.

Achievements so far since the 2007 Village Plan: Two additional meeting places Lighting improved in some areas of the

village Village and parish council websites

developed A relaunched Parish Magazine A village meeting place has been created

in the playing field BEE 1st Responders up and running Play equipment revamped Flower beds created around the village Trees planted which have attracted wildlife Kerbside collection of recycling

established Headmaster’s House renovated Sandy Lane Centre refurbished and available for community use Two polling stations established at either end of the village Some bus services rerouted to Brown Edge Schools area Bus timetables delivered to every household Litter picker employed for weekly litter picks A better mowing contract established for grass verges All litter bins are now able to accept wrapped dog waste County Council youth club reopened Local volunteers recruited for Speedwatch Weekly luncheon club established

Allotment land provided Playing Field protected for 25

years as a Queen Elizabeth IIJubilee Playing Field Additional community events

including: summer play sessions,Beacon lighting, well dressing,Christmas market, Craft Fairs andthe Jubalympics Village wide consultations for the

2013 village plan


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Playing Field AreaThis project involved the improvement of the facilities on the Playing field site and upgrading themfor wider community use. The present playground now suits the needs of children up to the age of14 years, including those with disabilities. The facility now enhances the area and provides a focalpoint for local families. There is a sensory garden area with picnic tables suitable for wheelchairusers, a shelter, solar lighting and seating for those using the public footpath through the area.

There is also a topographical map of thefootpaths in the area and a new parishnoticeboard. The playground area wasopened by Robbie Williams’ Mum, Jan.

The eastern side of the playing field hasnow been completely re-developed withthe provision of play equipment and twoMulti-goal walls to facilitate climbing andbasketball as well as a goal mouth. Thedrainage of this side of the field doesneed to be serviced.

Funding needs to be identified for the westernside of the facility to provide a Multi Use GamesArea to enable full use of that side of the field byolder age groups throughout the winter months.

A large stone, discovered when establishing theallotments, has been moved to the playing field todisplay the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee PlayingField sign.

On the day of the official opening, alocal farmer rescued the fire enginewhich had become stuck in softground. BEE 1st Responders arelooking on.


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BEE 1st Responders

BEE 1st Responders quickly established themselves as a respected group within the community.Britannia Building Society awarded the group a £10,000 grant to buy their emergency vehicle andthe First Responders, their friends and supporters have continued to raise funds at local eventssince then. Volunteers are now on call covering Norton, Brown Edge and Endon as a local, swiftresponse supporting West Midlands Ambulance Service. Some of the original responders are nowtaking a less active role as supporters and fundraisers for the group.


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Brown Edge Village Hall and Headmaster’s House

It is exactly 30 years since a group of Brownedgers met in order to organise themselves to provideamenities for our village. High on the list were a village sports field and somewhere to hold adance or community event as people had to travel off the village for a suitable function room. The only building suitable was the vacant Old School that had a demolition order on it. An armyof volunteers stepped in and saved the school for community use.

Although the hall is now open, used every dayand attracting people from all over the world forweddings and events it is still not finished!Other than on-going maintenance there arethree areas that need to be finished.

1. Handrail in the entrance hall

2. The heating system needs to have effectivecontrols and a modern fuel efficient boiler

3. Access to the storage area via a lift ofsome sort.

We estimate that there over 1000 users a monthand now that we have the new entrance hall thismeans that we have been able to treble thecapacity of the hall due to concurrent usage.

Heat light and power for this large buildingcurrently costs over £5000 a year so energyefficiency is a priority.


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Carnival Time

Well dressing, flower displays and scarecrows


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More scarecrows


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Church Queens


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Play Day 2012

Brown Edge Jubalympics

Stone seat by the Sytch Road well

New play equipment for toddlers


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Situated in the northern part of Staffordshire, Brown Edge was built on one of the southwesterly spurs of the Pennine Chain. Its highest point, at Hill Top, is 920 feet above sealevel.Old history books describe Brown Edge as ‘cold and hilly’ and ‘a poor stony land’. It isthought the ‘Brown’ in name refers to ‘this poor uncultivated land’. However land on the westslopes to the river Trent is good agricultural land with some farmhouses dating from about1600. There are few working farms today, these are mainly dairy and beef orientated.

With the onset of the industrial revolution there were few inhabitants but the populationgrew with the opening of local coal mines at Norton and Ridgeway. The miners builtcottages on the wasteland, often without permission from the Lords of Norton. Small plotsof land were also enclosed by the miners to provide them with vegetables or used aspasture for a cow or pig.

There has never been much employment in the village. Most boys on leaving school wentto work in the local mines and the girls went into service or travelled to Leek to work in themills. However, because of its position the village remained isolated with no railwaystation, a primitive sewage system and many cottages having their own wells. Hill Topdidn’t have piped water until 1937. Many of the villagers tell stories of bad winters andbeing cut-off with heavy snow falls.

St. Anne’s Church was built in 1844 and there was also a strong chapel movement in thevillage.

The building of St. Anne’s Church School followed in 1845 and was of a poor standarduntil 1880 when Mr William Jones the headmaster for 40 years, transformed it into a modelschool. Sadly the school closed in the early 1980’s, as it was in a bad state of repair.However, the villagers raised money for the historic building to be converted into a muchneeded Village Hall. The first stage was opened in1997 followed by completion of the largehall in 2000. The Hall is now used by many groups and with varied activities.

The village has only a few shops now. There is still a Post Office and the main shop isKeith’s Supermarket and workshop which is an old family business. There are still twopublic houses in the village.

Marshes Hill is a popular spot as it has outstanding views over the surroundingcountryside. It is also only 30 minutes walk down to Knypersley Reservoir and GreenwayBank Country Park.

To sum up, Brown Edge is a very friendly community and is a very pleasant place to live.


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Public BuildingsSt Anne’s Infants and Junior SchoolSt. Anne’s ChurchSt. Anne’s Church House meeting placeBrown Edge Village HallHeadmaster’s HouseSandy Lane Methodist ChurchSandy Lane CentreHill Top Methodist Chapel

Shops and BusinessesKeith’s Supermarket, Newsagents, Hardware Shop and Garden CentreProctor’s Garden Centre and Plant nurseryBerresford Barnes Plant NurseryPost OfficeSoft Furnishings ShopTakeaway for fish and chips and Chinese foodUnisex HairdresserHolly Bush Public HouseThe Top PubTwo repair garagesRiding SchoolRock Cottage care home and nurseryBeautician’sCoffee Shop

Other FacilitiesVillage websiteParish Council website4 Parish Council notice boardsTopograph and information board at Marshes Hill5 post boxesChurch cemetery and Parish cemeteryJubilee Gardens Children’s playgroundSolar lit path from bus route to housing areaPavilion and shelterGrass play area and games wallSchool playing fieldsStone seats in Sytch Road and Thelma Avenue2 seats on Marshes Hill viewpointSeat at the Hooping Wall, Hough HillMP’s and Councillors’ Advice SurgeriesTopographical footpath map


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Green Feature AreasMarshes Hill, lowland heath areaKnypersley Pool, reservoir and dam - country walksWarder’s Tower housing bat coloniesGreenway Bank Country Park and adventure playgroundPark Ranger's Information Office in Greenway Bank Country ParkDallows WoodStonehouse Drumble - small nature reserve with woodland, marsh and streamsRidgeway newly established woodlandTinsters Wood - woodland with footpathsMiners' Footpath from Brown Edge to bottom of Head of Trent ValleyWalkways along River Trent and Canal Feeder to Knypersley PoolMyriad small footpaths across the area with magnificent viewsKing's Road (starts in Stockton Brook) - ancient trackAllotments

Special Village Features4 natural springsVillage Carnival with Church QueenVillage Well DressingWalking of the village boundaries (2000)Jobs pool ancient footway (restored)Hooping Wall (restored)

OrganisationsSandy Lane CentreSandy Lane Play GroupSandy Lane County Youth ClubSandy Lane J Gang Church Youth ClubWarrior Tae Kwondo at Sandy Lane CentreBeccy’s Dance Classes at Sandy Lane CentreSandy Lane various activity classesHill Top Methodist Men's GroupSt.Anne's Bell Ringers GroupBrown Edge Parish CouncilVillage Amenities GroupOver 60sWomen's InstituteYoung WivesLadies' CircleBrown Edge Football ClubRainbowsBrownies and GuidesSt. Anne's Kids' ClubNeighbourhood WatchBEE lst RespondersBrown Edge Action Group


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Brown Edge BandBrown Edge Luncheon ClubBrown Edge Allotment Group

Classes and Facilities at Brown Edge Village HallAerobicsBallroom dancingCountry dancingContemporary DanceTap DanceBallet lessonsDisco DancingLine DancingStreet DancingIndoor BowlsKick BoxingYogaMeeting rooms of various sizes for hire, including a licensed BarVenue for Weddings, Parties, large community gatheringsCatering kitchen and Catering availableSome parking available

Facilities at Sandy Lane CentreChurch services on Sundays and special daysTwo youth clubsPlaygroupTaekwondoDance classesAdvice surgeriesHall and small meeting room for hireEnclosed garden area at rearSmall kitchenComputer room available for classesUnlicensed, ideal for children’s partiesLimited parking available

Sandy Lane Centre


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STRENGTHSFive different meeting places, including the largest village hall in Staffordshire.

A shop for all daily needs

Post Office, which also handles business for some banks and handles dry cleaning.

A range of home based businesses

Beautiful un-spoilt countryside on north and east

Quick access to the countryside for leisure activities

Clean air and environment

Easy access to the city of Stoke, Cheshire and Derbyshire

Parish Newsletter, which goes to about half of the households in the village

Good educational facilities for pre-school children

St Anne’s school educates children in the village up to 11 years of age

A wide range of social organisations and activities

Mobile library facility

Mobile children’s centre

A welcoming play area with good facilities encouraging all age groups to gather and gel

Three places of worship withregular Sunday services.

A good “open” feeling in thevillage

Well tended natural environmentbringing colour into daily lives

Queen Mollie 2013


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WeaknessesThree “communities ” within village rather than one centre (Hilltop, area round churchand school, area round main road)

Lack of family-sized homes

Many local families without a car and a limited local taxi service

No public toilets

Inadequate medical facilities ie: No local doctor’s surgery or chemist

Brown Edge is seen as a desirable place to live, so people come in without any interest ordesire to contribute to, or be a part of village life.

Lack of local employment opportunities

Dog fouling and horse droppings on the roads and footways

Narrow arterial roads to the village school

Vehicular speed of through traffic

Inadequate parking facilities for some houses

Limited facilities for village centre parkingHilly terrain restricts mobility for some residents.

The use of house names rather than numbersmakes it difficult for emergency services,delivery vehicles, taxis etc.

Lack of suitable land for sports purposes

Lack of footways in many areas

No bridleways

Flooding in some areas. Drainage comprises4” and 6” pipes which are already at capacity

Jetting the gulleys to avoid flooding


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OpportunitiesImprove communications between the wider community and the local school

Improve links between local serviceproviders and the community

Improve footpath networks and access

Promote community spirit and pride

Produce a local business directory toencourage people to think local

Research and promote local traditions e.g.:"Beating of the Bounds" for RogationSunday, the traditional time of May.

Improve road and pedestrian safety

To work with local youngsters to improve current facilities and meet the needs of futuregenerations

ThreatsPlanning permission being given for houses with small gardens and inadequate parking

Loss of Green Belt areas

Unappealing architectural additions

Loss of Parish identity – being absorbed into Stoke City boundary

Diminishing Community spirit

Changing profile of local employment opportunities

Rising volume of traffic

Potential loss of bus services

Loss of commercial buildings toopportunities for residential use

Increasing number of novice horseriders on village roads with noopportunities for them to ride onbridleways, causing hazardous roadconditions

Community Activities

Narrow lanes causing safety hazards


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Current IssuesPlaying Field area – final phase fundraising for an all weather play

surface plus all ages exercise equipmentSecure land for Brown Edge Football ClubProtecting Green Belt areas

Tourism & visitors Local Economy

Footpaths

HousingVaried Housing to meet local needs

EducationAdults’ classes

Access to Services Improve local access to Health Services

Environment Dog Fouling

Horse hazardsMaintaining country footpathsRe-establish hedgerowsSafeguarding the future of the Warder’s Tower

Community Neighbourhood

PlanHeritage Trail

Crime & Safety Improve Pedestrian

& Road SafetyAnti-SocialBehaviour

Young People

Playground opening


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Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) is preparing its Core Strategy programme, toguide future planning development within Staffordshire Moorlands. Brown Edge Parish Council ishoping to work in conjunction with SMDC to deal with this situation. The parish council will take theparish forward to ensure that local residents are fully consulted regarding their aspirations fordevelopment within the village and will be kept informed regarding progress.

In spite of the present economic turmoil, the Action Group continues to give 100% commitment todealing with the challenges and furthering the aspirations that residents have for our community.

We are fully aware that the next three years particularly could be challenging times for residentsbut they can take comfort from the fact that the parish council and village leaders have their bestinterests at heart and are committed to keeping them informed and involved.

Not all ‘developments’ are planning related of course. All aspects of village life will be looked atand included in the development plan. Readers will see how many of the priorities from theoriginal village plan have already been achieved, thanks to the vision, hard work and commitmentof volunteers in organisations across the community. If you would like to get involved in one of thevillage organisations, contact its organiser and go along to a meeting to see how you could help.Who knows where that may lead you?!

Groups which are urgently looking for some more volunteers include Brown Edge Action Group(01782 502708), the Well Dressing preparation group (01782 504239) and a new organiser isneeded for Brown Edge Community Speedwatch. Training and ongoing support is given by thePolice and the equipment and hi vi jackets were provided by a local benefactor when the schemebegan, several years ago. Your commitment would be a few hours training and then a couple ofhours a month or whatever time you felt able to offer. If you would like to know more, contactPCSO Steve Powell by phoning 101, the single contact number for Staffordshire Police.


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ConsultationsThese were held in varying formats, throughout the year. There were displays,discussions and questionnaires at the Carnival, the Village Hall and Sandy LaneCentre, posters in local shops, feedback forms in local newsletters and aquestionnaire was circulated throughout the village. Groups and organisationswere consulted, as well as youth club members, young people and their parentsusing the playing field, parents and children attending St. Anne’s School andparents of children attending the playgroup. The parish council was kept fullyinvolved and informed. Response numbers and attendance figures varied, but allresidents were offered the opportunity to become as involved as they wished andto have their views heard, no matter how old or young they may be.There follow some examples of the responses received from one of theconsultation days, held at Sandy Lane Centre and the postal survey.


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1. Does Brown Edge need public toilets?

yes no 2 25

2. Are small local businesses advertised enough? yes no 7 22

3. Would Brown Edge benefit from a Business Directory?

Yes no 23 6

4. What sites of interest could be advertised for visitors?

Do we need visitors? 1 Knypersley Reservoir dam, built by Thomas Telford 1 Proctors Nursery 1 Marshes Hill views from Marshes Hill 2 circular walks 1 circular walk taking in Marshes Hill, Knypersley Pool and Trent Valley from the playing field 1 walks through the wood 1 country walks 1 Laughing cottage, Chapel Lane, Fiddlers Bank walk 2 St Anne’s Church 1 Headmaster’s House 1 playing fields 1 horse riding 1 kennels 1 shooting 1 The shops 1 nursery (flowers) 1

5. Would you like a leaflet to be published, of walks around Brown Edge?

yes no 25 0

Yes to encourage walking and exercise incorporated with sites of interest and business directory


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6. Does Brown Edge need more notice boards? yes no 17 4

more notices for bridle pathswould like to see notice boards kept up to date regularly, at least fortnightly

yes I agreeit needs more things putting in the board we already have at the top of the park

more signs for public footpaths and boards at the village hallmore signs for horses, young riders etcthe village hallCarlton Avenuewarning notice boards for horses and young riders like the ones to make you aware ofmotor cyclesmain church gates

7. Are there enough play facilities for 13 – 19 year olds? yes no 0 21

this is a definite needmore facilities for activities for 13 – 19 year olds, sports club, footballtake them off the streets etc in Brown Edge where they behaveNo, arrange an activity coordinator or sports coach to offer a free support/activitiesgroup once per week for 12 – 19 year oldsyouth club, sports club, supervisednothing for teenagers in this area, susceptible to drug and alcohol dependency inthe future!!!

8. Where should the play area for 13 – 19 year olds be sited?

playing field, opposite side to toddler play area 1playing fields to the left of children’s area 5behind Fairfield Avenue or part of the playing fields 1

What equipment would you like to see there?

all weather football pitch, basket ball and a tennis court 1suitable frames for bigger children and teenagers 1sports facilities 1building for shelter and social activities 1all weather football pitch, and netball and tennis court 4


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Does Brown Edge need a football field?

yes no 18 1

Where?school football pitch 5Fairfield Avenue 1where there used to be in the field behind Fairfield 1field would need to be levelled before use as afootball pitch 1could the school football pitch be used and pay acharge to the school to help the funds? 1where suitable land can be found 1school playing field with a cost to the football clubwould be acceptable 1use of school football pitch at weekends 2school field or suitable land with parking 1Field at corner of Broad Lane and Hough Hill 1behind Fairfield Avenue, changing facilities wouldbe needed 1

10. What traditional parish activities would you like to see developed?

open gardens (may be part of the carnival)continuation of carnival type events, stalls etcmost definitely the carnival but more widely advertised and not held on the HollyBush car parkevening meeting groups in the village hall, eg history, literature, singing groupsand computers for beginners etcU3Akeep the tradition of a carnival it's essentialcontinuation of the carnivalwould like to see carnival events held at least 4 times a year in the playing fieldsstalls, activities, competitions, bringing the community closer and tourism

11. What new community facilities would you like to see in Brown Edge?make sure we don't lose the Holly Bush 1chemists 3Teashop & cafe 2homemade cakes etc made locally and an internet cafe 1doctors surgery 1outdoor gym equipment for all ages 1evening entertainment for teenagers, table tennis, board games,darts etc at the community hall or village hall with supervision 1


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12. Would you like more seating around the village?

yes no 16 0

Where?

near to the shops and bus stops 2Potential more seating for the elderly, eg bus stops

High Lane by the playing fields

anywhere that would enhance the appearance of the village

13. Which issues are important to you? Not important Important Very important

Health and / or disability issues in the village 17Activities / facilities / services for older people 16Activities / facilities / services for childrenand young people 2 9Crime and antisocial behaviour 25Traffic and / or highways issues 3 15Environment 1 17Housing 6 5 2Public transport 6 14Street and footway lighting 1 6 9Cleanliness and condition of walkways,paths and roads 1 25

How would you improve these issues?

gardening club 1senior resident groups in lower and higherareas of Brown Edge for accessibility eg theHolly Bush, Sandy Lane Centre, Village Hall,Top Pub 1any activities which encourage people of allages to meet 1groups for teenagers, youth clubs andactivities 1an internet cafe that provides lessons andsomewhere for younger ones to meet 1coffee and cake mornings 2arts and crafts 2knitting and sewing 2health awareness groups 2cookery classes or cake decorating 2friendship club for elderly on their own 1over 60s club where it is affordable for themto go, accessible by bus or walking 1coffee morning and cookery classes 1U3A 2

afternoon classes 1regarding the over 60s club there was one butnobody was willing to join 1if you are going by bus to hospital they don't turnup on time or not at all 1improvement to the bus service to Leek 1a direct bus link to Leek from Brown Edge 2seven times in the last 2 months the SchoolBank bus didn't turn up 1cars parking on the pavements in Cross Edgeand Marshall Avenue 1stop parking on footpaths and grass verges 1stop car parking on School Bank when collectingchildren form school then maybe we could havea 3.25 bus 1maintaining public footpaths and walks 1checks on speeding cars along the whole of thevillage especially between Sandy Lane and RockCottage 1more dog fouling notices and publicity 2


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14. Do you have a problem accessing these? yes noMaternity care 0 7Hospital 3 11Hairdresser 0 9Doctor 1 11Dentist 1 10Chiropodist 1 9

Where?

playing fieldplaying field alcohol related, FP 12 similar and abusive conduct and language 5police need to visit more often, FP12 by Rock Cottagemore lighting in the playing fieldteenagers having nothing to do on the streets, alcohol and drugs 3suggest a weekly sports coach or activities coordinator to provide aconsistent support facility for ages 12 – 19 held in the playing field 2

15. Is there a problem with antisocial behaviour in Brown Edge?

yes no 17 0

16. Is there a problem with vandalism? yes no 20 0

Where?

litter in the playing fields 1teenagers from outside areas bringing drinks into theplaying fields, unchecked even assisted by the parents 1in the park also litter and broken glass a big issue 2FP12 rocks pulled off the walls and newly planted trees broken 1trees being broken on High Lane, Hough Hill and Bank End 2graffiti on public facilities and amenities around the village 1fires being lit on the seating in the playing field 1breaking into the electric mains via Cross Edge 1


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18. Are you a member of Neighbourhood Watch? yes no 5 18

17. Is there a speeding problem in Brown Edge?

Yes no 20 0

Where?Breach Road along High Lane to Norton Green 1Greenfield Avenue through to Fairfield Avenue 2Through Fairfield onto Willfield Lane also on FP 5 1Sandy Lane to Rock Cottage 1Hough Hill and Sandy Lane no footpath and speeding 3Willfield Lane many horses this lane a sign would be helpful 6speeding problems throughout Brown Edge, reduce speed limits on lanes, keep our horse riders safe we have nowhere else to go 2

19. Would you like more flowerbeds and planting around the village? yes no 16 5

Where?anywhere in the village 5volunteers could be recruited to manage and water individual beds 1we are very much appreciative of the planting of flower beds andwould love to see more 1congratulations to those who have worked so hard to provide the ones we have 1congratulations to Linda and the team for planting such lovely flowers and trees 1I would like to see more flower beds if they were looked after 1the cost and upkeep are difficult 1maintenance would be a problem, appreciate the ones we have if the vandals will leave them alone 1well done Linda, you're doing a great job! 1


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20. Are there any other improvements or additions you would like to see around Brown Edge?

more grit bins due to bad weather conditionsclasses at either the village hall or the community centre daytime or eveningtrees encroaching St Annes Vale to be trimmedbus shelter by the Post Officeclearance of the water course from the playing field to the Sytch (heavily overgrown)weeds sprayed along roadways in the villagemove the zebra crossings eg all bus stops (particularly by Proctors Nursey)proper zebra crossing with lights 2speed bumps where speeding is a problem 3clear give way signs at the junction of Sandy Lane and Hough Hill,also speed limit on Hough Hillspeed bumps form Greenfield Avenue through to Fairfield Avenuea speed limit from Holly Bush to Rock Cottage reduced and withfixed cameras along the whole of the village roadpoor lighting facilities, street lighting middle around 32 to 28 one street light missingbridleways for young teenagers to ride safelymore signs to make horse riders safer, like motor bike signs 2

21. Are there any other comments you would like to make that are not allowed for elsewhere?

parkingbus stop markings on the road by the Post Office so that the bus can pull up and stop safelyLeek College need to use the small room in the community centre eg art class dressmakingcomputer lessons etcwe need a village police room as in Endon 2grass cuttings taken away when the grass is cut at Cross Edgethere is nowhere for horse riders to ride, only on the roads, pleasegive us bridleways for the safety of horses, public riders (and children) 2


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22. The Local Plan requires 841 new houses to be built in the rural part of Staffordshire Moorlandsdistrict (not including the Peak Park, Biddulph, Leek and Cheadle) between April 2011 and 2026.

This may mean about 5 houses per year for Brown Edge. Some of the houses needed could bebuilt by owners on their gardens or small plots within the village. Other plots will be suggested inthe District Council's Site Allocations Plan which they will put out to public consultation early nextyear.

Do you think there is a need for more “Affordable Housing” (to buy or rent) or more “ExecutiveHomes”?

Affordable Executive

yes no yes no

7 2 6 0

No this village is full“No!” 4We do not need any more houses in Brown Edge. There are ones for sale and they are not sellingNo there is not a need for more house or space for themHousing for people living on their own old people's bungalows and flatsNo extra housing needed. This is already a large village do we want to be a town? Unused /derelict property should be compulsorily purchased and let as social housingstill are many houses for sale. Council could purchase existing stock including empty houses.Only brownfield sites for affordable if other stock exhausted.No housing required as this is a village, Not enough amenitiesOnly if brownfield areas are usedSo many people living on their own in large three bedroom properties. Is there a solution?People with older property need help to upgradeNo caravan sites 2

23. Right to bid for community assets

The Localism Act allows communities to identify buildings or land which are important to them.These can be placed on an asset register, so that in the event of a proposed sale, a communityinterest group is given a limited time to try and raise enough money to buy them. Are there anysuch places in Brown Edge which you think should be listed on an asset register?

Holly Bush pub and car park 4

Keith's car parkthe fields behind High Lane has not been used for many yearsschool playing fieldsthe lanes, verges and stone wallsgreen belt around the villagefields behind Fairfield Avenue and Greenfield Close 6beginning of Tinsters Wood (green belt) protecting badgers sets and walking facilities


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Postal Survey

1. What do you like best around the village?

sense of community.the village is cleanit is a lot more tidy of late but still needs more work doing ie play areathe limited amount of shopsit is becoming more green and floweryvillage hall / public / private gardens, trees, open spaces, the wells, lovelywalks, the new playground, the map and walls, Marshes Hill, Keith's andthe litter pickerthe facilities, the history, the green areas and the shoppingit is clean and tidy and all the flowers look lovelythe rural country environment and the wildlife

2. What would you like to change in Brown Edge?

access to Broadband – high speed and cable (Endon exchange is still copper and stilllocked to BT only)more flower beds or boxes and hanging basketsI think there are areas that could be used for more housing i.e. the old car park atVarsovia Lodgethe playing fieldsthe playing fields, a lot of space but no interest for anyoneless litter around the youth shelter, it's bad at timesa football pitch, the area adjacent to the playground clearedthe park so more age ranges can use the facilities instead of just young childrenWillfield Lane – the straight piece of road from the village to the bend gets a lot ofzooming up and down traffic and loud cars and bikes too. Could do with traffic calmingdevices to slow them down


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3. What else is needed in Brown Edge?

Unadopted roads eg Woodside Avenue need to be adopted. Non residents use it freely but wehave to maintain itPeople coming from Keith's need to rest sometime on the bank (old and not so well)Better lighting in some areas would be an improvementA doctors surgery and chemistssomewhere or something for teenagersroad signs warning motorists that children are crossing the road outside Sandy Lane hallmore bins e.g. along the Vale. More regular litter picking by the youth shelter. Notice board forgroups / societies to advertise / welcome new members. Baby / toddler groupa football pitch. The area adjacent to the playing field clearedmore dog waste bins especially around Broad Lanepelican crossings, better parking in Cross Edge, road signs especially for High Lane and speedcameraspermanent speed cameras on the main road all the way, like by Endon School. Drivers still goingthrough the village too fastit would very good to have a couple of pieces of outdoor fitness equipment for all ages

4. What would you improve around the village of Brown Edge?

Broadband access and speedsI would like more seats around the village for old and not so well people on some of the banksI think most of the village is okay because we would still like it to stay that way. We need to keepthat distance between Brown Edge and Norton GreenBetter facilities for older children on the playing fieldSandy Lane Halltrim the trees along the Vale (consult owners) Keep an eye on potholes in the roadsa football pitch and the area adjacent to the playground cleared. better road / street signs.Yellow lines on the road by the hairdressers instead of it stopping [zig zags] by the metal railingsby the crossingsomething to be aimed at drivers round and through the village to guide them to drive more safelywith care and respect through a rural village as a lot of drivers don't seem to give a damnanother accident blackspot is the manoeuvring of cars off the front of Keith's and the sharp bendcoming into the village. A lot of cars still go too fast. My husband is disabled and uses that carpark

5. Any other comments regarding Brown Edge?

Pleased to see the new play area. Would be nice if the next stage could revitalise the old space aswell. Lovely to see the improvements that have already been made. Thank you!It would be perfect to hear the bells on SundayA number of years ago you could get a bus direct form Brown Edge to Leek, Hanley, Burslem,Newcastle, without changing. So a bus to Newcastle would be nice in many ways, we could livewith the Leek situationAntisocial behaviour problems seem much improved. A lovely place to live – proud to live here.Good community spirit.Thank you for all you are doing and thanks to all the people who arrange events around the villageThe rural environment needs protecting or it will just become urban


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Acknowledgements

Contacts

BrownEdgeActionGroup Chairman: Linda Lea 01782 502708 0777 17 44 333

Brown Edge Action group would like to thank all of those who have contributed to the Consultationevents and the production of Brown Edge Village Plan and in particular LPS for preparing andpublishing this document.

A big thank you is extended to all the villagers who attended the consultation days and sharedtheir opinions and suggestions with us.

We are grateful to the following for sharing their photographs with us: Christina Jebb, Henry Jebb,Linda Lea, Peter Turner, Wesley Webster.

Published and Printed by LPS, Endon Bank, Church Lane, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 9HF

brown edge village plan 2013

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