Alderley Edge Residents Survey - The Results

Edited by Craig Browne

We have recently conducted a survey of 1,000 households within the village. Over the coming months, Liberal Democrats will be campaigning hard on your behalf, to ensure that your views are properly represented and the issues that matter to you are dealt with. A summary of the responses to the residents survey is given below.

Law & Order
78% of respondents said that they do not feel safe when out and about in the village. The Railway Station, The Playing Fields, Wood Garden Shops & Festival Hall Car Park were all identified as hotspots where youths congregate and engage in anti-social behaviour. One resident stated that 'after 8 years living in Alderley Edge I have never seen police in the village except in cars.'

Pavements & Streets
96% of respondents identified dangerous footpaths within the village. One resident commented that 'the pavements in Alderley Edge look like they belong in the third world' whilst another thought that 'the pavements have been dug up so many times that they look like a patchwork quilt.'

Rubbish & Recycling
57% of respondents were dissatisfied with the refuse collection and street cleaning arrangements. Overwhelmingly, respondents identified that they want to see weekly collection of their refuse, with the wheelie bins put back not just left standing at the side of the pavements. One resident commented that' the roads are like slums with all the bins everywhere.' A number of residents also identified the need for a collection point in Alderley Edge for plastic bottles and carrier bags.

Traffic Issues
65% of respondents had experienced traffic hold ups and parking problems in Alderley Edge. Respondents felt that, in particular, there should be 'more disabled parking spaces' and that 'use of public transport should be encouraged.' There was a general feeling that 'businesses are closing because of the lack of parking spaces.'

Planning & Development
78% of respondents were unhappy with recent building developments within the village. Respondents stated that 'the apartment blocks are an eyesore and have completely ruined Alderley Edge as a village' ... 'there are too many flats which will result in more traffic coming into the village' and... 'the village is dying due to greedy landlords and too many coffee bars. Interestingly, 65% of respondents also stated that they would be in favour of public private finance initiatives to help build affordable first time housing for younger people.

Leisure Facilities
40% of respondents felt that the village needs to have more leisure facilities for young people and that of those facilities which do exist already, 26% felt they were inadequately maintained. Residents clearly see the Festival Hall as being vital to the village, but feel it is currently under utilised as a result of poor advertising of its availability. Respondents also felt that 'we could do with a few more facilities like the ones they have in Macclesfield.'

If you would like to join our campaign team, offer financial or practical support, please contact alderleylibdems@wps.me.uk or call Craig Browne on (01625) 865 627.