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
Work Starts on New Affordable HousingProviding Rented and Part-buy Properties.Tuesday 22 June 2010 Work started today on new affordable housing in Hartland as Torridge Councillors Brian Redwood and Adam Symons cut the first sod of turf to start the construction of 18 new affordable homes. Teaky Park is being developed by Westcountry Housing to provide 14 rented properties and 4 part-buy properties. 
Cllrs Brian Redwood and Adam Symons, at the start of site work at Teaky Park. Torridge District Council has contributed £69,000 to access over £1million of Homes and Community Agency funding. The homes have a planned completion date of April 2011 and then will be available for local people to buy or rent. Local councillor Adam Symons said: “These homes are long awaited in Hartland where we have a chronic need for affordable housing. I am so pleased that finally they are going to be built. I hope this secures a home in Hartland for many local families.” “They are innovative properties, with air-source heat pumps which will help reduce heating costs. It is important for the Hartland community that they have been designed with the environment in mind.” Nigel Barnard, Managing Director of Tarka Housing, which will manage the properties said: “I am delighted that as a housing provider we can help to counter the critical shortage of affordable homes to rent and buy in rural areas such as Hartland.”
Wind Energy Policy AdoptedCouncillor Adam Symons Sets the Ball RollingFriday 18 June 2010 Torridge District Council has formally adopted a Wind Energy Policy after a motion submitted by Councillor Adam Symons back in October 2008 set the ball rolling. A wind energy working group was formed, chaired by Cllr. Gaye Tabor, and a draft wind energy policy was prepared. After a 6-week period of public consultation, responses were considered, appropriate changes made, and the amended policy was approved by the Council on May 17th 2010. Councillor Adam Symons said, "Having worked with a range of local groups, it become obvious of the need for Torridge District Council to provide guidance for the development of any large scale wind turbine development in Torridge. Listening and responding to local residents' concerns I submitted a clear and concise motion to Council. I am pleased to see that a working group has taken this motion on and delivered guidance for both residents and developers." Chair of Plans Committee Councillor Hugo Barton added, "The aim of the document is to give guidance to developers and communities on what information will be required in order to access any planning proposals and, whilst not definitive, an indication of which locations are likely to be acceptable. The guidance should result in applicants and/or developers approaching the Council at the earliest opportunity in order to commence discussions and to ensure that any issues are addressed before the application is put forward." View the Wind Energy Policy on the Torridge DC website.
Recycle WeekEncouraging More People to Recycle More Things More OftenMonday 14 June 2010 Recycle Week is an annual event held in June each year, organised by the Recycle Now campaign. Now in its sixth year, the aim of the week is to encourage more people to recycle more things more often. This year Recycle Week is taking place between 21 - 27 June and will focus on one material stream in particular - small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Torridge District Council's lead member for Waste and Recycling, Councillor Adam Symons, said, "Waste electrical and electronic equipment includes everything from hairdryers to fridges. This week we are concentrating on the smaller end, with things like radios, laptops and stereos. These items contain a lot of precious materials, as well as some hazardous ones. That's why it is important that we get them recycled – get the precious bits out – and make sure that the nasty bits stay away from landfill. Help us by sorting your items and taking them to your nearest recycling centre." WEEE is accepted at Recycling Centres such as at Caddsdown Industrial Estate in Bideford and Deep Moor Recycling Centre, Torrington. For more information on other centres and where you can recycle anything in our area, visit www.recyclenow.com and type in your postcode.
GrimeBusters in Rural AreasHeading for a Village Near You!Thursday 10 June 2010 Torridge District Council's GrimeBusters are heading for a village near you! Between now and March 2011, the GrimeBusters are embarking on an ambitious 10 month mission to clean up rural villages wherever they go. Look out for the team in their GrimeBusting van – you can't miss the Basil Brush It logo - visiting villages from Virginstow to Abbotsham, Bucks Mills to Broadwoodwidger, High Bullen to Ashwater and places inbetween tidying up our rural and hard to reach areas. They'll be picking up litter, weeding footpaths, cleaning up graffiti and giving each place a general tidy up. They will also be on hand to help with any questions from members of the public on refuse and recycling issues. Councillor Adam Symons, Torridge's lead member for Waste and Recycling, said, "Communities sometimes need a little helping hand to keep the place tidy. Maybe they need a bit of muscle and specialist equipment to sort out problem areas. It's our aim to support communities throughout Torridge by mobilising the Grimebusters team. My message to communities is to use the Grimebusters visit to mobilise local action. You would be amazed by how much can be achieved when lots of people in a community get involved with a village clean-up." For more information including a comprehensive GrimeBusters Rural Cleansing timetable, have a look at www.torridge.gov.uk/grimebusters or call the GrimeBusters hot line on freephone 0800 1422 442
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