A survey undertaken by Ringwood Neighbourhood Plan has shown a passion for a thriving high street amongst local residents. More than 550 respondents, almost all of whom were from the town, completed the survey either online or face-to-face while shopping, sharing their views on the shopping area.
Others highlighted the importance of high-quality independent shops and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Recommendations for improvement included a greater variety of shops, including catering to different budgets and filling gaps in the market, such as additional clothing shops.
Janet Georgiou, who launched the survey, is delighted with the feedback. “There is clearly a passion amongst the community for a thriving and vibrant town centre”, she notes. “I’d like to thank everyone who took part for giving us vital feedback on what the town centre means to them. This will prove vital in forming the Plan we put forward to the local community.”
The town faired well on various fronts, with 82% of respondents saying they felt parking was adequate or good and just 15% arguing for more on-street parking. There is also a clear appetite for shopping in person, with fewer than one in four saying they expected their online shopping to increase in the coming years. Those taking part represented a wide cross-section of the community, with all demographics from the under-20s to over-70s.
The steering committee of the Neighbourhood Plan has launched a new survey asking for opinions on the housing need in the local area. You can complete it here.