Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats
PeopleLiberal Democrats Representatives and Prospective Candidates at all levels of government. Adam Symons PPC
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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
Bideford Welcomes Fresh StartThe People Want a Full-Time Local MPSaturday 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. 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. At the Bideford Liberal Club he will set out his campaign priorities for the local area: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Adam said: “People in Torridge and West Devon have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election to provide a fresh start, and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. “The Liberal Democrats will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. “If your child is at school in Torridge and West Devon we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. “We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150. “And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure local businesses can find the money they need to grow. “The coming months are a crucial time for politics. Its time for a fresh start – people want a full-time local MP who is here for them.”
Note: Adam will be meeting residents at the Liberal Club, High St. Bideford on Saturday 27th February from 11am to 1pm.
Conservatives Would Seek to Halt Appledore CarriersPlan to Use Break Clauses on Day One in GovernmentFriday 26 February 2010 Appledore Shipyard could be under threat from an incoming Conservative Government, claimed union leaders yesterday. The Conservative Shadow defence secretary, Liam Fox, revealed that he would investigate “break clauses” to get out of the £3.5billion aircraft carrier project, which Appledore Shipyard is working on. The surprise came as union leaders held separate meetings with the representatives from the three main political parties. John Dolan, from the GMB union, said: “This project is absolutely essential. It will support shipbuilding in the UK for the next eight to ten years. Without it, the industry will collapse. “What we heard from Liam Fox was worse than we had expected. We knew that they would not guarantee the carriers, but we did not expect that they would actively seek out break clauses on day one of government.” Adam Symons, Liberal Democrats Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, where Appledore Shipyard is based, said: “I am horrified to contemplate what could happen if the Conservatives decide to pull the plug at Appledore. Hundreds of skilled jobs and apprenticeships for young people are under threat, just when Appledore Shipyard is recruiting more staff and gaining orders. “The decision by the Conservatives to investigate break clauses in the contract is a smack in the face to local workers. I think the Conservative MP for the area should back Appledore Shipyard squarely, and get assurances from Liam Fox that the carrier project will not be abandoned and the livelihoods of hundreds of local people with it. Without these assurances, his support is meaningless. “Having visited Appledore Shipyard recently, I know the importance that the facility has in terms of the local economy and increasing skills in the local area. I will be backing Appledore Shipyard all the way!” Yesterday, Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon, restated the party’s support for building the carriers.
Respite Breaks For Carers Under Lib Dems GuaranteeLong Term Solutions to Care in West Devon and TorridgeThursday 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. The party’s ‘Respite Care Guarantee’ will give one million unpaid carers, who provide more than 50 hours of care each week, the right to a full week of guaranteed, funded respite. Adam Symons said: “The way a society cares for its elderly and vulnerable defines its identity. The political fighting over the recent care plans does no-one any favours. We need long term solutions to care which unites generations, rather than divides them.” “Our plans are a recognition of the millions of unpaid carers without whom, no social care plans could be affordable. This devoted army of people put in day after day, and night, of work for their relatives and loved ones.” “Our pledge to the carers of West Devon and Torridge is a simple promise: if you care for more than 50 hours a week, you will have the right to a full week of respite. Giving carers the time they so desperately need to rest, recuperate, or simply have a holiday.” The Lib Dems policy will be paid for by redirecting the money the Department of Health has allocated to the Government's flawed care policy, together with its existing, poorly-focused funds for respite care.
Flawed Post Office Closures End to Sorry SagaPost Office Failed to Engage Local ResidentsWednesday 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. 
Adam Symons campaigning to stop Post Offices in Torridge being closed.
 Adam Symons campaigning to stop Post Offices in West Devon being closed. Nationally, around 2.7 million people, and thousands of people in Torridge, tried to air their views about the controversial closure programme. However, Consumer Focus found that there were missed opportunities to find out how cutbacks would affect local communities. Local Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon said: “Most people felt that the consultation process was a sham, and this report backs it up. What it finds is that the Post Office did not consult widely enough, and did not make residents aware that the closure proposals were subject to a consultation to which they could respond. The short six-week consultation period did not help.” “The Post Office needed to encourage all residents to get involved. I urged everyone to make a submission to the consultation, but the report identified that only 1 in 13 people affected submitted comments. I think many people thought it was a done deal, and frankly, the way it was handled, suggests it was!” Consumer Focus also found that those communities who took part in local activities such as petitions, proved far less effective at saving branches. Consumer Focus public services expert Andy Burrows said: “During these challenging financial times, cutbacks in key local services seem inevitable.” He added: “Unless consumers are actively engaged around decisions on essential services, consultations will be more likely to fail.”
Tavistock Welcomes Fresh StartElection to be Fought on Four Key PrinciplesTuesday 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. Adam Symons has announced that he will fight the General Election on four key principles, designed to make West Devon and Torridge a fairer place. At Tavistock Church Hall he will set out his campaign priorities for the local area: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Adam said: “People in West Devon and Torridge have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election to provide a fresh start, and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. “The Liberal Democrats will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. “If your child is at school in West Devon and Torridge we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. “We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150. “And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure local businesses can find the money they need to grow. “The coming months are a crucial time for politics. Its time for a fresh start – people want a full-time local MP who is here for them.”
Note: Adam will be meeting residents at Tavistock Church Hall on Saturday 27th February from 11am to 1pm.
Action Needed to Help Epilepsy SufferersNo Specialist Nurse Available LocallyTuesday 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. Councillor Symons met with North Devon's Epilepsy Action Group, and pledged he would do all that he can to raise awareness of the issues. Currently, epilepsy sufferers from our area have to travel either to Plymouth or Bristol to see a specialist epilepsy nurse, also known as a 'Sapphire Nurse'. Councillor Symons said: "It is quite wrong that often vulnerable people with difficult conditions have to travel great distances just in order to get their prescriptions changed. Four hours travelling, for a twenty minute appointment is a waste of time, and bad for the environment. The group told me that some sufferers of the condition who struggle to travel end up using local acute NHS services, costing the NHS more money than if there was a local 'Sapphire Nurse'." Around 700 people in North Devon suffer from the condition and Epilepsy Action has been campaigning vigorously for the introduction of a Sapphire Nurse to provide dedicated care and advice in North Devon.
Note: The Epilepsy Helpline number is UK freephone 0808 800 5050 National Doodle Day - coming up on March 5th - is all about putting pen to paper while raising money to help people affected by epilepsy and neurofibromatosis. See www.nationaldoodleday.org.uk for more information.
Torrington Event Hailed as SuccessAdam Symons meets local residentsMonday 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. 
Adam Symons at The Plough in Torrington with members of the public. At the event, Adam set out the key message from the Lib Dems of fairness. He said: “The Lib Dems are the only party with a coherent plan to cut the public deficit, slim public finances and give tax cuts to low earners. We aim to encourage people into work by making it pay, to give people a fair chance by improving education, and investing in transport and renewable energy.” “For too long, politicians have been taking people for granted. Too many MPs think that it is their own opinion that counts, not that of their residents. We will change democracy so that peoples’ vote counts; so that MPs can be sacked, and that local people have a greater say over local issues.” “Its time for a fresh start. It is time Torridge and West Devon had a full-time, locally born MP.” The event was well attended with more chairs having to be brought into the room.
Prospective MP Backs Exeter to Plymouth Rail LineBacking for CPRE's Call to Reopen the Old LineSunday 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. The local campaigner is backing CPRE’s call to reopen the old line, which passes over the Meldon Viaduct. He said: “I think we should seriously consider the options for opening this line. The current mainline route is unders threat from sea level rises, and we may need another option. Linking Exeter with Okehampton, Tavistock and Plymouth would make sense, and I anticipate would bring significant economic benefits to the two towns in West Devon.”
Don’t Forget Local Food ProducersFairtrade Fortnight Promotes Fair PriceSaturday 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.’ Fairtrade Fortnight runs from Monday 22nd February to Sunday 7th March, and aims to encourage people to buy goods where the produced gets a fair amount for the product sold. Numerous events are being run around the area, promoting issues such as Fairtrade chocolate. 
Adam Symons at the family breakfast table with some Fairtrade items. However, local Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon says: “Don’t forget our local food producers. Many of them do not get a fair price for the goods they produce, and we should use this fortnight to not just promote paying fair prices to producers of chocolate and tea overseas, but also to encourage local producers.” “Not many local products are branded as Fairtrade, but if we go to Farmer’s markets and buy direct from producers, we will find that more money goes direct to the people who make the food. That’s local Fairtrade!”
Famous Torrington By-Election Memorabilia on ShowConcerns of 50 years ago reflect those of todayThursday 18 February 2010 Memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s Torrington general elections will be on show this Saturday at the Plough. The pamphlets and election addresses include those from the famous Torrington by-election in 1958 when Mark Bonham-Carter’s victory sparked the post-war ‘Liberal revival’. Other notable candidates in the early 1960s include Ambrosia Fulford, Percy Browne, Sir Peter Mills and Dr David Owen. The display is part of an event to meet current Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons. He will be speaking at the Plough from 11am until 1pm. Adam said: “We have a wonderful treasure chest of old general election leaflets, calling cards, letters and pamphlets. It is fascinating to see what people were campaigning about over 50 years ago.” “Top of the agenda again was concerns about the economy, inflation and the price of staples.” Adam is using the event to meet people and set out the four principles of fairness that the Liberal Democrats are campaigning on. He said: “Most people I meet on the doorstep think this country is a lot less fair than it used to be. Our policies set out what people can expect from us – fair taxes, decent education, better infrastructure and fixing the rotten political system.”
Note: Photo opportunity: At the Plough – 11am.
Buckland Food Festers Reminded Waste Not Want NotA successful ‘Love the Flavour and Drink’ FestivalThursday 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. 
Adam Symons with celebrity Masterchef Peter Gorton and West Devon Mayor, Alison Clish-Green at the Castle Kitchens demonstration event at Buckland Abbey Great Hall. Adam Symons, who is Chair of Devon Authorities Waste Recycling and Reduction Committee, was there to sample the food, but also bring a simple message. He said: “We throw away a staggering amount of food. So amid the plenty here, we need to be reminded that we should be buying only what we are going to eat. There is a huge temptation to buy way too much and then throw it away. Over 50% of households throw away a lettuce every week. If you love food - hate waste. “There are some superb demonstrations here of how to cook food – but also of how to use leftovers to cook up a stunning dish. People need to realise that it takes a lot of energy and effort to grow food, and by chucking it straight in the bin it’s like leaving your car running all night in the drive!”
Note: Peter Gorton is a celebrity and consultant chef and one of the best known chefs in the south west of England. He is vice chairman of Masterchefs of Great Britain. He is Head Chef at The Horn of Plenty Country House Hotel & Restaurant near Tavistock in Devon.
Dismay at Proposed Policing Cuts in DevonAdam Symons Signs Policing PledgeMonday 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. This week, Chief Constable Stephen Otter announced that one hundred and eighty posts are to be lost at Devon and Cornwall Police as part of budget cuts. However, Adam Symons, Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, is concerned that policing resources in the area seem to be being watered down. He said: “I have worked closely with the Constables Central Committee to support the retention of Police Officers on the beat, and last week signed the ‘Real Policing Pledge’ with a commitment to retain Police Officers and ensure that they get full training. However, I am dismayed that these cuts are happening, despite an increase in Council Tax. “We have committed to provide 3,000 extra officers nationally, funded by scrapping ID cards. Our commitment is to make sure that communities feel that there are resources when they need them. These cuts will just make residents feel that they are paying more for less. “Time and again, our surveys show that people want Police Officers to be visible and in-touch with their communities. I cannot see how these cuts will improve the situation.”
Note: Police numbers have fallen in 18 out of the 43 police forces (42%) in England and Wales since 2005. Two thirds of these police authorities are currently controlled by the Tories and one third by Labour. The new officers proposed under Liberal Democrat plans could be expected to make an additional 27,500 arrests and solve more than 24,500 extra crimes each year in England and Wales alone.
Fairness at the Heart of the Lib Dems CampaignAdam Symons to Fight the General Election on Four Key PrinciplesSunday 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. At the Plough in Torrington this Saturday, the Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon will set out his campaign priorities for the local area: fair taxes; a fair start for every child; fair, clean and local politics and a fair, green economy with jobs that last. Adam said: “People in Torridge and West Devon have been let down by their politicians and are rightly frustrated. I am going into the election to provide a fresh start, and a manifesto that is short, direct and to the point. “The Liberal Democrats will introduce fairer taxes by closing loopholes for the richest, introducing a tax on mansions and tax cuts of £700 for everyone else. “If your child is at school in Torridge and West Devon we can promise investment to help reduce class sizes, improve discipline and develop one-to-one tuition. “We would also give you the right to sack your MP. The Liberal Democrats are the only party committed to real change of our political system, flushing out big money and corrupt donors and reducing the number of MPs by 150. “And we will rebuild the economy in every part of Britain in a way that promotes green technology and creates lasting jobs. We will put an end to casino banking, bring back competition and support local entrepreneurs to make sure local businesses can find the money they need to grow. “The coming months are a crucial time for politics. Its time for a fresh start – people want a full-time local MP who works for them.”
Note: Adam will be meeting residents at the Plough on Saturday 20th February from 11am to 1pm. Further dates are:
Prospective MP Grilled by Tavistock StudentsTough Discussion on Issues Facing Young PeopleFriday 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. Twenty Kelly College six formers, who are members of the Current Affairs and Discussion Society, raised a range of issues with Adam Symons, including health, education, voting systems and MPs expenses. 
Prospective MP Adam Symons with the Kelly Students in the College Library. Prospective MP Adam Symons said: “We had an honest and, at times, tough discussion on the issues facing the country and young people. The students were obviously keen to find out more about my views, and wanted some straight answers to difficult questions.” “These young men and women are the future of our country. I am pleased that they challenged and questioned. They were particularly keen to know my views on the voting system, and why I do not believe that compulsory voting necessarily works.” Steve Martin, Kelly geography teacher, who runs the Current Affairs and Discussion Society group said: “The pupils much appreciated the clear and lucid manner in which Adam addressed their questions and were impressed by his clear commitment to the local area.”
Recycling Councillor Grilled by Frithlestock WIWI Ladies Very Keen to Learn More About RecyclingThursday 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. The Councillor responded to questions on plastics recycling, composting and incineration, as he took the WI group through the various stages of waste management in Torridge. Speaking after the event, Adam said: “The WI ladies were very keen to find out more. Most confusing for them, as for many residents, is the many different kinds of plastics, some which can be recycled, some which cannot. Also, the recent controversy over batteries, which can now be returned to many large shops.” “They were also really interested to hear about the different technologies that can be used to process rubbish, and what kinds of materials can be taken to the recycling centres. They seemed very happy with Torridge District Council’s collection of refuse and recycling. 
Prospective MP Adam Symons with the ladies from Frithlestock WI. Adam also judged the WI’s competition for the best item made out of re-used materials.
Cold Weather Payments have Residents up in ArmsPrincetown is Colder than PlymouthThursday 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. Cold weather payments (£25) are provided to people on low incomes when the average temperature where they live is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days during the period from 1 November to 31 March. Specified Meteorological Office weather stations are used to obtain this information. Unfortunately, for Princetown, the Meteorological Station used to measure the temperature is in Plymouth. Therefore, although Princetown is several degrees colder than most places in the Plymouth area, residents often don’t get help with paying their larger than average heating bills. Adam Symons said: “We carried out a survey in Princetown this week, and knocked on every single door. One of the issues which came up regularly is that residents are not able to access cold weather payments.” “Princetown has very harsh winters, yet low income residents don’t get the help they need to heat their homes. In this day of digital meteorological stations, surely something can be done to help the most vulnerable people in these communities.” Audrey Vigni, a local resident in Princetown said: “It is well known, that when you travel from Plymouth to Tavistock, you need to put a coat on. Then from Tavistock to Princetown, you need to put another coat on. Yet the payments are based on Plymouth temperatures. This is not right.”
‘Political Suicide’ Decision Leaves Everyone ‘Worse Off’‘Exeter only’ option is the most expensiveWednesday 10 February 2010 News of the Secretary of State’s decision to turn Speaking at County Hall today, Adam said: “The decision to turn Exeter into a unitary, and leave Devon two-tier is bonkers! Frankly it is political suicide for Labour. The heart will be ripped out of Devon, while Exeter’s residents will see its council tax rates soar, and find that they do not have the critical mass to support services.” “Even the Boundary Commission knew that the ‘Exeter only’ option was barmy – it was the most expensive option. Council tax will also increase in Devon now as critical services have to be removed from the County Council and placed into a week unitary.” “This is absolute madness. We need reform of the current two-tier duplication, but this is the worst of both worlds: an unsustainable unitary in the middle of a two-tier area with all the duplication that goes with it. Residents will suffer, and everyone will be worse off.” “I expect it to reduce our ability to recycle waste.”
Harbour is Hope for Lost SoulsLunchtime Dinner on Homelessness SundayTuesday 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. The event was attended by Torridge and West Devon Prospective MP, Adam Symons, who has been involved with the project from the start, and who helped name the charity. The lunchtime dinner was held in St Mary’s Church in Bideford, and attended by over 100 supporters and helpers. The event helped to raise money for the charity, with Beer Kitchens from Landcross selling jars of marmalade in aid of Harbour. Adam said: “It was great to see so many people come out in support of the charity. There is a real need in Bideford for an organisation to provide decent meals and a place that is safe for people. The trustees have worked so hard to get this off the ground and I applaud their hard work.” “Our group was initially set up as ‘Hope for the Homeless’. It has now moved on to form a charity called ‘Harbour’, because we want to provide a safe haven for those in need. There are many young and old people in need in the Bideford area of help. I will be backing ‘Harbour’ to provide the support they need, and I urge Bideford residents to do the same.” “I came away from the dinner with a real sense of optimism for the future, and of course three jars of marmalade!”
Princetown Police Pledge MadeProspective MP Pledges to Ensure Modern Day Policing StandardsMonday 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’. 
Prospective MP Adam Symons with officers from Tavistock and Princetown. He met with Tavistock and Princetown Police Officers, and signed the pledge to ensure modern day policing standards. These include ensuring that the number of warranted Police Officers is maintained, that bureaucracy is cut, and that funding is provided to ensure Police Officers are provided with proper training. After speaking to the Police Officers, Adam Symons said: “I am pleased to sign the ‘Real Policing Pledge’, which has been drafted by the Constables Central Committee. Our Police Officers do a fantastic job under difficult circumstances, and they get my wholehearted support. We need to make sure that the Police get the right training, and that we have experienced community policing teams. “Today I witnessed the Princetown community policing team dealing with a domestic incident. They handled the situation and themselves well. I have no hesitation in signing the pledge to maintain a strong and high quality Police force.”
Support for Appledore WelcomedAnnouncement by Gordon Brown of Government CommittmentSunday 7 February 2010 
Adam Symons on a visit to Appledore Shipyard with the bow section of the new carrier. 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. The Babcock Marine’s shipyard at Appledore has a £50m contract for the steel bow sections for the two ‘super’ aircraft carriers, which are planned to be nearly three times the size of current aircraft carriers. Adam Symons said: “This contract has helped to breath life back into the dockyard at Appledore, and provided jobs and opportunities for hundreds of local people. I welcome this announcement that the carriers are safe from cuts.” “The contract has helped Babcock take on apprentices, so it not only provides jobs, but helps us give our young people the skills they need for future employment.”
Not a Single Post Office Will CloseCampaign to turn Post Offices into Community HubsFriday 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. Speaking to residents on a visit to Buckland Brewer, which has recently lost its village shop, Adam said:
“The residents of Buckland Brewer fought hard to keep their Post Office, but once that was lost, the shop was not viable. Have knocked on almost every door of the village today it is clear there is considerable anger at the loss of these facilities. Compounding residents’ misery is the cut of funding of the Saturday bus to Bideford. “Under successive Conservative and Labour Governments, over 6000 Post Offices have closed nationally. Locally over twenty have shut in Torridge and West Devon, including Shebbear, Clovelly, East-the-Water, and Sutcombe. “Post Offices are the life blood of our communities. You cannot just take them away and expect nothing to happen. During the recent closures we were the only major party who campaigned to turn Post Offices into community hubs. We would provide £2billion in additional investment to upgrade Post Offices, and make them fit for purpose for what their communities want. “We are missing a trick in this country. In the Government’s headlong rush to make the Post Office profitable, they have forgotten about the real bottom line – that it is communities that matter. We would ensure not a single Post Office closes.”
World Cancer DayCancer is a leading cause of death around the worldMonday 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. Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. One in three people are diagnosed with cancer during their lives and each year, over 12 million people receive a cancer diagnosis; and 7.6 million die of the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. The good news is that approximately 40% of cancers are potentially preventable and the World Cancer Campaign's 2010 slogan is: “Cancer can be prevented too.” Each year on 4th February, WHO joins with the sponsoring International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients are recurring themes. Councillor Symons said: “Although the cause of most cancers is not known, we do know that some ‘risk factors’ increase our chances of developing cancer. Smoking is a good example of this: if you smoke, your risk of getting lung cancer is far higher than if you don’t. Nine out of ten people who develop lung cancer are smokers. Many people, especially men, put off seeing the doctor but the quicker cancer is identified, the greater the chance of it being treated successfully.”
Note: For more information, have a look at www.worldcancercampaign.org
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Adam Symons at the Buckland Brewer village shop, now closed. 
Councillor Adam Symons visits his doctor.