Hitchin Forum needs your help if you think Priory Fields should be retained as it is, rather than becoming a housing development. They say:
"A central plank of the argument against the development of Priory Fields as a site for housing is that it is attractive green belt, affording recreational opportunities for the people of Hitchin and nearby settlements. However, we have no data on the extent to which the area is used. We therefore intend to carry out an investigation to attempt to quantify this.
"We would like to carry out surveys for three 90 minute sessions each day on Tuesday 30th September, Thursday 2nd October and Sunday 5th October. Sessions would be from 07.00 – 08.30, 12.15 to 13.45, and 17.00 to 18.30. There would be 4 checkpoints, and we anticipate that we would like to have 2 people at each to ask passers-by a few questions and record responses, making a total of 8 people per 90 minute session.
"It would be useful to attend a briefing meeting beforehand over the weekend of 27th/28th September. At the meeting we will issue questionnaires, recording forms and discuss general approach. There will be an opportunity to ask questions.
"If you would be able to help by manning a checkpoint, we would love to hear from you. Please complete and copy the response form below and paste it into an email addressed to prioryfieldssurvey@gmail.com, and we will get back to you with further details."
