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2001 survey results

9. OTHER ISSUES RAISED IN QUESTIONNAIRE

In Silsden approximately 54% of the population are female and 46% are male. Of this almost 25% are aged 60 and over, and approximately 12% are aged 18 and below.

There appears to have been many households who have recently moved to Silsden with over 23% of the population having lived in Silsden 6 years or less. The vast majority of whom have moved to Silsden from within 10 miles.

The Community and the Environment were seen as the most important reasons for people liking the village.

• Over 43% are in favour of tourism development.
  
• Over 61% are in favour of small business development.
  
• Over 50% are in favour of small-scale industrial workshops.

49.7% are in favour of overnight tourists. Bed and breakfast and guesthouses are identified as the most appropriate facilities.

The most suitable visitor attractions are identified as: walking, horse riding, fishing, photography, nature study, painting and farm visits or ‘trails’.

Transport

Silsden appears to be dominated by the car with over 75% using a car as their prime form of transport.

Only 2% of those living in Silsden use the train as their prime transport.

Over 17% use the bus services.

Over 85% have identified danger-spots on the roads of Silsden. The worst is considered to be Elliot Street and Howden Road into Kirkgate and Keighley Road.

The most appropriate method of dealing with these danger spots is considered to be traffic-calming and more road warning signs.

The most significant requirements in terms of footpath and road works are considered to be a footbridge over the Aire Valley Trunk Road (73.8%) and a by-pass (47%).

Development

Over 57% consider that there has been too much new housing development in Silsden in the last 10 years. 29% consider the development to be about right.

82% believe Silsden cannot accommodate more new housing. Over 82% believe new housing will spoil the environment. 64% believe that no further homes are needed.

Crime

78% believe police coverage of Silsden to be poor. The main areas of concern are vandalism, house burglary and drunkenness. Over 80% believe greater police presence is required. Over 65% believe more activities need to be provided for young people.

Social Facilities

Over 50% would like to attend computer courses in Silsden. 75% would like courses in the evening.

Social facilities in the age groups 0-16 and 17-25 are considered to be poor.

57% are not prepared to pay slightly higher council tax to improve facilities in Silsden.

Religion

56% of the population believe local religious groups contribute to community life.

Environment

The following should be undertaken to improve the environment of Silsden:

1. Reduce traffic
   
2. Improve recycling facilities
   
3. Improve public transport

Over 82% believe the quality of the countryside around Silsden to be very important, of which open space, the canal, the beck, groups of trees and hedges are considered to need protection.

Over 55% believe Silsden should have extra road sweepers.

The footpaths around Silsden are considered important, but difficulties with signage have been identified

Over 63% would like to see sketch maps of local footpaths.

It is considered that the following would improve Silsden:

1. More flowers and shrubs
   
2. Tidier shop frontages
   
3. Children’s play area near town centre
   
4. More seating

Over 49% would like to see Silsden develop as a working community. Over 45% would like to see it stay as it is.

90% would like the results of the survey supplied on a free information leaflet.