Bethel residents respond positively to environmental survey

8.22.39pm GMT Mon 17th Jul 2006

© Chrisjo. Image from BigStockPhoto.com

Residents of Bethel in St Austell have taken part in an environmental survey carried out by the Liberal Democrats in June 2006.

The LibDems distributed survey forms to 570 residents in Bethel asking them their views on issues such as waste, recycling, transport, energy and international issues. Nearly a quarter took the trouble and time to complete and return the survey.

About half or residents think that there is a problem with litter in the area. Other things that concern residents are flytipping, graffiti and dumped cars (12-16%). Up to 90% of residents use the council's kerbside recycling scheme for various types of materials.

Only about one in three use local bus services. It seems that car owners do not use the services because there is no need to. But residents should realise that bus companies will only continue to offer services if people use them; so it would be great if some people made a deliberate decision some days to leave the car in the garage and use the bus. Remember, use it or lose it! 45% of people use the train service some times. About a quarter use the air services from Newquay. 87% think that cheap air travel is good for the Cornish economy; but nearly half think that they are not good for the environment. 61% think that there may have to be some restrictions on car travel in the future. Half would like to see more spent on walking and cycling facilities.

On the question of power generation in Cornwall, only 11-19% would like to see an oil, gas or nuclear power station in the county. A significant majority would like to see alternative power generation capacity in Cornwall: land-based wind power is supported by 63%, offshore wind by 67%, wave/tidal by 67% and energy from waste by 73%. Food for thought!

About a quarter of residents expressed an interest in receiving more information about saving energy in their homes or about renewable energy generation in the home.

On international issues, two-thirds of residents are not happy with either George Bush or Tony Blair when it comes to environmental issues.

Local councillors Roy Gill, Malcolm Brown and Sue Blaylock (Restormel) and Jackie Bull (Cornwall County) thank all those residents who responded and promise to take these views into account when environmental issues are decided on in the council chambers.