You Said, We Did

 

When you make a complaint, comment or a compliment, we want to learn from that experience. We will not always get it right and we need you to tell us where things go wrong so that we can improve for the future.

In addition to the many improvements to our rights of way network made possible by your reports of problems,  here are some of the ways we have listened to you:

You Said... We Did...
You would like our meetings to be audio recorded and available on disk or via the website. We now audio record our Authority, Planning, Resources and Performance, Discretionary Budget Sub-Committee and Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum meetings.
You asked for more opportunities to get involved with the Authority via the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forums.

We increased the number of these meetings to 5 per year (previously 2 per year).

In addition held our first Annual Open Meeting in September 2011. You can access a recording of this meeting here.
You asked if it was possible to improve ladies' toilet facilities in Porlock. We have re assigned the three cubicles available to provide a male only; female only; and accessible to all cubicle.
You were concerned that dog owners were leaving bags of dog waste around the paths and car park at Tarr steps and asked us to provide dog waste bins. We have investigated the provision of a special dog waste bin at Tarr Steps but such an arrangement is not viable or economic in remote areas such as this. We encourage dog owners to pick up dog waste in a bag and remove it from the car park or when walking in the countryside to use a sensible 'stick and flick' approach to ensure waste is cleared from footpaths. We do regularly inspect popular places and will work with West Somerset Council to prevent a build up of bags.
You wanted to know more about the work the Authority was undertaking with regard to tourism on Exmoor.

We established a bi-monthly update to tourism providers (http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/communities/tourism-trade/tourism-update-e-news) – this is currently sent to 1100 subscribers 6 times a year.
You asked for more help in understanding how you could apply for Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) funding to help with your projects.

 Following feedback from applicants we produced a document providing guidance notes for applicants to the SDF detailing the requirements of the scheme and guidance on the type of information sought against each question. We have reproduced similar guidance notes for people interested in applying for funds from the new National Park Partnership Fund which has replaced the SDF.
We should help improve the economic prospects for young people living and working in the National Park.

This is a priority for the National Park Authority and we have, through the Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund, supported West Somerset Community College to recruit a Rural Employment Enabler to be a link between young people and businesses looking to take on apprentices in land based industries, tourism, outdoor education and recreation, and low carbon technologies.

We are also supporting 'Moor Skills' apprenticeships through the Heart of Exmoor project (Heritage Lottery funded Exmoor Moorland Partnership Scheme).