Survey - The First Step

The Monkton Communities First Team undertook a survey of the Monkton Ward in May 2006, following the request of the Monkton Communities First Partnership.

The information assembled is intended to enhance the information collected to lead to the development of the Monkton Action Plan 2004, prepared by members of Monkton Voice.

The information collected will be used to encourage agencies to do more in Monkton as well as to try and encourage more people from Monkton to get involved with their community.

The aim of the survey was to interview 1 in 10 householders in Monkton. We actually surveyed rather more than this. The same questions were asked of everyone and the houses were chosen at random based on the number of houses in each postcode.

We have summarised the key points of the survey here, if you would like a full copy of the survey then please Email the Communities First Team.

The People

Just over 60% of those surveyed were female.

Most people interviewed were aged 26 ? 45. Also many people over 65 were interviewed too.

Most people interviewed have lived in Monkton form many years. With nearly 40% having lived here fore over 20 years.

Over three percent of those surveyed spoke fluent Welsh, while four percent were learning; the remaining percentage did not consider themselves Welsh speakers.

IT

J working computer most have Internet access.Just under half of people own a working computer. Of those with a

86% of respondents had a mobile telephone.

Monkton Cyber Cafe, funded through the Communities @ One Programme

Education and Training

43% of interviewees would be interested in education or training if they were provided locally in Monkton with IT being most popular followed by arts and crafts.

One in three people questioned have completed training in the last five years; the most popular courses were work based, such as health and safety training, food hygiene and first aid courses.

Jobs and Business

Nearly three quarters of people surveyed felt there were not enough jobs in Monkton.

When asked what businesses most people would like to see in Monkton the most popular ideas were apprenticeships for young people, a butcher, and a caf摚?nbsp; Just under half of people suggested that any business that did open should offer training opportunities to young people.

Almost all of those questioned stated that they used the Spar shops and the Post Office.

Crime and Community Safety

Less than a quarter of people surveyed have been the victim of crime in the last five years. Those that have been the victim of crime had often been subjected to anti-social behaviour, while a minority had suffered from more serious crimes.

Monkton residents learn welding skills with the Communities First funded Springboard Programme

Over two thirds of people thought there were problems with substance misuse. The main problems were seen as alcohol abuse and illicit drugs. One respondent mentioned finding syringes in the park.

43% of people interviewed had experienced anti-social behaviour in Monkton. The most common problems were verbal abuse and vandalism.

Nearly 2/3 of those interviewed felt that parts of Monkton could be redesigned to help improve security. Many felt blocking up alleyways and improving street lighting would help. Most people however felt an increased presence by police officers would be most useful to making Monkton a safer place.

Health and Well-being

Just over 2% of those surveyed are not registered with a doctor while only just over 40% are registered with a dentist. Many have lost access to their dentist since the practice stopped taking NHS patients.

3/5 people are registered with an optician. Of these most were registered outside the immediate area.

Nearly three quarters of respondents were happy with their level of health. Of those who were not happy most were suffering from arthritis or were waiting for an operation or were recovering from an operation.

Two thirds of those interviewed took part in regular exercise with the most popular being walking. With gardening and short mat bowls being popular.

75% of interviewees felt their diet was healthy, many of those that did not feel they ate healthily felt that finances were a factor in their diet.

Monkton Swifts Junior Sides - sponsored by Monkton Communities First

Community

Just over half of people surveyed were tenants as opposed to homeowners. Of those who were County Council tenants most felt that the repair line was either good or very good, while over a quarter were dissatisfied with the service.

Nearly 85% felt that on balance Monkton was a pleasant place to live. Many of the older ones thought it used to be better, while some respondents felt that within Monkton there were "good" and "bad" areas.

Improvements being made to homes in Gwilliam Court, Monkton

Over three quarters of people believed there is a good community spirit in Monkton, while some felt there were pockets of within Monkton where a good community spirit exists but les so in others.

When asked what improvements did they think could be made to Monkton replies varied a great deal, some of the more common ones are listed here:

• Alleys well lit

• Better gardens with higher walls

• Bring the community together

• Bulk rubbish scheme

• Cameras

• Cut grass areas regularly

• Facilities for young people

• Keep gardens and overgrown areas tidy

When asked if the "Courts" should be renamed almost two thirds of those interviewed said no.

When asked what type of community activities would they like to see in Monkton answers included:

• Bingo nights

• Cafe in the community

• Dances to bring young and old together

• Exercise class

• Fetes

• Gala, carnival, street parties

Monkton Communities First have funded a dedicated youth worker for the community for two and a half years.  The chair of the Monkton Communities First Partnership (far left) can be seen getting in on the fun with members of the "Cloud's Crew"

More things for children, including parks and youth clubs (62% of responses)

The interviews asked how people found out what was going on in Monkton, most received information by word of mouth, newsletters and notices in the shop and post office.

Just shy of 70% felt well informed about what was going on in the community.

Less than 20% of those surveyed actually belong to any group, club or society, which operates within Monkton. The majority of those who stated that they were members said that they attended the Swifts, bingo, Church or luncheon club.

Over eighty percent of respondents said that play and recreational facilities for children and young people were lacking within Monkton. Interviewees suggested more sports availability in Monkton, skateboard facilities as well as better equipment at the park.

Half of the people surveyed felt there were not enough activities for older people. Suggestions given were for trips, coffee mornings, more bingo and dinners.

The final question was designed to encourage respondents to mention anything they felt had not already been covered. Comments made include. "I love Monkton and I'm happy here",

"Don't give up on Monkton, there's lots of talent" and

"The council need to pull their finger out".

Members of Monkton Luncheon Club supported by Monkton Communities First

Transport

Just over two thirds of people interviewed had access to a car. Despite this over half of people use public transport to access facilities outside the ward. Taxis were also a popular form of transport especially to go socialising in the evening.

56% of those that use public transport found it served their needs, while the remainder felt you could not rely on the buses being on time, others wanted a later bus to run also.

The interviews asked how people found out what was going on in Monkton, most received information by word of mouth, newsletters and notices in the shop and post office.

The information collected in the survey is intended to give a broad outline of the current state of the community with a view to development of the Communities First Action Plan.

Active Community

Health and Wellbeing

Education and Training

The Environment

Crime and Community Safety

Children and Young People

Older People

Jobs and Business

The Welsh Language

Action Groups

The Monkton Communities First Action Plan has been completed, this will be the basis of our work for the next three years.

If you live in Monkton or have a professional interest in any of these issues and want to get involved with us or have any questions regarding the action groups, please get in contact with the Communities First Support Team on 0845 345 4953 or Email us here.

Monkton Communities First

Cymunedau yn Gyntaf Cilmaen