VILLAGE life in the beauty-spot of Oswaldkirk is in line for a boost thanks to a community plan drawn up by residents and the parish meeting (correct).

An initial plan to explore ways of improving the village was produced in 2005, said the parish clerk, Mark Clook (correct), which resulted in several improvements for the 200 residents, among them introduction of traffic calming measures, planning decision making, and winning the prestigious Calor Gas Village of the Year Award.

Now, the 120 households have come forward with a new list of ideas to enhance Oswaldkirk, with the village hall topping the list where residents have called for various improvements including action to upgrade the kitchen and toilets, provision of new tables and chairs, outdoor lighting, more windows, and better storage facilities.

But said Mr Clook, a plan to extend the village hall has been given the thumbs down.

The village playground is also singled out for improvement with facilities for both adults and children, while 45 per cent of residents who responded highlighted the condition of public footpaths around Oswaldkirk, suggesting improvements at the Millennium Footpath where it is said it has become overgrown and made hazardous by barned wire, Jacob's Ladder and the need for more steps, pavements in the Main Street, Manor View and St Oswald's Close which they say are in a poor condition.

Poor mobile phone and broadband coverage is a major issue says villagers who also want to see improvements to the village website.

Led by Maggie Farey of Rural Action Yorkshire, the information gathered in the survey has now b een collated into an action plan to be taken on board by various Oswaldkirk organisations.

"It provides us with a useful guide of what people want in the village," said Mr Clook, especially so far as the village hall is concerned.

One improvement in the village has been the restoriation of its now-non functioning 1938 class telephone kiosk, which, despite no longer in working order, still retains the old style A and B buttons to make calls. While Oswaldkirk no longer has a shop, it has two churches, the parish Church of England's St Oswald's and the Catholi church of St Aidan, as well as a pub, The Malt Shovel.

Said Maggie: "The enthusiasm and response from the residents of Oswaldkirk was excellent and they have worked hard to produce the plan. Such plans a great asset to a village community, giving people a say in how they can influence local life and facilities. It's grass roots democracy in action and is an excellent way of bringing a community together."