Northamptonshire ACRE are in the process of updating our rural services survey which we last carried out in winter 2009/2010.

The aim is to establish local evidence to assist in targeting rural needs. A robust knowledge base is needed to champion rural interests and also to help policymakers such as Local Authorities and other statutory agencies make provision for rural needs.

We have written to Parish Councils and invited them to select one person or a group of people to complete the survey on behalf of the whole community.
It is important that they have good local knowledge as the survey is wide ranging and covers the following topics:
· Community buildings and recreation
· Retailing and businesses
· Public services
· Education
· Transport
· Food and hospitality
· Housing and utilities
· Communication
· Community led planning
· Tourism
Click the following link to access the survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NNruralservices2011
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and must be done in one sitting. ALL information that you are able to provide us with is useful whether your community is a one of our larger Market Towns with many services or a very small Hamlet with few services; your surveys will help us in mapping existing service provision and looking at opportunities for the future.

The survey will be open from 1st Sept to 31st October (8 weeks)

If you have difficulty accessing the internet and would like a paper copy (with SAE) or you would like to complete the survey with me over the telephone please do not hesitate to get in touch.

A summary of the findings of this survey will be posted on our website and detailed in Village Viewpoint later in the year.

For further information contact Carolyn Howe 01604 825890
carolyn.howe@northantsacre.org.uk