News Archive
A selection of news items from
March 2010 back to October 2007
Evening Surgeries Will Be Available
More Flexibility for People Who Work.
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Evening advice surgeries for people who work will be launched by Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP, Adam Symons, if he is elected in the forthcoming General Election. more on this . . .
Dartmoor Rescue Team to get VAT Payback Grant
Part of Lib Dems Spending Commitments
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Dartmoor Rescue Team will get a VAT payback grant under plans announced by local Lib Dem Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Love Food – Hate Waste
Waste Food From West Devon and Torridge Makes Gas
Monday 22 March 2010
8.3 million tonnes of food is thrown away by
households in the UK every year, causing serious environmental
problems. So Adam Symons, the Chair of the Devon Waste Reduction and
Recycling Committee went to visit the place where some of Torridge’s
food waste goes. more on this . . .
Horrabridge Welcomes Fresh Start
Four Key Principles to make West Devon and Torridge a
fairer place
Saturday 20 March 2010
Horrabridge welcomes local Parliamentary
Candidate for West Devon and Torridge , Adam Symons, this week, as
he meets residents at the village hall, on Saturday 27th at 11am.
more on this . . .
Pledge To Be Full-Time MP
Will Give Up All Other Work If Elected As Local MP
Friday 19 March 2010
The Prospective Lib Dem MP for Torridge and West
Devon, has announced that he will give up all his other work if
elected as the local MP in the forthcoming General Election, widely
predicted to be held on May 6th. more on this . . .
Waste Summit Asks Difficult Questions
Exploring Why People Throw Away So Much Rubbish
Thursday 18 March 2010
A waste summit is being held for school children
across the area to ask some difficult questions about why people
throw away so much rubbish. more on this . . .
Science Block is Lasting Tribute to Des Shadrick
A Replacement for Cramped Conditions
Tuesday 16 March 2010
The newly opened Holsworthy Community College science
block is a ‘lasting tribute to Des Shadrick’ according to fellow
councillor and friend, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Bere Residents Invited to Grill Prospective MP
“Its time for a fresh start”
Sunday 14 March 2010
Residents from the Bere area are invited to come to
hear local Lib Dems Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, at the
Hope Café in Bere Alston on Saturday 20th March.
more on this . . .
Local Authorities Would Get Powers to Tax Second
Homes
Empty Houses Drive up Local House Prices
Saturday 13 March 2010
The Lib Dem Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon
announced today that the Lib Dems would give Torridge District Council and
West Devon Borough Council powers to increase the council tax on second
homes if in government. more on this . . .
Young People Being Forced Out
Lack of Rural Homes and Jobs in Torridge & West Devon
Monday 8 March 2010
A lack of rural homes and jobs is forcing
youngsters out of Torridge & West Devon and other rural areas, warns
local Prospective MP Adam Symons, following the report by the
Commission for Rural Communities on the state of the countryside.
more on this . . .
Bideford Divine Chocalate Carries Message
Buy Fairtrade and Make a Difference to People’s Lives
Friday 5 March 2010
Bideford Baptist Church played host to a visitor from Ghana last night, and enjoyed a masterclass in chocolate growing and ‘twi’, Ghana’s official language.
more on this . . .
Fuel Poverty Crisis in West Devon and Torridge
Need to Invest in Decent Heating and Insulation
Thursday 4 March 2010
West Devon and Torridge suffers the worst fuel poverty in Devon and Cornwall, according to figures obtained by the Lib Dems. more on this . . .
Local Pubs Get Backing From Pint Pulling PPC
Pubs Are Important For Local Communities
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Local Prospective MP, Adam Symons, visited the famous thatched Hoops Inn last week to give his backing to the “I’m backing the Pub” campaign. more on this . . .
Bideford Welcomes Fresh Start
The People Want a Full-Time Local MP
Saturday 27 February 2010
Bideford welcomes local Parliamentary Candidate for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons, next Saturday 6th March, as he meets residents at the Liberal Club at 11am. more on this . . .
Conservatives Would Seek to Halt Appledore Carriers
Plan to Use Break Clauses on Day One in Government
Friday 26 February 2010
Appledore Shipyard could be under threat from an incoming Conservative Government, claimed union leaders yesterday. more on this . . .
Respite Breaks For Carers Under Lib Dems Guarantee
Long Term Solutions to Care in West Devon and Torridge
Thursday 25 February 2010
West Devon and Torridge Carers will gain over a week’s break from caring every year under plans drawn up by the Lib Dems, announced local Prospective MP, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Flawed Post Office Closures End to Sorry Saga
Post Office Failed to Engage Local Residents
Wednesday 24 February 2010
The sorry saga of post office closures in Torridge and West Devon has been closed by the damning findings by Consumer Focus that the Post Office failed to engage local residents. more on this . . .
Tavistock Welcomes Fresh Start
Election to be Fought on Four Key Principles
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Tavistock welcomes local Parliamentary Candidate for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons, this week, as he meets residents at the Tavistock Church Hall, this Saturday at 11am. more on this . . .
Action Needed to Help Epilepsy Sufferers
No Specialist Nurse Available Locally
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Action is needed to help epilepsy sufferers in Northern Devon, according to Torridge District Council's lead member on Health, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Torrington Event Hailed as Success
Adam Symons meets local residents
Monday 22 February 2010
The first of the Lib Dems Prospective MPs public events has been hailed as a huge success. The event, where Adam Symons met local residents, was held at The Plough, in Torrington. more on this . . .
Prospective MP Backs Exeter to Plymouth Rail Line
Backing for CPRE's Call to Reopen the Old Line
Sunday 21 February 2010
Adam Symons, Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, has come out in support of a proposal to reconnect Exeter and Plymouth through Okehampton and Tavistock. more on this . . .
Don’t Forget Local Food Producers
Fairtrade Fortnight Promotes Fair Price
Saturday 20 February 2010
Monday heralds the start of ‘Fairtrade Fortnight’, and Local Prospective MP, Adam Symons, asks people, ‘Don’t forget our local food producers.’ more on this . . .
Famous Torrington By-Election Memorabilia on Show
Concerns of 50 years ago reflect those of today
Thursday 18 February 2010
Memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s Torrington general elections will be on show this Saturday at the Plough. more on this . . .
Buckland Food Festers Reminded Waste Not Want Not
A successful ‘Love the Flavour and Drink’ Festival
Thursday 18 February 2010
Waste not, want not, was the message amid the plenty, as Buckland Abbey, near Tavistock, held a staggering successful ‘Love the Flavour and Drink’ festival yesterday. more on this . . .
Dismay at Proposed Policing Cuts in Devon
Adam Symons Signs Policing Pledge
Monday 15 February 2010
In the week that the Liberal Democrats set out plans to put 3,000 more police out on the beat to cut crime, local Lib Dems Prospective MP, Adam Symons, has voiced his dismay at the proposed policing cuts in Devon. more on this . . .
Fairness at the Heart of the Lib Dems Campaign
Adam Symons to Fight the General Election on Four Key Principles
Sunday 14 February 2010
Adam Symons has announced that he will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make Torridge and West Devon a fairer place. more on this . . .
Prospective MP Grilled by Tavistock Students
Tough Discussion on Issues Facing Young People
Friday 12 February 2010
Students from Kelly College, Tavistock, were given a chance this week to grill Lib Dem Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Recycling Councillor Grilled by Frithlestock WI
WI Ladies Very Keen to Learn More About Recycling
Thursday 11 February 2010
Frithlestock Women’s Institute got a chance to grill Torridge’s lead member for recycling, Adam Symons, about recycling in Torridge, at the Village Hall in Frithlestock this week. more on this . . .
Cold Weather Payments have Residents up in Arms
Princetown is Colder than Plymouth
Thursday 11 February 2010
Princetown residents expressed their frustration to West Devon and Torridge Prospective MP Adam Symons this week that nothing was being done to help them get cold weather payments. more on this . . .
‘Political Suicide’ Decision Leaves Everyone ‘Worse Off’
‘Exeter only’ option is the most expensive
Wednesday 10 February 2010
News of the Secretary of State’s decision to turn Exeter into a unitary council will leave everyone 'worse off', according to Devon’s Waste Recycling and Reduction Committee Chair, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Harbour is Hope for Lost Souls
Lunchtime Dinner on Homelessness Sunday
Tuesday 9 February 2010
On Homelessness Sunday, St. Mary’s Church in Bideford played host to Harbour, a charity set up to provide hope for people in homeless situations and in need. more on this . . .
Princetown Police Pledge Made
Prospective MP Pledges to Ensure Modern Day Policing Standards
Monday 8 February 2010
Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons, was in Princetown at the weekend to sign up to the ‘Real Policing Pledge’. more on this . . .
Support for Appledore Welcomed
Announcement by Gordon Brown of Government Committment
Sunday 7 February 2010
Local Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons, has welcomed the announcement by Gordon Brown that the Government is committed to two new aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy. more on this . . .
Not a Single Post Office Will Close
Campaign to turn Post Offices into Community Hubs
Friday 5 February 2010
Local Prospective MP, Adam Symons announced today that the Lib Dems would not allow a single Post Office to close in Torridge and West Devon. more on this . . .
World Cancer Day
Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world
Monday 2 February 2010
Lead Member for Health at Torridge District Council Adam Symons is marking World Cancer Day on Wednesday 4th February this year by asking residents not to delay - see their doctor today - if they think they have a problem. more on this . . .
Lighthouse Closure Will ‘Be Resisted’
Hartland Point Lighthouse keeps shipping safe
Sunday 17 January 2010
Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP, Adam Symons, has vowed to resist the closure of one of the areas most famous landmarks, Hartland Point Lighthouse. more on this . . .
England’s first Maritime Conservation Zone
Prospective MP welcomes designation of sea around Lundy Island
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Liberal Democrats Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons, has warmly welcomed the designation of the sea around Lundy Island as a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). more on this . . .
Rural Schools Getting a ‘Raw Deal’
Many government grants only open to schools in major towns and cities
Monday 4 January 2010
Rural schools in Torridge and West Devon receive much less cash than their urban counterparts – even though poorer rural teenagers often perform worse. more on this . . .
Huge Swing as New Councillor Elected in Tavistock
Vows to Oppose Urbanisation of Tavistock
Tuesday 15 December 2009
A new councillor was elected in Tavistock on Thursday, vowing to oppose the urbanisation of Tavistock as the council is set for a key vote on West Devon’s core strategy. more on this . . .
A Big Win for Lib Dems in West Devon
Kirstie Clish-Green takes Tavistock South
Friday 11 December 2009
A big thank you to everyone who helped yesterday. The Tavistock South seat is one we have not held for 16 years!! more on this . . .
Post Office Banks Welcomed
But too Late to Save Our Communities
Monday 7 December 2009
The government’s announcement that rural Post Office branches would provide bank accounts has been welcomed by local Prospective MP Adam Symons, but he has warned that it is ‘too little, too late.’ more on this . . .
Market Towns miss out on ‘Christmas Bonus’
Only Torbay gets any funding in Devon
Sunday 6 December 2009
Market towns in Torridge and West Devon such as Bideford, Holsworthy and Tavistock have again missed out on the Government’s Real Help Now scheme, which helps reopen or re-use empty shops. more on this . . .
Schools Federation Roaring Success for Tavistock
Benefits from Cooperation
Saturday 5 December 2009
The federation of two schools in Tavistock was given the thumbs up this week as local Prospective MP for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons, handed out awards to star pupils. more on this . . .
Appledore Shipyard Beacon for Local Industry
Thirty new apprentices recruited
Friday 4 December 2009
Appledore Shipyard has been called a ‘shining light’ for local industry following a visit to the new ‘super aircraft carrier’ construction site by local Prospective MP Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Giant ‘Helping Hand’ from Rural Communities Alliance
Putting a Stop to Over-Development
Monday 30 November 2009
On Saturday the newly formed RURAL COMMUNITIES ALLIANCE (RCA) gave local residents a ‘helping hand’ to stop the over-development of Tavistock and Okehampton. A specially sculpted giant hand was on show to symbolise the struggle of rural communities. more on this . . .
Welcome for Restraint on Water Bills
Increase Below the Rate of Inflation
Friday 27 November 2009
There was a cautious welcome to South West Water’s announcement that water bills in the Southwest are set to increase well below the rate of inflation. more on this . . .
Local Tourism could be boosted by targeted VAT Reduction
Other Countries Have Benefited
Wednesday 11 November 2009
Local Prospective MP, Adam Symons, has called on the Government to implement targeted VAT reductions in order to boost visitor numbers in Torridge and West Devon. more on this . . .
New NHS Dental Places For Devon
Campaign brings success in Holsworthy and Tavistock
Friday 6 November 2009
Local Liberal Democrats have succeeded in their
campaign to bring extra NHS dental places to Holsworthy and Tavistock. more on this . . .
Help available for local residents with sight and hearing
loss
See Hear Centre’s first information day
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Over 60 people attended the See Hear Centre’s first
information day in Bideford on Thursday 29th October. The day provided the
opportunity for individuals with impaired sight or hearing, their families and
carers to learn more about the support available to them from the See Hear
centre, other charitable organisations and the local authorities. more on this . . .
Local Drug Issues Highlighted During Huhne Visit
Fear of Crime is Still an Issue
Monday 2 November 2009
Drug issues in Torridge were highlighted by local
Prospective MP, Adam Symons, as the Lib Dem’s shadow Home Secretary visited North Devon this weekend. more on this . . .
Councillor Experiences MS Symptoms
Simulator Replicates Symptoms Associated With MS
Thursday 22 October 2009
THE debilitating symptoms associated with the neurological
disorder multiple sclerosis (MS) became all too clear recently for Adam Symons,
lead member for Health at Torridge District Council.
more on this . . .
Tavistock May Lose World Heritage Site Status
Morwellham Quay Closure Imposes a Threat
Monday 19 October 2009
The status of Tavistock as a World Heritage Site could be
under threat if Morwellham Quay closes for good, warned Torridge and West Devon
Prospective MP Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Sewage Problems Must Be Resolved
South West Water Needs to Take Action
Thursday 15 October 2009
An explanation for the ongoing release of human excrement in
Torrington was sought this week from South West Water by Torridge and West Devon
Prospective MP, Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
Grant for Hartland Village Hall
Money for Remedial Building Work
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Councillor Adam Symons has donated £300 from his Councillor Community
Grant allowance to Hartland Village Hall.
more on this . . .
Councillor Pledges to ‘Love Food Hate Waste’
Benefits our Purses and the Environment
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Torridge District Council’s Lead Member for Waste and Recycling Adam
Symons is supporting the ‘Love Food Hate Waste’ campaign in encouraging
our local residents to waste less food.
more on this . . .
Local Bee Hives Threatened by Disease Spread
Call For More Research
Tuesday 29th September 2009
The spread of a range of foreign bee diseases,
coupled with increasing use of some pesticides, could see the end of
honey production in Torridge & West Devon, warned local Prospective MP
Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Condemnation Over Devon's Morwellham Moment
Funding Cut to Prestigious World Heritage Site
Monday 7th September 2009
Devon County Council’s decision to cut funding to
the prestigious World Heritage Site of Morwellham Quay has been
condemned as ‘short sighted’ by West Devon and Torridge Prospective MP,
Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Local Welcome for ‘Beyond Nimbyism’
Wind Turbine Report
Failure to Listen to Local Anxieties
Thursday 3rd September 2009
A report criticising wind turbine developers for a
failure to listen to local anxieties has been welcomed by the promoter
of local policies to control and manage wind turbine development.
more on this . . .
Government Ignores Torridge Over High Street Revival
Blatant Disregard of the Needs of the South-West
Wednesday 2nd September 2009
A £3million pound Government fund to help hard hit
High Streets has completely ignored the problems in the south-west,
according to Torridge and West Devon PPC, Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
£200 Levy on Local Residents' Bills
Rural Residents Rely on Fossil Fuel
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Residents who rely on fossil fuel to heat their homes in
Torridge and West Devon could be hit with a £200 levy.
more on this . . .
Rural Ageing Concentrated in Torridge
A report from the Cabinet Office Social Exclusion Task
Force shows that rural ageing will happen fastest in Torridge.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
The study, of how fast rural elderly populations will
increase of the next 20 years, was published to highlight the need to develop
services for older people, and to identify innovations in public services that
address the exclusion experienced by older people in rural areas.
more on this . . .
Torridge Residents and Businesses Get Further Boost from
Renewables
Proposed Feed-in Tariff for Microgeneration
Monday 20 July 2009
Businesses and residents in Torridge could be in line to
earn £1000 a year just by installing solar photovoltaic systems on their roofs.
more on this . . .
Devon Should Invest in Shared Taxi Schemes
For Rural People in Rural Areas
Friday 10 July 2009
The Government's rural watchdog, the Commission for Rural
Communities, has welcomed proposals to provide subsidised taxis as public
transport for rural residents. more on this . . .
‘Road of Death’
Campaign Successful in Hartland
Residents Lobby for Change to Speed Limit
Tuesday 30 June 2009
A campaign to improve the safety of the road leading
into Hartland village has proved successful, with new speed limits being
introduced to protect pedestrians. more on this . . .
Welcome for Holsworthy College Investment
Devon Funds New Science and Technology Block
Wednesday 13 May 2009
Local Parliamentary Candidate, Adam Symons, has welcomed
Devon County Council's commitment to fund a new science and technology block at
Holsworthy Community College. more on this . . .
Call to Support Business Rate Relief for Local Businesses
Stop Scheduled Increases in Business Rates
Wednesday 15 April 2009
A call to provide business rate relief for local businesses
suffering from the effects of the credit crunch has been made to the Government
by local Prospective MP Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Scandal of Multiple Jobs
MPs Fail To Attend Important Committee Meetings
Tuesday 14 April 2009
A call to limit local MPs carrying out multiple jobs is
growing as figures released this week show that local backbench MPs are
‘shirking their elected responsibilities.’
more on this . . .
Is Fear Holding You Back?
Mental Health Action Week
Saturday 11 April 2009
This Sunday is the start of Mental Health Action Week, and one local
campaigner is urging people to ‘let go of their fears.’
more on this . . .
Holsworthy Pupils Hold Future in Their Hands
Promoting the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Tuesday 7 April 2009
The future of Devon’s waste was in the hands of 80 secondary
school students during the seventh ‘Don’t Let Devon Go to Waste’ summit
recently. more on this . . .
Beat the Credit Crunch With Real Nappies
And They Are Better for the Environment
Monday 6 April 2009
Opting for washable nappies, rather than disposable
nappies, could help families beat the credit crunch, according to
Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
No Money Allocated For Devon and Cornwall Village Halls
Most Allocations in Midlands and North of England
Thursday 2 April 2009
Torridge and West Devon PPC, Adam Symons, has expressed
surprise that no village halls in Devon and Cornwall are to be funded to be
renovated under the Big Lottery Fund. more on this . . .
Welcome for More Flexibility for Village Development
Government Accepts Almost All Recommendations
Wednesday 1 April 2009
Welcoming the Government’s response on the Taylor review,
local Prospective MP Adam Symons has called on the Government to “provide more
flexibility to keep our villages alive.” more on this . . .
Wind Turbine Policy Promoter Welcomes RSPB Report
Communities Must Play a Role in Identifying
Locations
Wednesday 25 March 2009
The proposer of tough new rules to control on-shore
wind farms in Torridge has welcomed a report by the RSPB which says that
they can be developed ‘without trashing wildlife.’
more on this . . .
Torridge Faces Worklessness Problems
A Real Drag on Our Economy
Tuesday 24 March 2009
Figures releases this week by the Office of National
Statistics show that Torridge has a disproportionately high level of ‘workless
households’.
more on this . . .
“The ‘Perfect Storm’ is a great local opportunity” – Symons
World food production must rise
Friday 20 March 2009
Following the pronouncement by a leading Government
scientist that we are facing a ‘Perfect Storm’, a local Lib Dem has spoken out
about the opportunities available for the local area.
more on this . . .
Devon pupils look to the future at Waste Summit
Adam Symons to Open the Event
Tuesday 17 March 2009
The future of Devon’s waste will be in the hands of 80
secondary school students during the seventh ‘Don’t Let Devon Go to Waste’
summit on Monday 30th March.
more on this . . .
“LANDSLIDE”
New Councillor Elected for Hartland and Bradworthy
Monday 16 March 2009
In the late hours of Thursday night, a new councillor was
elected for Hartland and Bradworthy, with a “landslide” margin.
more on this . . .
Torridge & West Devon ‘Fuel Poverty’ Problem
Worst in South-West
Almost one in five households
in fuel poverty
Friday 27 February 2009
Soaring energy bills have left an estimated 8410 households
in Torridge & West Devon in fuel poverty this winter, according to new figures
highlighted by the Liberal Democrats. more on this . . .
Home Energy Plans Mean Cheaper Bills in Torridge
Lower Fuel Bills and Fewer Emissions
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Plans have been announced to massively increase the energy
efficiency of all homes in Torridge, leading to big savings in energy bills.
more on this . . .
Appledore Fish Dock Boon for Local Industry
New investments in fishing equipment
Tuesday 10 February 2009
The opening of the £3.5 million Appledore Fish Dock was
hailed as a ‘step forward for the local fishing industry in Torridge’, by Lib
Dem Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
Government Action on Post Office Banks Too Little Too Late
Post Offices Have to be Given More Services
Tuesday 3 February 2009
A Government plan to widen the banking services
offered by the Post Office has been slammed as ‘too little, too late’,
by a leading Post Office campaigner.
more on this . . .
Adam Symons Calls For Commission on Rural Poverty
Need to Understand the Complex Issues
Monday 2 February 2009
The South West Lib Dems have agreed to commission a policy
review to understand more of the issues of rural poverty facing people in the
South-west. more on this . . .
West Devon Workers Almost the Lowest Earners in Country
Nearly £10,000 Lower Than the National Average
Saturday 17 January 2009
Figures released this week by the Office of National
Statistics show that West Devon and Torridge workers earn the second lowest wage
in the country, only £9 pounds higher than the lowest.
more on this . . .
Government ‘Blind Spot’ to Low Paid Areas Like Torridge
Workers in Rural Areas Experience Low Pay
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Torridge and West Devon PPC, Adam Symons, has backed up an
influential think tank's report which says that ‘high levels of low
pay....reveal a blind spot in the Government’s....record.’
more on this . . .
MP Sends Off Daisy On Her Travels
‘Love My Devon’ Campaign Begins
Monday 12 January 2009
Daisy, the face of the ‘Love My Devon’ campaign, has
been given a rousing send off this weekend by North Devon MP Nick
Harvey, as she heads off for pastures new.
more on this . . .
Daisy Learns About Recycling
Spreading the Recycling Message Throughout Devon
and the UK
Monday 12 January 2009
On a Friesian cold afternoon, Lead Member for
Recycling Adam Symons met Daisy the Cow.
more on this . . .
Torridge Farms Get New Year Boost For Renewables
Farmers Have Incentives to Generate Their Own Energy
Wednesday 7 January 2009
Torridge parliamentary candidate, and local farmers son,
Adam Symons, has welcomed that news that £10,000 of support could be available
to each farm in Torridge under the South West's Renewables for Farms (R4F)
programme. more on this . . .
Green
New Year Strategy Will Boost Economy in Torridge
Backing Given to
Plans for Investment in Green Schemes
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Firm backing has been given to
plans for investment in green schemes that will make homes warmer, cut energy
bills and improve public transport. The plans, called Green Road out of
Recession, have been welcomed as a New Year strategy to boost the economy in
Torridge.
more on this . . .
Greener Driving Will Save You Cash
And Reduce the Impact on the Environment
Friday 12 December 2008
The local Lib Dems PPC for Torridge and West Devon has given the
thumbs up to a ten point plan which could save motorists a large amount
of cash and reduce the impact on the environment.
more on this . . .
Welcome For Rural Taxis to Replace Bus Services in
Torridge
Shared Taxi Services Could Transform Rural
Transport
Thursday 11 December 2008
A cautious welcome has been given to the idea of
replacing rural bus services in Torridge with taxis. Adam Symons, Lib
Dems Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, said; “We must think of
positive ways we can increase access for people in rural areas.”
more on this . . .
Tax Office Closure Marks Unfortunate Trend
Government does not care about rural areas
5th December 2008
News that Bideford’s tax office will be closed by the summer
of 2010 has been met with dismay by local parliamentary candidate Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
Queen’s Speech Will Not Help Families
A Wasted Opportunity
Thursday 4 December 2008
The Government’s plans for new laws will do little to help
hard-pressed families in Torridge and West Devon claims local Lib Dems
Parliamentary Candidate, Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Free Childcare For Every Family in Torridge & West Devon
Benefit From New Proposals
Wednesday 3 December 2008
Children and parents in Torridge & West Devon will benefit
from new proposals for free childcare for every family, according to Torridge
and West Devon Lib Dem PPC Adam Symons. more on this . . .
Water Quality Success Welcomed
Clean Beach and Bathing Water
Tuesday 2 December 2008
Hartland Quay has passed a major quality test which shows
that the bathing water is of a good quality, suitable for swimming.
more on this . . .
Ruby Country Can Be Model For Rest Of World
Localism Is Going To Become Increasingly Important
Wednesday 26 November 2008
“Ruby Country can be a model for the rest of the world”, was
the message from Local Councillor Adam Symons, at the second annual Ruby Country
Lecture at Bratton Clovelly last night. more on this . . .
Government Urged to Abandon Loss of Rural GPs’ Rights to
Dispense
Proposals do not provide any benefits to patients
Monday 24 November 2008
Adam Symons, Lib Dem PPC for West Devon and Torridge has
urged the Government to abandon controversial proposals that would make life
more difficult for rural patients in Torridge.
more on this . . .
Lib Dems Will Reopen Tavistock Line With No Housing ‘Bribe’
Injection of Additional Funding Into the Public Transport
System
Thursday 20 November 2008
The Lib Dems today announced that they will reopen the
Tavistock to Bere Alston railway line without the need for extra housing in
Tavistock. more on this . . .
BT 'Sabotaging' Phone Lines to Save Money
Stopping Access to Broadband
Wednesday 19 November 2008
BT has been accused today of “deliberately sabotaging”
resident’s phone lines in Torridge & West Devon in order to reduce their running
costs, by local Lib Dem Prospective MP, Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
Labour U-turn on Post Office Card Account
Welcome for Government Change of Mind
Saturday 15 November 2008
Liberal Democrats in West Devon have welcomed a decision by
the Government to abandon proposals to hand over the payment of pensions and
benefits from post offices to a private company.
more on this . . .
Relief for Local Post Offices
They Will Continue to Operate Post Office Card Accounts
Friday 14 November 2008
Post Offices in Torridge and West Devon were breathing a
sigh of relief today as the Post Office finally won its long-running battle to
continue distributing pensions and social security payments.
more on this . . .
Digital Disaster for
Westward Ho!?
Residents Receive Digital Signals Only
From Wales
Thursday 6 November 2008
Thousands of local residents are in danger of being
left “in the digital dark” in the move to a new TV age, Adam Symons
warned today. more on this . . .
Plans to Charge to Compost Labelled as ‘Bonkers’
Changes to the Waste Management Licensing Regulations
Friday 31 October 2008
Plans to charge local schools and community groups that
compost has been labelled as ‘bonkers’ by the lead Councillor for recycling in
Torridge. more on this . . .
Call for help for Local Small Businesses
Give Them a Fighting Chance to Get Through the Recession
Thursday 30 October 2008
Adam Symons, Lib Dems PPC for Torridge and West Devon has
called for the Government to implement plans to help small businesses survive
the looming recession. more on this . . .
Climate Change Bill Will Mean Jobs For Torridge
Targets Will Drive Forward Innovation
Tuesday 28 October 2008
“Today marks a significant shift in our energy
supplies, and the health of the Torridge economy”, was the verdict from Adam
Symons, Lib Dems PPC for Torridge and West Devon.
more on this . . .
£1.1 Million Investigation Into Grey And Pleasant Land
Welcomed At Rural Health Conference
Wednesday 22 October 2008
A £1.1 million detailed investigation into the rural elderly
was welcomed by Torridge and West Devon’s PPC Adam Symons, at West Devon’s Rural
Health Conference today. more on this . . .
Welcome for Housing ‘Protection’ for Local Families
Ensuring Affordable Housing is Retained
Wednesday 15 October 2008
“Government is starting to recognise the scale of the rural affordable
housing crisis” said Adam Symons, Lib Dem PPC for Torridge and West Devon, in
response to a consultation on ‘protecting’ houses for local families.
more on this . . .
Campaign to Improve Schools Transport
North Devon Children are Disadvantaged
Friday 10 October 2008
North Devon children are disadvantaged by a lack of public
transport and rising fuel costs, reveals a study. Councillors and parents joined
together today to launch a campaign to improve school transport.
more on this . . .
Concerns Expressed Over Wharf Treatment
Council Overlooks Opportunity to Increase Facilities
Thursday 9 October 2008
Concerns were expressed today about the treatment that the
Wharf cultural centre has received at the hands of West Devon Borough Council.
more on this . . .
Affordable Housing Waiting Lists Soar
More Affordable Homes Urgently Needed
Wednesday 8 October 2008
The number of people waiting for an affordable rural home
has soared, suggest new figures released this week by the National Housing
Federation and CPRE. more on this . . .
Lib Dems Seek to Protect Wind Turbine Refugees
Motion Proposes a Separation Distance
Saturday 4 October 2008
Local Lib Dems are seeking to protect residents from the
impact of on-shore wind turbines through a motion to Torridge District Council (TDC).
more on this . . .
Local Food Businesses Expand Despite Crunch
People really Do Value Good Food
Thursday 25 September 2008
The only crunch you could hear on Wednesday was the sound of
happy foodies, as the best of West Devon’s food businesses showed their wares at
West Devon Food and Drink event at Brimpts Farm near Two Bridges, Dartmoor. more on this . . .
Stop This Harassment!
TV Licensing Causing Distress
Wednesday 24 September 2008
TV Licensing has been accused of harassing vulnerable
members of the community, as residents of Torridge receive multiple threats that
enforcement action will be taken against them.
more on this . . .
Cycling Councillor Warns of Rural Transport Fears
Continuing Decline in Rural Services
Sunday 21 September 2008
“People in rural Devon lack adequate access to public
transport”, a local councillor, has warned, as he gets on his bike this Monday
to celebrate National Car Free Day. more on this . . .
Day Centres Could Save NHS Cash
Health Benefits from caring and socialising
Friday 19 September 2008
“Day centres could save the NHS cash”, was the message that
District Councillor Adam Symons took away after visiting the Holsworthy Day
Centre this week. more on this . . .
‘Complete Sham’ of Post Office
Consultation
Support For Special Inquiry
Tuesday 16 September 2008
Local Lib Dems have reinforced calls for a special inquiry
is to investigate the government's handling of plans to close 2,500 post
offices. more on this . . .
Little Footsteps Go a Long Way In Bradworthy
Raising Money For The Children’s Hospice South West
Friday 22 August 2008
With their vision of ‘Making the most of short and precious
lives’, fundraisers from Little Footsteps stopped off at Bradworthy today to
join a fundraising coffee morning. more on this . . .
Community Sports Will Set Tavistock Up For Future Success
New Facilities Will Give Local Children The Opportunities
To Excel
Monday 18 August 2008
The new £3 million community sports development planned for
Tavistock will be a “massive boost for the community and will set Tavistock
children up for future Olympic success.” more on this . . .
Housing Downturn Hitting Local Affordable Homes
Housing Needs Are Still Acute
Sunday 17 August 2008
“The housing downturn is threatening plans to increase the
number of affordable rural homes” according to Adam Symons, Lib Dem
Parliamentary Spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon.
more on this . . .
Could This Be The End of Postal Deliveries in Devon?
Rural Communities Could Be Left Without a Postal Service
Friday 15 August 2008
Fears are growing that more rural communities could be left
without a postal service after Royal Mail scrapped deliveries to a remote hamlet
in the Yorkshire Dales. more on this . . .
Consultation on Future of National Park Members Welcomed
Potential for Direct Election of Members
Tuesday 12 August 2008
A Government consultation on the make-up of National Parks
members has been welcomed by West Devon and Torridge PPC Adam Symons.
more on this . . .
PPC Cuts Above the Rest
Sees the Difficulties for Upland Farmers
Sunday 3 August 2008
Adam Symons, Local Lib Dem PPC for West Devon & Torridge,
showed that he is a cut above the rest, by shearing a lamb at Greenwell Farm, as
part of National Parks Week. more on this . . .
Drake’s Safe Passage to Plymouth Assured
Crowndale Bridge Opened
Saturday 2 August 2008
A new Tavistock Landmark, dedicated to Crowndale’s most
famous son, has been unveiled by the County Council this week.
more on this . . .
£3.8 Million ‘Massive Funding Boost’
Fantastic News for Torridge and North Devon
Wednesday 30 July 2008
“This is a massive boost for Torridge and North Devon”, said
Adam Symons, Lib Dems Parliamentary Spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon, on
news that the Regional Selection Panel has approved an indicative allocation of
£3.8million for the Leader 4 Torridge & North Devon Programme. more on this . . .
Dark Cloud to Dartmoor Celebrations
Taylor report sends a stark message
Tuesday 29 July 2008
The celebration of National Parks Week on Dartmoor this week
has been overshadowed by the release of the Taylor report, which has called on
trialling the restriction of use of full-time homes as second homes or holiday
lets in National Parks. more on this . . .
Affordable Housing Gap is Critical
Bad in West Devon but Worse in Torridge
Friday 25 July 2008
“Affordable housing is one of the most important issues
affecting our area”, said Adam Symons, Lib Dems Parliamentary Spokesperson for
West Devon and Torridge, following publication by the Secretary of State for
Housing of the expected house-building levels for Torridge and for West Devon
over the next 20 years. more on this . . .
Village Anger as Post Office Decision Revealed
Offers of Help to Keep the Post Office Open
Tuesday 22 July 2008
Villagers in Buckland Brewer expressed their anger today as
the Post Office revealed that it was going to shut its post office. Villagers
arrived at the Post Office in the morning to express their support for the
community shop and post office. They were in defiant mood, shaking their fists
at the Post Office sign, and they vowed to fight on.
more on this . . .
Government Gambles With Our Primary Schools
Poor Funding for Devon Schools
Monday 21 July 2008
‘Gambling with our childrens’ future’, is how Lib Dem
Parliamentary Spokesperson for West Devon and Torridge, Adam Symons, called the
Government’s continuing funding squeeze of primary education in West Devon.
more on this . . .
Visitors Could Stop Visiting North Devon
Turned Away by Overgrown and Blocked Footpaths
Friday 18 July2008
“Visitors might stop coming to North Devon” was the stark
message of one councillor at the start of this year’s school summer holidays.
more on this . . .
One in Five Rural Households Dip Below Poverty Line
‘Government Must Help Rural Areas’
Thursday 17 July 2008
Adam Symons, Lib Dem Prospective MP for Torridge and West
Devon called on the Government today to help residents in sparsely populated
rural areas, as a report today showed that one in five rural households are
below the poverty line. more on this . . .
Local Farmers Still Likely to Lose Out
Single Farm Payments Scheme Leaves Thousands Underpaid
Wednesday 16 July 2008
Today saw the publication of the Public Accounts Committee’s
report on the administration of the Single Payment Scheme for farmers in
England. more on this . . .
Wasted Food Targeted at Wood Fair
Good Food Going to Waste
Monday 14 July 2008
Waste food was being targeted at this weekend’s Wood Fair at
Roadford Lake, as Torridge District Council teamed up with Devon County Council
to stop a third of all the food bought being thrown away.
more on this . . .
Parish Upset at Loss of Phone Box Without Consultation
Yet More Phone Boxes to go From North Devon
Friday 11 July 2008
More phone boxes are due to be lost from North Devon, but
these will disappear without anyone knowing, which has upset a local Parish.
more on this . . .
Reorganisation Is One Thing – But Give Councils More Local
Input
Give Local Communities More Power Over Decision Making
Saturday 5 July 2008
This Monday sees the Boundary Commission submit their draft
proposals for the future of local authorities in Devon. A leading local Lib Dem
has called on local authorities not to let this detract from the real issues of
empowering communities and local accountability.
more on this . . .
Fight for Hartland to Go Slow
Need for Lower Speed Limit
Friday 4 July 2008
A local councillor is spearheading a campaign to bring the
speed limit down on a notorious stretch of road which school children walk and
cycle to school on. more on this . . .
Local Businesses Could Die Due to Post
Office Closures
Unintended Consequences of ‘Efficiency
Culture’
Monday 16 June 2008
With the threatened closure of Buckland Brewer post office,
it's not just buying stamps and getting a TV licence that could be lost from the
village. A local resident has warned that the shutting of the post office would
be 'disastrous' for their business.
more on this . . .
Sutcombe Suffers From Closure
Residents adamant that Post Office must not close
Monday 9 June 2008
Sutcombe village hall plays host to the Post Office Network
Change programme this week, as residents get to grill Postwatch and Post Office
Ltd as to why Sutcombe Post Office is closing. more on this . . .
Chance To Address Rural Poverty Welcomed
Unfulfilled potential of Rural Businesses
Friday 6 June 2008
The unfulfilled potential from businesses in rural areas
might be as much as £347 billion per year, according to a report released
yesterday by the Chair of the Commission for Rural Communities.
more on this . . .
Buckland Brewer Rally Around Post Office
Meeting against the closure of village Post Office
Tuesday 3 June 2008
The first of many community meetings is taking place today,
Tuesday, as Buckland Brewer village hall plays host to a meeting to rally
against the closure of the village Post Office. more on this . . .
Morwellham dedicated as World Heritage Mining Site
“Morwellham Could Be Next Eden”
- Adam Symons
Monday 2 June 2008
Saturday saw two events at Morwellham Quay, as
Morwellham was dedicated as a World Heritage Mining Site, together with the
reopening of the restored Great Dock. more on this . . .
Sutcombe Rally Around Post Office
Anger and Bewilderment at Post Office Closure
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Sutcombe villagers turned out in force to rally around their
beleaguered post office, which the Post Office Network has allocated for
closure.
more on
this . . .
Bus Pass Black Hole
Unknown Costs for Councils
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Leading Lib Dems in Torridge and West Devon have called upon
the Government to ensure that council tax payers do not pay the burden for the
concessionary bus pass ‘black hole.’
more on
this . . .
More Pain to Come for Post Offices
But There is Still Hope
Friday 16 May 2008
A message of hope was trumpeted by
local Lib Dems today, on leaked news of proposals to shut post offices
throughout Torridge and West Devon. more on
this . . .
Adapt to the Impacts of Climate
Change
Local Farmers Urged to Take Action
Thursday 15 May 2008
More than half of farmers in the
South West interviewed by Farming Futures, report that they are already affected
by climate change. A leading Lib Dem has called for local farmers to take
action. more on
this . . .
Over-Development Wrecking Tavistock
Sainsbury's Plan for New
Supermarket
Monday 12 May 2008
Described as ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’, the proposed new
Sainsbury’s in Tavistock is causing alarm amongst residents who believe that
Tavistock is ‘being wrecked’ by over-development.
more on
this . . .
Remembering Torrington 50 Years Ago
Stunning Victory by Mark
Bonham-Carter
Sunday 11 May 2008
Torrington Liberal Democrats remembered this weekend the stunning victory 50
years ago that the party had in Torrington, when Mark Bonham-Carter won the
parliamentary by-election. more on
this . .
Waste Champ Cleans Up
Beach cleared of litter
Saturday 10 May 2008
Tens of thousands of items of litter were picked up today, Saturday, as a
team of volunteers scoured Northam Burrows in a bid to clean up the Pebble Ridge
and surrounding area. more on
this . . .
Investment Secured
For Holsworthy
Major extension to the Dobles Lane
Industrial Estate
Tuesday 6 May 2008
A major extension to the Dobles
Lane Industrial Estate in Holsworthy, which should bring 40 new jobs to the
town, has been welcomed by local Lib Dem PPC Adam Symons.
more on
this . . .
Elderly Worry for North Devon
Some carers offer very poor
quality support
Tuesday 29 April 2008
A survey by Age Concern has
identified that most people are worried about how they are going to be treated
as they get older. This is especially important for Northern Devon, where the
number of people over 65 is growing quickly. more on
this . . .
Westden Rises from Ashes
Saved at the last minute by a new
group of trustees
Friday 25 April 2008
West Devon Environmental Network, a
well known local environmental charity, which was threatened with closure due to
lack of funds, has been saved at the last minute by a new group of trustees.
more on
this . . .
Councillors pledge ‘Every Action
Counts in Torridge’
Reducing energy consumption
Monday 21 April 2008
One of the responsibilities of
councillors is to lead from the front, and that is certainly what one councillor
is doing on climate change. Advised by another councillor, who works as an
environmental scientist, Torridge District Councillor Hugo Barton has installed
a solar water heating system on his house. more on
this . . .
Bluetongue Vaccine Set For Summer
‘We
are at the top of the list’
Wednesday 16 April 2008
‘We are
at the top of the list’ was the message from the
local NFU, as local farmers were told that Bluetongue vaccines would be here for
the summer. more on
this . . .
BT Looks to Axe Local Payphones
The majority of villages in
Torridge could lose their payphones
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Under recent plans announced by BT,
the majority of villages in Torridge could lose their payphones. Nearly every
village and town will be affected, as BT seeks to shut down the 50 least
profitable phones. more on
this . . .
Thousands of residents in Torridge
suffer tax grab
Starting rate of income tax
doubled from 10p to 20p
Thursday 10th April 2008
Adam Symons, Parliamentary
Spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon, has launched a stinging attack on the
Government for bringing in tax changes that have increased income tax bills for
thousands of residents of Torridge. more on
this . . .
Thousands say: “Save Our Post
Offices”
Petition Delivered to Downing
Street
Thursday 13 March 2008
A petition of over 50,000
signatures including some from Holsworthy and Bideford calling on Gordon Brown
to reverse his Government’s savage Post Office closure programme was yesterday
delivered to Downing Street. more on
this . . .
Cut Income Tax in Budget
For Torridge and West Devon’s Sake
Tuesday 11 March
2008
Chancellor Alistair
Darling should cut national income tax, paid for by rises in green
taxes, when he delivers his Budget on 12th March, say
Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats.
more on
this . . .
Rural Poverty is not Recognised
Call for an Even
Playing Field for North and West Devon
Monday 10 March 2008
Neither North Devon nor
North Devon are not getting a fair deal, and should have money
redistributed to them by scrapping the Barnett formula.
more on
this . . .
Public must
influence North Devon Health Services
‘The Way Ahead’
is welcome consultation
Saturday 29
February 2008
The lead
Councillor for Health in Torridge has welcomed ‘The
Way Ahead’, a consultation to change health services
in Devon. He also welcomes a commitment from Devon PCT to save community
hospitals. more on
this . . .
Lib Dem backs
Countryside Alliance
Fight to keep our
rural schools open
Monday 24
February 2008
“The Countryside
Alliance is right”, says Adam Symons, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for
Torridge and West Devon. “We must fight to keep our rural schools open.”
more on
this . . .
Bully Off!! say
Residents in Housing Row
No to
development on Hockey Pitch site
Monday 18
February 2008
There was
standing room only as angry residents from the Grenville Drive area of Tavistock
packed into the meeting room of Armada Court yesterday afternoon.
more on
this . . .
Local
Businesses Must Go For Gold
Opportunities
from London 2012
Thursday 14
February 2008
Adam Symons, Lib
Dems Parliamentary spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon is encouraging all
local businesses to boost their business by logging onto the London 2012
website. more on
this . . .
Stunning
Victory for People of Tavistock
Lib Dems win in Tavistock North
Friday 8
February 2008
Last night saw a
stunning victory for the people of Tavistock as local Lib Dems candidate, Adam
Bridgewater, was elected Councillor for Tavistock North with almost 60% of the
vote. Adam pledged to work hard for all the people of Tavistock North, all the
time! more on
this . . .
Lib Dems
trounce Conservatives
Adam
Bridgewater wins Tavistock North
Thursday 7
February 2008
The result of
the by-election for Tavistock North ward of West Devon Borough Council was a
decisive win for the Lib Dems candidate.
Adam Bridgewater (Lib Dems) 812
David Whitcomb (Local Conservative) 425
Myfanwy Cook (Green Party) 133
Local Man
challenges Tories
Support
“in or out”
referendum
Tuesday 29
January 2008
Local Liberal
Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Adam Symons is calling on local
Conservatives to back the campaign for an “in or out”
Euro referendum. more on
this . . .
Patient
Transport in chaos
Councillor
demands action
Monday 21
January 2008
Local Councillor
Adam Symons, and Lead Member for Health at Torridge District Council, has
demanded answers as to why patient transport to hospitals is in such chaos.
more on
this . . .
Popular Former MP Endorses New Man
Launch of campaign for Tavistock North
Sunday 13 January 2008
John Burnett, the previous MP for West Devon and Torridge, has endorsed
the Lib Dems recently selected Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, Adam
Symons. more on
this . . .
Local Party Welcomes New Leader
Locals Hail Clegg as ‘Human’ politician
Thursday 20
December 2007
Local Lib Dems
Parliamentary Spokesperson, Adam Symons, today hailed new leader of the Lib Dems,
Nick Clegg, as one of the few ‘human’ politicians. more on
this . . .
Nick
Clegg's leadership acceptance speech
Region needs fairer share of funds
Adam Symons (PPC) makes the case
Monday 19 November 2007
“Make the ‘playing field level’, and we have the resources and skills to
be great!” That is the message that Adam Symons, Lib Dem Parliamentary
Spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon, sent to the Government this
weekend. more on
this . . .
“A Fair, Free and Green Britain”
Main item for debate at Conference
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Torridge & West
Devon Lib Dems get motion on the agenda for debate as a main item at the
Regional Conference later this month. more on
this . . .
Tavistock makes a difference
Adam volunteers to pick litter
Wednesday 31 October 2007
Never has volunteering been made
so easy as this Friday's 'Make a Difference Day' in Tavistock. Lib Dem PPC for
the area, Adam Symons, will be rolling up his sleeves to pick some serious
litter, and help make Tavistock a better place to live. more on
this . . .
Postal strike continues to hit Local Residents
Paying extra for a poorer
service
Thursday 25 October 2007
News that the backlog from the
postal strike is “one third to one half”
not dealt with as yet comes as no surprise to some Bideford residents. As
complaints continue to be received, the local Parliamentary Candidate asks
“Is this a Government ploy to destroy the postal
service?” more on
this . . .
Councillors survey affordable sites
Focus on Holsworthy area
Monday 22 October 2007
Holsworthy provided a focal point
for a day-long visit to potential affordable housing sites in the area. Local
landowners welcomed councillors on Friday to view potential exception sites, and
get an idea of the viability of each site. more on
this . . .
Affordable Housing Plans for Hartland
Residents have their say
Saturday 20 October 2007
Friday evening saw residents in
the parish of Hartland flocking to come and give their opinions on a proposed
affordable housing development specifically for local people. The design display
gave people the opportunity to view the scheme, and give comments back to the
developers. more on
this . . .
New PPC
Lib Dems Select Local Farmer’s Son
Saturday 13 October 2007
The Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats have selected a local man
to be their representative and to fight the next general election. Son
of a local farmer, Adam Symons takes up the post pledging to fight for a
better lot for an area he maintains has been neglected by successive
governments. more on
this . . .
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