Old Arley Residents Society was formed with the aim of representing and promoting the interests of the residents of the village, and improving conditions in the area as a whole. It came into being in 2007 after North Warwickshire Borough Council proposed to develop the open space on Rectory Road without consulting local residents. With the support of the villagers and the Parish Council we were able to persuade the Borough Council to negotiate a more appropriate settlement, which includes leaving one third of the site protected in perpetuity as a Village Green, for the use of the people of the village.

 *Click here for a detailed review of the Rectory Road campaign.

We are currently organising support for the local medical centre to ensure that they do not lose their right to dispense medicines; an important service in a rural area where many residents would find difficulty in travelling to a pharmacy in another village.

Old Arley Residents Society is also leading a campaign to get the pavilion which used to stand on the Recreation Ground, and which was demolished a few years ago, replaced. We envisage a building containing changing rooms, and a community room with a balcony and a kitchen which can be used by cricket teams.

OARS, as the society is known, tries to represent the views of villagers. To this end we always consult the residents of Old Arley by giving out questionnaires and going door to door to find out what people think. We know that it is very important not to make assumptions about villagers’ opinions but rather to ask directly, to ensure that we are clearly articulating the views of the people of Old Arley.

 Nov. 2009