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
Hartland Lighthouse Saved From ClosureTrinity House Recognises Local ConcernsFriday 21 May 2010 Under threat Hartland Lighthouse has been saved from closure following representations to Trinity House by local residents and Prospective MP Adam Symons. The Lighthouse, constructed in 1874 to make the seas around Lundy and North Devon safer, had 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 had stated that new shipping navigational devices have made it obsolete. However, many local residents and I believe it plays a vital role in keeping shipping safe on this treacherous stretch of coastline. We made our views known to Trinity House.” “I am delighted to report that Trinity House has reversed their plans to shut the lighthouse, and instead will be installing a new light with an eight nautical mile range, and will discontinue the fog signal. I am very pleased that our campaign to stop the closure has been successful. This is an iconic building which provides safety and security for many smaller fishing vessels from around the coast.” Nick Dodson, the Navigation Manager for Trinity House said: “We have now considered all the responses that were received and, where appropriate, the original proposals have been amended after careful assessment of the navigational requirements. Discussions will be commenced shortly with the appropriate local lighthouse authority in respect of the transfer of those aids to navigation which it is considered are no longer necessary for general (rather than local) navigation.”
Note: The full GLA Aids to Navigation Review 2010 - 2015 (which also includes the Northern Lighthouse Board proposals for Scotland and the Commissioners of Irish Lights proposals for Ireland) can be downloaded from the Trinity House website: Aids to Navigation Review
Thank You For Such Great SupportYou Stopped a Swing to the ConservativesSaturday 8 May 2010 Speaking at the Torridge & West Devon general election count, Adam Symons said: “The support we have had has been amazing – thanks to everyone who has made this campaign such a positive experience.” 
Adam Symons with supporter Pauline Furse at the Holsworthy count. “The young Liberal Democrats campaign team has done a fanstastic job – the result was all about their enthusiasm, hard work and energy.” “Despite a national swing to the Conservatives, we held our own here. People voted Conservative to stop Labour getting in nationally. It is a shame that the election was dominated by fear, and not by hope.” “The time is coming for us to sweep away the old political system, and have a fresh start to politics in this country.” “I will continue to work hard for the people of Torridge and West Devon. They deserve a full-time MP who will be here for them.”
General ElectionThe ResultFriday 7 May 2010 Torridge and West Devon was the last constituency to report results. Sadly for us, Adam came second, but he did prevent a swing to the Conservatives, against the trend throughout the rest of the country. Name, Party, Votes % +/- Geoffrey Cox, Conservative, 25,230 45.7 +3.4 Adam Symons, Liberal Democrat, 22,273 40.3 +3.4 Robin Julian, UK Independence Party, 3,021 5.5 -0.9 Darren Jones, Labour, 2,917 5.3 -5.3 Cathrine Simmons, Green, 1,050 1.9 -2.0 Nick Baker, British National Party, 766 1.4 +1.4 Majority: 2,957 5.4 Turnout: 55,257 71.4 +0.2 Constituency swing from Con to LD: 0.0%
More Rural Closures On The Way?Support Needed for Local Services That Are Integral to Rural Community LifeMonday 4 May 2010 Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, Adam Symons today pledged "100%" support and "unequivocal" commitment to retain existing Postal infrastructure and developing new shops and businesses throughout the constituency. Symons said: "In every part of the constituency, the towns and villages, I have witnessed the frustration, indeed anger, that so many people are feeling, as yet another Post Office faces closure, yet another shop is boarded up, and yet another village pub calls time for the last time." "In this part of the world, we know that everytime the local bakers shut down their ovens, everytime the electrical and hardware shop pulls the plug, everytime we no longer see our local farm produce proudly displayed on the High Street, more of the lifeblood of our community drains away!" "In the meantime livelihoods have been lost, communities wither, people can drive dozens of miles just to do a shop or fill up on fuel. Yet my worry is that the next Government will just wring its hands and say it is all the fault of the recession. It is not!” Adam Symons has committed himself to being a full-time MP for Torridge and West Devon. He said: “I currently run my own business, however I can give a ONE HUNDRED % guarantee that, if elected, ONE HUNDRED % of my time and energies will be devoted to the job. NO second job, only the ONE job of representing this community." Symons said: "Now is the time to starting to think ‘outside the box’. Its not rocket science to seek sustainable solutions!” “When a Post Office comes up with new ideas for community provision, for instance, local internet access, a village cafe in the premises or a small library facility, then we should find ways and means of real practical help for them.” “Consideration should also be given to assisting small local businesses in the form of rent holidays and business rate concessions, where appropriate. Speculative 2nd homeowners should pay at least the full Council Tax. Community development should be encouraged to consist of not only housing but local workplace provision and low rent/purchase opportunities for local shopkeepers." Symons believes: "Our communities know that we must adapt and flourish or neglect and die. The local shops, the Post Office, the school, garage, local trades, the pub, are all an integral part of rural community life. If they are ignored for a further five years, as they have been for the last five years, they will not be an issue in future elections because they will be long gone!” “I give my pledge I will do all in my power to stop that happening!"
Nick Joins Adam on Campaign Trail in BidefordPeople of Bideford Want a Full-time Local MPSunday 2 May 2010 Nick Harvey took time out of his busy campaigning schedule this week to campaign for local man, Adam Symons, in the tight contest in Torridge and West Devon. 
Adam Symons and Nick Harvey out on the streets of Bideford. As part of a walkabout in Bideford town centre, Nick and Adam stopped to talk to residents and local businesses about their issues and concerns in Bideford. Nick said: “Adam has the perfect blend of drive, intelligence and passion for his native area to make a superb MP for Torridge and West Devon.” Residents have been enthusiastic about the chance for the first ever locally born MP in Torridge and West Devon. Local Ladbrokes betting shop has slashed the odds of Adam becoming the next MP from 7-1 to 5-2. Adam said: “The support in Bideford is brilliant. So many people know me here – they are rooting for the local boy!" "Bideford has some significant problems which we need to work together to sort out. These were raised on the streets with me – crime, anti-social behaviour, poor housing, jobs and lack of shops. I want to work together with local people to bring improvements to all the lives of people in the Bideford area." "The people of Bideford want a full-time local MP who is going to make things happen for them.”
Manufacturing is Essential For JobsBanks Need to Lend More for Growth and ExpansionSaturday 1 May 2010 Local Prospective MP Adam Symons met with representatives from local industries in Torridge this week to identify how manufacturing can be boosted in the local area. On Friday he visited Beran Instruments on Friday, which manufactures vibration monitoring equipment for power turbines and testing equipment for helicopters. 
Adam Symons with portable helicopter vibration monitoring equipment used by the MOD in Afghanistan – at Beran instruments with Brian Redwood. Andy Lobato and Brian Redwood showed Adam around Beran's Torrington factory which manufacturers equipment for power stations and helicopters around the world. Adam said: “Beran shows that we can successfully manufacture things here in Torridge. They have a committed workforce, and recruit and train local people. The business continues to expand, and I will support them as much as I can. Manufacturing in this area is essential for jobs.” Adam Symons also met with Jimmy Jewell from North Devon Manufacturers Association (NDMA). Jimmy said: “The NDMA would like to see banks lending more money for growth and expansion, and to develop a strategy for encouraging new manufacturing businesses to set up in North Devon. I am also very supportive of the idea of an innovation centre developed along with education.” Adam said: “The idea for an innovation centre linked to a University in Bideford has been met with massive interest. If elected I intend to work with local business to make sure that new jobs and skills are delivered to Torridge and West Devon.”
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