Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats
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Graham Watson MEP
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Adam Symons NewsFor more information on any of the news items below contact Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470
Public must influence North Devon Health Services‘The Way Ahead’ is a welcome consultationSaturday 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. Speaking after Devon’s Health & Adult Overview and Scrutiny Committee had reviewed the document, Adam Symons, who represents Torridge on this committee, called on the public to make sure that they put their views forward on how North Devon’s health services should be improved. “I welcome this consultation, as it sets out the need to decentralise health services to communities. I support this, as I know that my local communities want more services closer to their homes, and in their Doctor’s surgeries. “I am also pleased to say that during the meeting, we sought assurances from the Chief Executive of the PCT that community hospitals would not be closed. He has made a commitment that there will be no community hospital closures in Devon while he is Chief Executive. That is great news for places like Torrington and Holsworthy. In fact, I hope that this will mean that they get more services transferred to them from the acute hospitals such as Derriford in Plymouth.” If you want to find out more about the consultation, or respond to the plans put forward by the PCT and Devon County Council, call 0845 155 1012 or email .
Lib Dems back Countryside AllianceFight to keep our rural schools openMonday 24 February 2008 “The Countryside Alliance is right”, says Adam Symons, Lib Dems Parliamentary Spokesperson for Torridge and West Devon. “We must fight to keep our rural schools open.” This message was in response to the Countryside Alliance report that indicated 219 schools with fewer than 100 pupils, many of which are in rural areas, have shut since 1997. The report indicated that rural school closures continue to cause problems for parents and children in rural areas, with only 71% of rural households within 15 minutes of a primary school. This report comes hot on the heels of Devon County Council's announcement that Councillors are considering allocating almost £235 million on improving and replacing schools and facilities for children, young people and families in Devon. Adam Symons said, “Devon County Council is doing an amazing job in directing what little resources they get from the Government into schooling. The report from the Countryside Alliance is correct – we need to keep fighting for rural schools. In an area like Torridge and West Devon, where most places are rural, we need to keep lobbying the Government to ensure that we have the money to keep rural schools open. Many are the lifeblood of our communities.” “I am incredibly proud that Devon County Council have allocated £46.4 million for a new school in Bideford, and they have also been incredibly helpful in supporting Tavistock College with its plans for community sports facilities. They have also allocated £500,000 to provide additional accommodation at Holsworthy Primary School. That is real investment for the future!”
Local Businesses Must Go For GoldOpportunities from London 2012Thursday 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. Adam said, “Although over 500 contracts have already been signed by the Olympic Delivery Authority, the majority of contracts have yet to be awarded. Torridge and West Devon’s businesses must make sure they get their fair share of these contracts. We have local business who show excellence in local food supply, engineering, marketing and catering, and we should be encouraging them to spread their net further afield. Given the low measured productivity of the area, we must take every opportunity to lever in new business for local companies. I would very much support any bid which a local business made for this work.” Businesses are now able to register on the 2012 website so that they can be made aware of opportunities for contracts as well as the chance to access and compete for them. For more information on the opportunities available, visit the Business Network section of the London 2012 website.
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