Results of a Survey of Foxhill Residents March 2013

www.foxhillfutures.com

Introduction This paper reports the results of a survey of Foxhill residents carried out in the first two weeks of March 2013. The purpose of the survey was to assess what Foxhill residents thought about their neighbourhood. In particular what they: liked about living in Foxhill; found difficult about living in Foxhill; wanted to stay the same; wanted to change; and what facilities they used and what facilities they felt were needed.

The intention behind this qualitative survey was to gather the views of residents, expressed in their own terms, in order to understand their experience of living in Foxhill. We were interested in how they would like the neighbourhood to change. In addition we wanted to use this to support the development of a vision for Foxhill Futures - a new community based group. Our current vision is to enable Foxhill to become an exemplar neighbourhood of Bath: ensuring that all the residents of the area existing and new benefit from a high quality environment and that we establish an integrated and sustainable community. Developing this vision is particularly important given the forthcoming redevelopment of the MoD site at Foxhill. It is also important in response to Curos publically expressed intention to develop wide ranging re-generation proposals for the existing neighbourhood, which will be linked to the MoD redevelopment. There were two further intentions behind the survey: To invite residents to an information sharing event (Saturday 16th March 2013) and to provide basic information about what is about to happen we have identified that many residents are unaware of the impending changes To identify and gather a wider group of proactive individuals to strengthen our response to forthcoming proposals and challenges.

This survey is a follow-up to the research carried out throughout 2012 by Foxhill Futures (May and December 2012) and that carried out by Mark Hepworth in preparing his report- Foxhill at the Crossroads. This report and the data analysis was written by Nigel Dann of Foxhill Futures and Visiting Scholar at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

1. The Survey

The survey was developed by Foxhill Futures as part of its Design Council CABE funded Design your Neighbourhood project. The survey was also supported by Curo, who printed the survey form and helped Foxhill Futures to distribute this throughout all of Foxhill between 1st and 13th March 2013. Questionnaires were handed back via Bath Bakery on Bradford Road. Additionally, some questionnaires were returned via the Open Information Event in Foxhill 16th March 2013. Altogether 84 responses were received. Four of these responses were from outside the target area (*). The 80 responses from Foxhill represent approximately 8% of the adult population or approximately 13% of households in the neighbourhood. We defined the neighbourhood as the block bordered by Entry Hill to Foxhill and from Bradford Road northwards. Chart 1 Addresses and numbers responding to the survey
4 4 6 1 1 3 3 1 1 14 14 1 5 1 1 3 1 8 7 2 2 1 84 Axbridge Road Bradford Park Bradford Road Chedworth Close * Cleevedale Road * Down Avenue Drake Avenue Dunster House Entry Hill Fox Hill Hawthorn Grove Horsecombe Brow * Meare Road Midford Road * Oakhill Road Porlock Road Quantocks Queens Drive Sedgemoor Road Selworthy House Selworthy Terrace Blank 5% 5% 7% 1% 1% 4% 4% 1% 1% 17% 17% 1% 6% 1% 1% 4% 1% 10% 8% 2% 2% 1% 100%

The main areas where the respondents lived were Hawthorn Grove, Fox Hill, Queens Drive and Sedgemoor Road. 52% of respondents lived in these road as such, the sample is biased towards residents living in these areas. The views of people living in the blocks of flats (in Bradford Park, and at Dunster House and Selworthy House) are particularly under represented and need to be explored more fully.
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Chart 2 Profile of the survey respondents by age and gender (82 of 84 respondents indicated their age) Gender Male Female Total % 13 - 24 1 1 2 2% 25 - 39 2 9 11 13% 40 - 64 15 21 36 44% 65+ 14 19 33 40% Total 32 50 82 100% Total % 39% 61% 100%

Men and young and younger people were significantly under-represented in the sample received, women and the older population over-represented, when compared to the UK census data on age and gender. Chart 3 Age Representativeness of the Sample (survey sample compared to Census 2011 data)

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 13 - 24 25 - 39 Survey Sample 40 - 64 Census 65+

Respondents were asked to identify whether or not they owned their own house: Chart 4 Home Ownership Home Owners Tenants 69% 31%

The demographic data available for the neighbourhood suggests that some 60% of the housing is occupied by tenants of various Registered Social Landlords (RSL) primarily Curo. Given that the figures above will
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include some tenants of private landlords, the sample does not reflect the demographic data by tenure of the neighbourhood. Chart 5 Do you have dependents? Do you work? Had dependents Working 37% 44%

Given the age profile, a significant proportion of the sample did not have dependents and many did not work. There were no questions on the questionnaire about receipt of benefit or of retirement income. Chart 6 Which modes of transport do you regularly use?
Mode Walk Bus Car Bicycle Wheelchair Nr. 70 57 48 14 3 Frequency 83% 68% 57% 17% 4%

The survey did not ask the number-of or distance-of journeys by each mode. It simply asked which modes were regularly used in order to gauge the mix and frequency of modal use of Foxhill residents. As such, comparisons with the UK 2011 Department of Transport data1 are not directly possible. However it does provide some interesting contrasts: UK data suggests that car journeys account for as much as 64% of all journeys - in Foxhill 57%. A significantly greater proportion of journeys by Foxhill residents are undertaken by bus at 68% (nationally 7% of journeys are by bus) or by bicycle 17% (2% nationally). Walking was also a substantially different picture from that nationally with 83% of Foxhill residents regularly using walking as a means of transport compared with 23% nationally.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-travel-survey-2011 5

1. What do you like about living in Foxhill?

Chart 7 What do you like about living in Foxhill? (numbers of respondents) 0 Proximity of Countryside Neighbourly / Sense of Community Out of the City 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Bus Service
Proximity of the Shops Air Quality Safe Convenient (for friends, work, services) Level & Accessible St Andrew's Church Inexpensive Quiet and Tidy Small Place Open Spaces Proximity of Pubs

Cycle Accessible
Wildlife Sunset Good Houses

2.1 Commentary on What do you like about living in Foxhill? The location of Foxhill, its proximity to countryside combined with the views and proximity of the city were the most commonly identified reasons why people liked living in Foxhill.. The idea of the proximity to fine views and beautiful and accessible countryside resonates with the one of the reasons why Bath itself is one of the few cities inscribed on UNESCOs list of World Cultural Heritage sites the proximity and quality of the natural setting of Bath is mentioned as one of the Outstanding Universal Value of the place. Being at the top of a hill overlooking Bath also provides for another significantly identified reason why people liked Foxhill: the air quality. This contrasts to the air quality in many of the lower lying residential neighbourhoods of Bath and in particular central Bath, where there are significant health concerns with air quality. The relationship between the neighbourhood and both the natural environment and the city, is of significant importance to the residents. The second most mentioned reason for liking living in Foxhill was that it felt like a close neighbourhood with a sense of community. Many people described it as a friendly and safe place many mentioned that their immediate neighbours were a really important part of their sense of place. the small village like feel of the place.. Its lovely living in Foxhill you have lovely countryside on your doorstep and it has a village feel to it Its a great place to bring up your kids with green spaces on the doorstep Chart 8 below identifies the location of those making such comments: 14% 33% 36% 40% 50% 57% 63% 75% 100% Hawthorn Grove Bradford Road & Porlock Road Fox Hill Meare Road Bradford Park Sedgemoor Road Queens Drive Axbridge Road Selworthy Terrace

Others mentioning community were more equivocal some suggesting that this sense of community was contingent: There is a sense of community but this is against the odds! The area has a potential for community but this needs to be realised . The convenience of the place in terms of the routing and frequency of buses (the 3rd most mentioned positive), its location relative to schools, friends and services and the proximity of shops were also a key factors mentioned by a significant proportion of the respondents. The fact that most of Foxhill was level was mentioned by many as a significant positive, particularly to some of the older respondents and those who regularly cycle.
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3. What do you find difficult about living in Foxhill?

Chart 9 What do you find difficult about living in Foxhill? (numbers of respondents) 0 Too much /badly managed Traffic Rubbish/Litter Anti Social Behavior Dog Poo Poor Pedestrian Provision Expensive Bus Fares Parking 10 20 30 40

Nothing - I like it as it is
The Poor Image of Foxhill Sydenham's Operations Street Lighting Too Much Social Housing Too little Local Emloyment Drug Dealers/Dealing Use of Roads as a Cut through Lack of Seats & Shelters State of Community Centre

3.1 Commentary on What do you find difficult about living in Foxhill? The volume, impact and management of traffic was the most pressing concern of the respondents. The closest the neighbourhood has come to a sense of management of traffic has been the introduction of 20 MPH and attendant traffic calming measures. The survey records two residents who had specific disapproval of these measures, however for the vast majority of those concerned with traffic management, there is clearly much to be done in regard to satisfying demand for further action. The volume of traffic using the street is a real issue Traffic is on the increase and drivers increasingly looking to beat the jams with short cuts at speed The experience of pedestrians was often linked to this Traffic needs to be positively managed pedestrians and cyclists - mostly school age kids and the older population, get a particularly poor deal There are few safe routes to school for my child who walks to school. I would not dream of letting her cycle The physical appearance of parts of the neighbourhood, in particular its tidiness and the amount of litter, were significant concerns. There were many comments on the general untidiness and degree of neglect in parts of the area Household litter is discarded throughout the estate Litter around the shopping area Some identified other residents as the prime culprits a small number of tenants have bought appearance to an unacceptably low state For some the issue was about changes in management presence on the estate
the whole estate in need of a revamp, a change in letting policies with much more robust management of the estate particularly antisocial behaviour

A related issue, that was commonly expressed, was the lack of management by some dog owners and a failure to manage this by the authorities. The quantity of dog poo on pavements and in green spaces was a significant concern. This was not just because of its unpleasant impact; Dog mess in green spaces and paths making it unsafe for my children to play out

Anti-social behaviour was a concern of a significant number of respondents. This varied from concern about unsupervised children at night, some eyesore front gardens, through to fearful concern with criminal activity:

I dont go out at night on my own, it must be made safe to cycle and walk everywhere ...it is unsafe (drink and drugs) around the shops at night Some also linked the impact of anti-social behaviour with issues related to the image of Foxhill The image of the place is run down, badly keptnot somewhere you feel safe walking around at night
I say that I live in Combe Down as Foxhill can be associated with bad connotationsat the moment I feel unsafe

Others were more sanguine [There is] ..,a general perception that it is not the best area to live in, mistaken perception in my opinion Though many were satisfied with the frequency and extent of the bus routes, a number of residents, particularly those under 65 and particularly those with dependents, were critical of the cost of bus services. Bus services are extremely expensive and to access some services in the city people like me with children, have to pay overpriced fares. There should be better concessions for families with children Some residents (8) said that they wanted no change, or very little to change in Foxhill, as they liked it as it is. Parking also came up as an issue. This related to two broad strands: the first and larger concern was with anti-social parking particularly on pavements and green spaces. Too many cars with people parking on grass or driving on the pavement to park right outside their house The other strand related to the insufficiency of current parking and problems of visiting relative finding spaces. Some residents in Hawthorn Grove have specific concerns about the size of lorries and the general management of traffic generated by Sydenhams operations. Improvements in street lighting, locally generated employment and concerns about the degree of new social housing in the area were also expressed.

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4. What would you like to stay the same in Foxhill?

Chart 10 What would you like to stay the same in Foxhill? (numbers of respondents) 0 5
Local Shops Open Spaces Trees & Green Spaces/Wildlife Quiet of the Neighbourhood Bus Routes Air Quality St Andrew's Church No more students Affordability of the Neighbourhood

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15

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4.1 Commentary on What do you want to stay the same in Foxhill? Many of the issues raised here link to the first question what do you like about living in Foxhill?. There was little discrepancy between the responses to either question. Retaining the convenience of local shopping within walking distance is a significant concern. The subsequent significant common concerns mostly relate to environmental quality: the retention of open and green spaces, the importance of wildlife and its protection were all clearly identified. Air quality is also an on-going concern. Satisfaction with bus routes, if not fares, was also clearly indicated.
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5. What would you like to change in Foxhill? Chart 11 What would you like to change about Foxhill? (numbers of respondents)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Better Traffic Management General Tidy Up Dog Poo Rubbish/Litter More Pride in Foxhill Sports Facilities Youth Centre/Facilities Some Individual Front Gardens Parks More Caring People Sydenham's Operations Children to be able to play out More Facilities for Elderly People

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5.1 Commentary on What would you like to change in Foxhill? Effective traffic management was the single most commonly mentioned issue that people wanted to change about the area. Imaginative and thoughtful street design/redesign could also have a positive impact on the sense of community and pride that people feel for Foxhill. The physical feel and general state of the neighbourhood was a clear issue that residents wanted to change. The perception that Foxhill is not treated as well as other areas was clear in some of the responses in the questionnaire: ..there is a lack of care and respect for existing residents The whole perception is that this is a neglected, deprived areathe whole estate needs a revamp, a change in lettin g policies with a much more robust management of the estate Pride in the area and a sense of community was also identified as a need for Foxhill: Its image, I would like people to have more pride in Foxhill and celebrate what a nice area it is. They could take more care of their front gardens, pick up after the dog and drop less litter Some suggested that the problem was isolated but was exacerbated by management issues: If there is social housing penalties to be introduced if building and grounds not kept in good condition For others the lack of facilities - particularly youth, sports facilities and parks - were things they wanted to change. 6. What Facilities do you use in Foxhill? and What Facilities do you need in Foxhill? Chart 12 What Facilities do you use in Foxhill? (numbers of respondents) 0 Local Shops Bus Community Centre St Andrew's Church Parks Allotments 10 20 30 40 50

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Chart 13 What Facilities do you need in Foxhill? (numbers of respondents)

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

More Local Shops Youth/Children's Facilities More Bus Services New/Improved Community Centre New Doctor's Surgery New School More Police Presence Housing New/Improved Public Loos Weekly Market

6.1 Commentary on What Facilities do you use in Foxhill? and What Facilities do you need in Foxhill? Having easy access to local shops and other facilities was essential for most residents this is a clear sustainability issue; travel to and from local facilities can be by foot and not car. Local employment and local independent shops to some extent keeps the money within the local economy, they also provide a sense of community and life to the area. The lack of youth facilities has been an ongoing issue in Foxhill for decades and this was confirmed by the survey.
Any community projects that will help the young and all ages o respect the area and be proud of it

The contribution to community life that St Andrews Church was making, was noted by a number of residents - a few mentioned their facilities for young people. There was too, a sense that this was exclusive and that youth & community facilities should be provided by the local authority. The renewal of the community centre is essential the church centre is great but exclusive - the renewal of the centre would send a message that the local authority valued the whole community
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Residents in the survey were far more likely to use the bus as a mode of transport compared to the national statistics it is desirable that this level of use be retained and indeed expanded - the issue of isolation and car dependency needs to be challenged and buses are clearly providing a significant answer to this in Foxhill. The issue of the cost of transport is a significant constraint on the sustainability of this however: lack of mobility has a negative impact on the life opportunities for some in Foxhill. Various facilities that are identified in the Concept Statements were also raised as being of importance: a Doctors surgery and a school were both specifically mentioned by residents.

8. Concluding thoughts The relationship between the neighbourhood, the natural environment and the city is of great importance to people in Foxhill. The proximity of outstanding countryside, the existing green & open spaces and the exceptional air quality are clearly cherished by residents. Fostering and enhancing the sense of community that was expressed in this survey, is critical. It is fundamental to developing a sustainable community, particularly in the forthcoming upheaval of redevelopment. There was a clearly expressed sentiment that the sense of community was not as resilient or as robust as it should be. This is an important message from the survey. Ensuring that this sense is retained and enhanced is an essential next step for all in Foxhill. The convenience, and to a lesser extent the accessibility, of the area was also really appreciated by the residents. Ease of movement that is not reliant on the car is vital to this. The current bus service is valued: it provides reasonably convenient, if very expensive, access to the city. The effective management of the areas environment is of significant concern to many: traffic management in particular is a major concern. Careful planning and effective measures that maintain the air quality and significantly improve the lot of the pedestrian and cyclist are essential. Given the various Government agendas this is a strategic issue which needs a strategic response. It is not just excessive and poorly managed traffic which is a major concern, the environmental quality of the neighbourhood is, for many, significantly degraded by litter, dog poo left by some dog owners and some thoughtless neighbours. There is a perception that there is a lack of pride in the area - from some residents, and, from some authorities. This perception needs to be challenged, as this creates a depressing atmosphere and a selffulfilling downward spiral. The management of the built environment litter, street cleaning and dog wardens is one strand of this, but so too is fostering a greater sense of community and pride of place. This is not supported by some aspects of the letting policy of the social housing this is a national issue - but one played out with significant impact in Foxhill. The effect of this on individuals in terms of quality of life is significant - it also impacts negatively on the sense of safety and sense of community which, to some extent, is currently ambivalent in Foxhill.

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Recommendations For residents: Develop a stronger voice, gather a wider cross section of views and to effectively fight for the area; Develop partnerships which foster a greater sense of pride and community in Foxhill which is already a great place to live - but needs to be even better; Gather and promote the views of young people - who were significantly lacking from this survey this is a significant deficit and one which demands additional effort to engage and gather young peoples views.

For the Ward Councilors & Local Authority: To develop area-based, imaginative traffic management which will foster a greater sense of community in the area; Reconsider the contractual arrangements with First Bus in relation to bus fares particularly for children; Co-ordinate with Curo to develop improved and more frequent street cleaning and the management and sanctions for anti-social behavior (including some dog owners); Passionately develop and pursue any initiative which fosters better community spirit.

For Curo and other housing providers To consider how to change letting policies which avoid concentrating people with problems in specific areas; Provide a more frequent and visible presence on site; Develop a more effective co-ordination with the local authoritys waste management service; Review the management of sanctions for a range of anti-social behaviour by tenants and enforce these effectively; Support any initiatives which foster and enhance a sense of community in Foxhill.

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Annex The Survey Form

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