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analyses. The third part of the project deals with the directions of development of the
town within the functions which are perceived as being socially demanded and, at the
same time, cost-effective.
The available statistical data concerning the social and economic issues in the town
and the region was utilised in course of works on the project. In order to supplement
some data and to gather the evaluation and opinions of the local society of the
functional region a questionnaire survey was carried out. A specially-prepared
questionnaire was distributed among 41 commune self-governments. As many as 28
self-government managed to return the questionnaire with answers. The information
received in this way made it possible to evaluate the scope of bonds between
Włocławek and its vicinity, and to determine the importance of the city for the
residents of adjacent communes for satisfying their needs for services in a range of
fields. The analysis of the information retrieved from the questionnaires facilitated also
the evaluation of the level of competitiveness of Włocławek in comparison with other
centres, and determination of the expectations of residents of the functional region as
far as the development of various services is concerned.
One of the methods utilised during the process of gathering the information necessary
for determining the directions of development of supra-local functions of the city were
meetings with the representatives of the local authorities of towns and communes
included in the functional region.
Moreover, a number discussions, symposiums and conferences attended by
representatives of various business and social organisations, as well as the academic
environment of Włocławek were held. The co-operation with the local authorities of
Włocławek was of special importance. The local self-government of Włocławek was
simultaneously working on the strategy of development of the city, and started to
elaborate the study of preconditions and directions for spatial management
development.
The Results
Delimitation of the Functional Area of the City and the
Scope of Internal Connections
The basis for carrying out any analysis was determining the zone of impact of
Włocławek on the neighbouring areas. The data on this subject was taken from
available statistics, information included in the questionnaires returned from
communes and social consultations. Delimitation of the area was carried out on the
basis of the main functions of and forms of influencing the vicinity by the town which
were identified beforehand. The following issues were the basis of the delimitation
process:
Employment
Shuttle-like migrations connected with local residents of communes and neighbouring
counties commuting to their work places in Włocławek constituted the subject of the
analysis. On the basis of the number of monthly travel cards for both bus and railway
transport the main directions of migration, as well as, the number of regular
commuters was established. In this way, the range and intensity of travels were
assessed, which resulted in identifying the zone of the town’s influence in the field.
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