Torridge and West Devon Liberal Democrats

People

Liberal Democrats Representatives and Prospective Candidates at all levels of government.

Adam Symons PPC
Graham Watson MEP
Devon Councillors
Torridge Councillors
West Devon Councillors

Adam Symons News

For more information on any of the news items below contact Adam Symons on 01237 431498 or 07786 277470

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.

The Lighthouse, constructed in 1874 to make the seas around Lundy and North Devon safer, has been earmarked for closure by Trinity House, the organisation that governs lighthouses throughout the UK. Hartland Point Lighthouse, which is perched on a prominent outcrop facing the Atlantic Ocean, guides vessels of all types approaching the Bristol Channel.

It was built by Trinity House in 1874 under the direction of Sir James Douglass. Adam Symons, who is also the local councillor for Hartland, said: “Hartland Point Lighthouse is perhaps one of the best known landmarks in North Devon. Trinity House has stated that new shipping navigational devices have made it obsolete. However, I believe it plays a vital role in keeping shipping safe on this treacherous stretch of coastline.

“I am urging the public to write in to express their concerns about the loss of Hartland Point Lighthouse. This closure will be resisted. At over 18 meters in height, and visible from Wales, it is part of our rich maritime heritage, and has saved countless lives over the years.”

The Trinity House consultation closes on January 29th. More information can be found at 2010 Aids to Navigation Review Published. 

Note: The lighthouse was electrified in 1927. Prior to automation in 1984 the station was manned by 4 keepers, who lived in dwellings attached to the lighthouse with their families. The dwellings were demolished when the station was de-manned in order to allow for the construction of a helipad next to the tower.  

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).

The protection zone around Lundy will help to preserve important habitats and species, and is the first area around the British Isles coast to be designated. The zone will restrict damaging activities, together with the No Take Zone where fishing is banned.

Adam Symons said: “Lundy’s waters are home to a wide range of marine life including lobsters, corals and seals. We visited the island in 2008 to see how the No Take Zone was working. I am delighted that the seas around Lundy have been given further protection. It is a unique place, and a significant attraction to our local economy.”

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.

Statistics released following a parliamentary question by the Liberal Democrats has prompted claims that local countryside schools are getting a “raw deal”.

Schools with 650 children receive an average of almost £400,000 less to spend on books, teachers and equipment, it was disclosed.

That means schools such as Bideford and Tavistock lose out on over £1 million of funding every year.

Adam Symons, the Lib Dem Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon said: “Many government grants aimed at boosting underperformance among pupils are only open to schools in major towns and cities. We would help fund pupils from all deprived areas via a pupil premium. This would ensure extra money was directed at disadvantaged children no matter where they are in the country.”

David Laws, Lib Dem spokesman for children, schools and families, said: “It is clear that rural schools are getting a raw deal when it comes to funding.

“These figures are particularly concerning when put alongside the latest GCSE results which revealed that urban areas are now outperforming rural schools.

“Ministers have tended to ignore the fact that rural schools generally get less funding than their urban counterparts.

“Indeed, rural areas have often missed out on many of this government’s initiatives, including much of the extra deprivation funding available to city schools.”