Love It, Hate It, Shape It – Doddington: What We’ve Learned

Why this matters

The LIHISI project began with a simple but powerful idea: local people are the experts in their own communities.

Through the summer and autumn of 2025, we invited residents of Doddington — whether they live, work, study or regularly visit — to share their views on the village. People were asked what they appreciate about Doddington, what they feel could be improved, and what they would like to see changed in the future.

Many residents told us they heard about the survey through Doddington Diary, which helped spread the word locally and encourage people to take part.

Now that the surveys have closed and responses have been analysed, we are sharing some of the key themes that emerged from the feedback. This stage is about understanding what residents told us and highlighting the areas that were mentioned most often.

What people value about Doddington

Community spirit and neighbourliness

Many respondents highlighted the friendly and welcoming nature of the village. People spoke about a strong sense of community where neighbours look out for one another and where residents feel connected to their surroundings.

Peace, green spaces and rural character

Residents frequently mentioned the quiet and rural atmosphere of Doddington as something they value. The surrounding green spaces, slower pace of life and general sense of calm were described as important parts of what makes the village appealing.

A small, local community feel

Several respondents commented that maintaining the village’s small and community-focused character is important. Even when discussing improvements or new amenities, many residents emphasised that any changes should respect the scale and identity of the village.

Together, these themes – community spirit, green surroundings and a sense of calm — form part of what residents most want to preserve.

What residents say could be improved

Across both open feedback and structured questionnaire responses, several concerns appeared consistently:

Footpaths, pavements and accessibility

Issues relating to pavements and accessibility were the most frequently mentioned concern. Residents described footpaths as narrow, uneven, overgrown or sometimes blocked by parked vehicles.

Overgrown hedges and uneven surfaces can make walking more difficult, particularly for people using mobility aids, pushchairs or wheelchairs. Even respondents who felt it was generally easy to move around the village often noted that pavements could be unsafe or difficult in places.

Road safety, traffic and parking

Residents also raised concerns about speeding traffic, poor visibility at junctions and a lack of safe crossing points, particularly near busy roads and school areas.

Parking was frequently mentioned as a factor that makes walking more difficult and reduces pedestrian safety.

Limited public transport

Public transport was another common topic.. Some residents described bus services as infrequent or poorly timed, making it difficult to rely on them for regular travel.

For people without access to a car, including teenagers, older residents or families, this can make it harder to reach nearby towns, services or employment opportunities.

Activities and opportunities for young people

Many respondents said there are limited activities or facilities for young people within the village. Feedback mentioned broken or outdated play equipment.

Several residents suggested that more community spaces, social events or youth-focused activities could help provide opportunities for younger residents to connect and take part in village life.

Village upkeep and local amenities

Residents also commented on general village maintenance, including overgrown vegetation, littering and the condition of some public spaces.

There was also interest in having more local amenities, such as small shops, cafés or community meeting places, as well as greater support for local businesses and services.

Sarah Hall, who helped bring the project together, said “As local Communities Officer for Support Fenland, it was a real privilege to work in Doddington and learn more about what happens there and the people who live and work there.  The survey responses reinforced what was already known about the village, but also brought up a few surprises. It highlighted actions and improvements for the community to work on  for the benefit of all living and working there.  Many thanks to Doddington Diary for publishing it, the two local shops and the pub, for collecting the responses, the Parish Council for their support and of course, the people of Doddington for taking part.”

Ideas and suggestions from residents

The survey responses included a wide range of ideas and suggestions. While opinions varied, several themes appeared frequently across the feedback.

Common suggestions included:

Youth and community activities

• Youth clubs or spaces for teenagers

• Hobby groups, craft sessions and fitness activities

• Family-friendly events

Transport and connectivity

• More frequent or reliable bus services

• Better links to nearby towns

• Improved cycling and walking routes

Footpaths and accessibility

• Pavement repairs and maintenance

• Management of overgrown hedges and vegetation

Road safety

• Speed reduction measures

• Safer crossing points

• Parking management

Local amenities

• Café or informal meeting space

Village appearance

• Improved maintenance of public areas

• Additional bins and signage

Community communication

• Noticeboards or information points

• Outreach to different age groups, including young people and older residents

Almost every respondent offered at least one idea or suggestion when asked about potential improvements, showing a high level of interest in the future of the village.

What the feedback tells us

The responses suggest that residents care deeply about their village and want to see its positive qualities protected while addressing practical challenges.

Several themes appeared repeatedly in the feedback:

• Accessibility and safety concerns, particularly relating to pavements and road safety

• Transport and connectivity issues

• Interest in more youth activities and community events

• A strong appreciation for the village’s community spirit and rural character

These findings help provide a clearer picture of how residents experience the village and what matters most to them.

As we move forward, the next steps for Love It, Hate It, Shape It will involve working with the local Parish Council to explore what changes are possible, realistic and community led. These conversations are an important part of turning local insight into practical action, ensuring that any future developments reflect the needs and priorities of residents.

We’ll continue to share updates as this work progresses and we’re excited to bring Love It, Hate It, Shape It to another Fenland community in 2026. Stay tuned to see where we go next.