This month, the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group are seeking your views on two issues that residents have raised with us, namely buses and passenger transport and the lack of a post office.
You can complete both surveys on the Parish Council website at stleonardsparishcouncil.gov.uk
Alternatively, for a copy, email office@stleonardsparishcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01425 482727
Parish Bus and Passenger Transport Survey
We are launching a new Bus and Transport Survey to better understand local transport needs across St Leonards and St Ives.
At present, bus provision within the parish is uneven. While parts of the parish are served by the No. 38 route, areas south of the A31 have no bus service at all. We have also heard from residents that the current timetable does not always meet local needs, particularly in the afternoons and early evenings.
Reliable transport is essential for accessing employment, education, GP appointments, shopping, rail connections and social activities. It is also important for residents who do not drive or who prefer not to rely entirely on private cars.
As part of our wider infrastructure work, we need clear evidence of local demand. Decisions about bus services are influenced by demonstrated need and available funding. If improvements are to be considered under Dorset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, for example, we must show where gaps exist and what type of provision would be most appropriate.
The survey asks residents:
- Whether they currently have access to a convenient bus service
- Whether transport limitations have affected their ability to attend work, appointments or activities
- What journeys would improved transport support
- Whether extended afternoon or early evening services would be used
- Whether alternative options, such as a local shuttle or bookable minibus, might better meet needs in unserved areas
We encourage residents from all parts of the parish — north and south of the A31 — to complete the survey. Your responses will help ensure that any future discussions about transport provision are based on clear local evidence.
Please take a few minutes to have your say.
Parish Mobile Post Office Survey
We are exploring whether there is sufficient local demand for a Mobile Post Office to visit St Leonards and St Ives once or twice per week.
Access to Post Office services remains important for many residents. Whether it is posting parcels, returning online purchases, buying stamps, accessing banking services, or handling official documents, these facilities continue to play a valuable role in everyday life. For some residents — particularly those without easy access to transport — travelling to neighbouring towns can be inconvenient and time-consuming.
Before formally approaching Post Office Ltd to request an outreach service, we need to demonstrate clear evidence of local demand. Decisions about mobile services are based on usage levels, population size and demonstrated community need. The stronger the evidence, the stronger the case.
The survey asks residents:
- Whether they currently use Post Office services
- Where they currently travel to access them
- Whether a Mobile Post Office in the parish would be used
- What services would be most valuable
- How frequently should a visiting service operate
Even if you only use Post Office services occasionally, your response will help us understand the level of demand across the parish.
If the results show sufficient support, the Parish Council will use this evidence to make a formal request for a visiting service.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your feedback will help us determine whether this is a viable and worthwhile service for our community.
