THE need for social housing in Scagglethorpe to attract young families, has been highlighted as one of the key action points in a survey carried out in the community.

As a result of a questionnaire circulated by the parish council and Rural Action Yorkshire, about 50 per cent of residents replied, and a parish action plan has been drawn up.

As well as calls for a housing needs survey to be carried out in the next 12 months by the parish council and Ryedale District Council’s housing enabler department, residents also want to see a newsletter introduced, together with action by the police and parish council to curb speeding traffic, said the parish council’s clerk, Paul Douthwaite.

The state of the footpaths, the need to upgrade the street lights to LED, improving mobile phone reception and the provision of superfast broadband are all needed say villagers.

An appeal was also made for volunteers to run a neighbourhood watch scheme and to help run more village events.

The plan is due to be officially launched later this month, said Mr Douthwaite.

“The parish council is pleased with the response and we look forward to take the action plan forward.”

About 75 per cent of the village wants more affordable homes because, he said, young people currently have to move away from Scagglethorpe because either there is no social housing available or private housing is too expensive.

Scagglethorpe’s origins date back to Roman times, with pottery from the first century BC having been found and Scagglethorpe Manor is on the site of a Roman villa.

The questionnaire revealed that at least 50 per cent of residents use the village hall, but they want to see a wider selection of events, such as craft classes, bingo, musical entertainment, talks and quiz nights. One suggestion which won support was to enhance the play area with new equipment and, as a result, funding is being sourced.

“Road maintenance was seen as the most concerning issue, with 30 households saying they were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the highways service, adds the report. Ryedale District Council’s refuse collection service was also criticised.

Villagers also requested a weight limit on lorries through the village, a cut in the speed limit to 20mph, and flashing matrix signs.

The chairwoman of Scagglethorpe Parish Council, Ann Smith, thanked residents for responding to the questionnaire. She said: “The exercise has provided an opportunity for the community to express its concerns, ideas and suggestions for the future of the village.”

Maggie Farey, senior officer with Rural Action Yorkshire, who played a role in helping to create the plan, said: “Scagglethorpe is a lovely village with a lot of enthusiastic residents. I am sure the action plan will go a long way to enhance quality of life and we have been delighted to have been involved in the project.”