A LACK of affordable housing is the top concern for residents in West Devon, according to the results of a new quality of life survey.
The Action for the Future survey was carried out by award-winning charity WestDEN as part of a wider scheme to create an action plan for the borough?s people and environment.
Affordable housing for young, local people was the biggest issue. Many people suggested the imbalance between local wages and house prices as being to blame for this problem and expressed concern that young people will be forced out of the area.
Concerns were also raised about the loss of sense of community in the district as more facilities disappear from villages.
A large number of people are worried about the area?s environment, more than 75% of people mentioned the topic in their response, and many think environmentally friendly farming should be encouraged.
The survey did not just look at local issues for today, but asked the people of West Devon to think about possible problems the world may face in 20 years? time.
Jeanette Emmett, Action for the Future coordinator, said: ?The response from the public has been fantastic.
?We are really thankful to people for having taken such a great deal of time and care in filling in the forms,? she said.
?The responses certainly build a very detailed picture of some of the most pressing social, economic and environmental issues facing the district in the future.?
This is the second survey of its type carried out by WestDEN.
The last one was taken in 1995 and highlighted a lack of youth involvement in the democratic process and the shortage of local food reaching local stores.
These have since been tackled by the charity and other organisations.
Mrs Emmett said: ?We had very different results from last time. The concern about housing really shows the difference between 1995 and now ? housing has become a major issue.?
The results will be used to form guiding principles and action plans for WestDEN, as extensions to their projects aimed at improving life in the borough and a series of meetings will take place next month to decide on action to be taken.
A bonus for anyone who completed the survey was entry into a prize draw to win a luxury hamper of local produce.
This was won by the Somme family of Chagford and was presented by Torridge and West Devon MP John Burnett at WestDEN?s Tavistock offices last Friday.
Mr Burnett said: ?This has been an imaginative and effective way of drawing out public interest in West Devon?s sustainable future. I congratulate all who took part.?