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Following the delivery of information leaflets and the questionnaire on this project, which we delivered to each household within the village area, we received 45 responses signed by 52 residents.
Of the 45 responses 40, signed by 45 people were for and 5, signed by 7 people were against the proposal. We did not include Initiative Directors, who all naturally support the proposal, or Community Council members. We believe that this result gives the Initiative a clear mandate to continue the fund raising and development of the project.
The survey did produce some very valuable comments both from those in favour and those against.
Understandably many of the people in favour did not add any comments whereas all of those against did explain their objections. Of those against some were in favour of some aspects of the scheme but either wished to change the balance of uses or did not want particular features to be included.
What the survey has revealed are concerns, from those for and against, about the following points which the Initiative is addressing:
- The need for a clear long-term maintenance programme to ensure the park is maintained to a good standard.
- Concerns about anti-social behaviour and litter.
- Concern about excessive light at night.
- Request for an informal path and seating through the conservation area.
1.Maintenance
The Initiative has a continuing regular income from the rental on Heughan House and will receive a small income from the allotments. The Initiative will be able to fund a regular park maintenance schedule from its resources.
2.Vandalism
There have been instances of vandalism and anti-social behaviour and there are individuals who do leave litter or do not clean up after their dog. It is worth noting that vandalism has usually occurred out of sight of houses and the police have an excellent record identifying the culprits.
The Initiative does have proposals, which we will discuss with the police, to minimise this risk.
3.Lighting
We do need to provide safety lighting for the bridge. We expect to connect the existing floodlight on the rear of Heughan House to motion sensers by the bridge. This meets the safety need and will deter anti-social behaviour. We are considering marking the route of the path with low level solar powered downlights. It would not be in the interests of neighbours or the conservation area to install a full lighting scheme.
4.Seating and access path
The final layout will include an access path and seating in the conservation area.
Finance
Apart from the income from Heughan House the Initiative has no money. We have to compete nationally for funds for each project we undertake. All grants are subject to a very detailed and searching application process. Many of our applications do not succeed; we have to persevere! Funds we do receive cannot be transferred to any other project.
The survey revealed a suggestion for a community transport scheme which, if the village agreed, could be a worthwhile project. However it would need someone to lead and develop the idea; are there any volunteers? |
Auchencairn is a traditional Scottish village consisting mainly of stone houses dating from the early 17th century. It is located on the heritage coastline of the Solway Estuary, an area of unspoiled hills, cliffs, islands, bays and beaches known locally as the Scottish Riviera.
