A PLAN for improvements to life in Baildon will now be updated after a successful survey of residents' views by the town council.

Baildon Town Council has adopted an update to its existing plan based on findings from a questionnaire completed by 442 residents.

Described as a "springboard for the next four years", top of the list of local priorities is a call to tackle crime, promote community safety and curb nuisance quad bikers.

The original Baildon Plan was put together four years ago after consultations with residents and was adopted by the town council in 2011.

Results of that policy included creating the popular Farmers’ Market, the refurbishment of Southcliffe Drive playground and paying for new equipment at Dewhirst Lane and by establishing ‘Baildon Buddies‘, a weekly social gathering for older, isolated, residents.

This fresh look at local needs shows that the issue with the highest overall priority ratings was ‘promoting crime prevention and community safety.’

That is closely followed by maintaining the town's library, encouraging community events and cutting nuisance from quad bikes and off-road bikes.

Other issues include improving play areas and parks, protecting green spaces, tackling litter and supporting local businesses and job creation.

Chris Flecknoe, chairman of Baildon town council said: "This update a very useful springboard for the next four years.

"We're very grateful to everyone that took the time and trouble to let us know their views.

"It's pleasing to find a high level of confirmation that the issues and activities on which the town council and other agencies in Baildon have been focusing, are endorsed by local residents."

May 2015 will mark the start of a new four year term and the council decided that now was the right time to consult residents in order to hand on an updated Baildon Plan.

The annual precept which the town council raises per Band D household is £15.32 and gathers a budget of £105,000.

The information in The Baildon Plan Update will be used to help to guide the town council’s budget-setting during the winter of 2014/15, and its priorities for action in the coming year.

The council will recommend to new town councillors who come into office in May 2015 that this update should be used to help to underpin future decisions.

The 2011 Baildon Plan and the 2014 Baildon Plan Update are both available at baildontowncouncil.gov.uk/baildon_plan.php).