Pattern and content of the settlement (continued)

features of the village and should not be encroached upon. The use of existing land for agriculture is important both in and around the village. The water meadows (including Church Meadow, the land north of the Church Path with its majestic lime trees) and other open spaces within the village are vital to its character and should be preserved. In any future development, care should be taken to protect these important open spaces and the views they permit. The natural environment of the village should be protected as far as possible. It is suggested that the Pillhill Brook valley and the water meadows should be maintained as open spaces. The further conversion of open water meadow into enclosed gardens, which has occurred in Little Ann, should be avoided

Amenities

Many of the amenities in the village - the war memorial hall, the post office and shop, The Eagle (with its function room and skittle alley in the 1865 barn), the school and church - are important landmarks and their close proximity to each other in the village centre encourages a sense of community. It is essential for the future of the village that these facilities remain. In Little Ann there is an engineering works, café, garage and the Poplar Farm Inn. The sports field at Bulbery has a football pitch and netball area and there is a football pitch on the school field. The sports field provides the location for the annual village fete, whippet racing, Guy Fawkes night celebrations and sporting events but is still underused. It could accommodate a tennis court if this was desired. There are a number of public benches located within the village. There are posting boxes in Cattle Lane, Little Ann and Red Rice Road and the traditional red telephone kiosk is in keeping with the character of the village. There is a recycling centre in the Poplar Farm Inn car park. Posts carrying overhead electricity and telephone cabIes detract from the pleasant rural picture. The present schemes to bury these cables underground should be encouraged, and further schemes to extend this initiative would further enhance the appearance of the village.

The school in the village is highly valued; it has limited space on its present site, and is unfortunately situated separate from its own playing field. Children use the small recreation area on the sport field, whilst The Drove is a popular play and meeting area, and n the north part of the village there is play equipment at the War Memorial Hall.