Hilton Parish Plan

PEOPLE ISSUES

Local facilities

33. Many people would like to see more in the way of local facilities.  There is substantial support for the establishment of new sports clubs, notably badminton, tennis and pilates.  Also, nearly half the respondents would welcome a gardening club and a village-based ramblers club, while many see a need to provide better facilities for young people.

34. There was substantial support for the concept of linking Hilton to neighbouring villages via foot and cycle paths.  Many also saw these as a means of reducing reliance on public transport, especially to Papworth Everard.  Further, people would like to see more and better pathways and pavements within and around the village. 

Safety, security and law and order

35. Only a minority of people had personal experience of the emergency services.  Those that had used them seemed generally content.

36. On the other hand, many people expressed some degree of concern for their personal safety.  Asked if there were any areas in the village where they felt unsafe, the responses were divided roughly 50:50 between those who felt unsafe due to traffic and those who felt unsafe due to inadequate lighting.  In this respect traffic, notably heavy goods vehicles, was seen as a major problem on both Potton Road and Graveley Way - many people specifically mentioning the crossroads. 

37. Poor lighting was seen as a safety issue in several locations but particularly the alley-ways that link Scott's Close to Church Lane and Kidman's Close to Potton Road as well as The Grove, Graveley Way and Tithe Close.  In the dark hours, some residents consciously avoid areas of the village that are not well lit.  Accordingly, over half of those who completed the questionnaire wanted better street lighting.  Of course, there are also those who oppose more lighting, seeing it as polluting.

38. There were doubts about the effectiveness of both the village 'bobby' and the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.  More than half the respondents would welcome a more active Neighbourhood Watch and a higher profile from the community police officer.