Rural Community Connection Consultation

The consultation aimed to understand the needs of rural communities better. We wanted to know which services residents value, identify any gaps, and tailor our support to meet actual needs. This helps us manage expectations and work well with Members, Parish Councils, and partners to provide effective support. 

We asked residents if they would use these services locally: 

• careers advice, 

• community groups,  

• information sessions about council services,  

• health and wellbeing sessions,  

• digital clinics 

• Community Support Hub sessions 

• physical activity opportunities.  

We also asked about community issues, needed support, and what works well in their area. 

We received a total of 80 responses, with the most engagement coming from Bottesford, Sewstern, and Asfordby. Other active areas included Saltby, Gaddesby, Grimston, Kirby Bellars, and Old Dalby. 

Interest in services varied across the regions. Careers advice attracted scattered attention without a specific focus. Community groups were most popular in Gaddesby, while Saltby and Sewstern showed moderate enthusiasm. MBC information sessions appealed to residents from Bottesford, Saltby, Asfordby, and Old Dalby. Health and wellbeing sessions found favour in Sewstern and Asfordby, with some interest from Hose. Digital clinics were notably popular in Saltby/Sproxton and Sewstern, likely due to broadband issues. Saltby showed the greatest interest in community support hubs, with Bottesford and Sewstern also keen. Residents from Grimston, Sewstern, and Old Dalby expressed significant interest in physical activities. 

Community concerns were prominently focused on transport and infrastructure, particularly issues with speeding, road conditions, and parking. Limited public transport access was seen as impacting social lives and mental health, while healthcare access was hindered by a shortage of doctors and difficulty finding dentists. There was a strong desire for increased police presence to reduce crime. Housing concerns revolved around overdevelopment and a lack of affordable homes. The need for more community spaces, such as play areas and improved village halls, was also noted. Persistent broadband issues were a significant concern, along with care for the elderly, conservation, and street lighting. 

Despite the challenges, residents appreciated community events like coffee mornings and social evenings for boosting community spirit. Bin collections were praised for their reliability, and community pubs were seen as valuable social hubs. Other appreciated elements included food hubs, neighbour schemes, libraries, and church activities. Though bus services received some positive feedback, it was outweighed by criticism. 

A Rural Connections Showcase took place in Buckminster, inviting local residents from nearby villages to explore the services provided by our partners and to determine if they would like these offerings to be available in their communities. 

In addition to this event, we have also established: 

• Yoga Classes in Sewstern 

• Walking Group in Asfordby 

• Rural Connection Drop-in in Bottesford- featuring our Customer Services Team, Digital Clinic, and Community Support Hub 

• Digital Clinic in Buckminster 

• Further Rural Connection Drop-In sessions to be confirmed soon