Over 200 people took the chance to vote for their favourite proposals for inclusion in the area’s 5-year Community Action Plan and have a say on which projects should win a share of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s £20,000 participatory budget.

Five key themes which emerged from the survey and stakeholder interviews were, Housing, the Environment and Village Appearance, Recreation Facilities and Amenities, and Parking, Roads and Transport.

There was Interesting feedback on all the themes with lots of praise for local groups and clubs already providing activities, and calls to make it a priority that these groups are sustained and supported.

There was strong focus on improvements to local play areas for children, from the school playground to the local play parks and in particular many people wanted to see the development of Humbug Park as an outdoor recreation area for all ages.

The work of local Greenfingers group was recognised as having had a great impact on local areas and there was a lot of interest in them continuing to develop more floral displays around the village.

On the theme of village appearance people were keen to come together to tackle litter and dog fouling.

Steering Group member, Robert Arnott, said, “We were absolutely delighted with the turnout and the fact that everyone had such a positive approach to the survey.

“We now have lots of good ideas and projects to work on, which means the five year action plan will have a really positive focus that truly reflects local views” Nicky Wilson, Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said, “It is great to see Crossgates residents taking such an active and positive interest in the Coalfields Community Futures programme. I am sure the Community Action plan will reflect that level of public involvement."

The Action Plan is due to be published in the early stages of 2015.