MOST people are aware that the environmental group, NEW (Newton Environmental Wellbeing group), with permission from Newton St Cyres Parish Council have been cultivating wild flowers on parts of the Green.

The Parish Council spent no Council tax money on this project. Instead, NEW, a group of local residents, bore all the responsibility for the maintenance of the area. However, after four years, it was time to decide what happens next.

The Parish Council undertook a survey of parishioners before making any decisions. We received 65 responses including six from residents who overlook the Green itself.

Some 77% (50 respondents) wanted to keep the wildflower areas, including all six of the residents who overlook the Green.

A total of 23% (15 respondents) did not wish to keep the wildflower areas. However, this simple analysis overlooks the fact that many people wished to see some changes.

People appreciated the increased variety of plants on the Green and increased biodiversity, but at times it could be rather untidy, and many wanted to see more colourful flowers included in the scheme.

The detailed responses can be seen on the Parish Council website.

The Council decided that it was worth continuing with the scheme and we have sent the detailed responses to NEW and we hope that the project can continue, taking into account some of the comments from the survey.

Liz Ouldridge, Chair, Newton St Cyres Parish Council