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
Local Bee Hives Threatened by Disease SpreadCall For More ResearchTuesday 29th September 2009 The spread of a range of foreign bee diseases, coupled with increasing use of some pesticides, could see the end of honey production in Torridge & West Devon, warned local Prospective MP Adam Symons. He has called for increased research funding into ‘bee diseases’, and a ban on neonicotinoid pesticides which can devastate bee populations. Speaking on a visit to Holsworthy Beekeepers, Adam said: “The incidence of disease in bees is growing, as is the spread of disease from other countries. The loss of bee colonies would be devastating both for honey production and pollination. We have so much more work to do in identifying how to control these diseases. Only recently have we found out that sprinkling icing sugar on bees, for example, helps to control the Varroa mite.  Adam Symons and Andrew Sluggett at bee hives near Bradworthy. “The Government needs to take this problem seriously. A third of bee colonies have been lost over the last two years, and there is evidence linking this to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. These have been banned in many countries, but not yet in the UK, and DEFRA needs to put this right. “New diseases are starting to appear in hives in Torridge and West Devon, and if left unchecked these could seriously damage our bee populations.” Andrew Sluggett, from Holsworthy Beekeepers said: “We don’t know enough about how to deal with many of these new diseases. More research is desperately needed, and we need to be sure that agricultural pesticides being used are not hastening the decline of the honey bee. “Bee keeping is a growing and popular past-time and bees are our most important pollinators and play a vital role in the food chain – it is estimated that one third of human food supplies depend on bee pollination. So, if we continue to see the decline in bee colonies, it will be more than just peoples’ hobbies that will suffer.”
Note: Some of the diseases threatening local bee hives include Varroa mite, which carry a virus which can attack the nervous system (Chronic Bee Paralysis); American and European Foul Brood; Acarine; and Nosema.
Condemnation Over Devon's Morwellham MomentFunding Cut to Prestigious World Heritage SiteMonday 7th September 2009 Devon County Council’s decision to cut funding to the prestigious World Heritage Site of Morwellham Quay has been condemned as ‘short sighted’ by West Devon and Torridge Prospective MP, Adam Symons. Adam said: “Devon County Council seems to suggest that the site is just a tourist attraction. It is much more than that. It is a leading World Heritage Site, with a range of funding backers who recognise it’s cultural and employment significance and opportunities for future development. “Morwellham Quay has been working hand in hand with a range of funders over the years to get themselves on a stable footing. For Devon County Council to turn round a cut the World Heritage Site lose at a moments notice shows what other public services in Devon can expect from the new administration. It is incredible short-sighted given the exciting opportunities being developed at Morwellham.”
Local Welcome for ‘Beyond Nimbyism’ Wind Turbine ReportFailure to Listen to Local AnxietiesThursday 3rd September 2009 A report criticising wind turbine developers for a failure to listen to local anxieties has been welcomed by the promoter of local policies to control and manage wind turbine development. The new UK study, ‘Beyond Nimbyism’, suggests that developers of wind turbines and other energy schemes need to learn to work with - not against - local communities to get their plans approved.  Adam Symons with local wind turbines. Adam Symons, Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, said: “I welcome this report, which I think will be constructive for both developers and local communities. The simple fact is that the communities I have been working with do not trust developers. The report identifies that developers are not open enough with communities, do not do enough to engage them, and do not work hard enough to secure direct advantages for communities expected to accommodate these schemes. “This report shifts the blame for delays back on to the developers. The policies being developed at a local level should help to provide greater certainty for developers and communities alike, and ensure greater dialogue.” Lead author Professor Patrick Devine-Wright of Exeter University said: "The vast majority of people are in consent for renewable energy technologies. Developers need to think about the fact that in the main they don’t trust them. They don't trust them at all.”
Note: A notice of motion seeking to provide a balance between the needs of communities and the needs of developing renewable energy was submitted to Torridge District Council in October 2008. For more information on the report see journal abstract.
Government Ignores Torridge Over High Street RevivalBlatant Disregard of the Needs of the South-WestWednesday 2nd September 2009 A £3million pound Government fund to help hard hit High Streets has completely ignored the problems in the south-west, according to Torridge and West Devon PPC, Adam Symons. £3 million has been provided to local councils to help deal with the problem of empty shops on High Streets, caused by the recession. Over fifty local authorities have received grants which will help them boost town centres and revive empty shops. However, according to local Prospective MP for Torridge and West Devon, the fund has been almost exclusively targeted at urban areas outside the south-west. Adam said: “There is a continuing pattern of this Government blatantly ignoring the needs of the South-West. Time and again, whether it is funding for village halls, or for local colleges, money is diverted away to Labour heartlands, and the south-west receives virtually nothing. “This time, the only place in the south-west to receive any funding was Bristol. Yet compared to some of our struggling High Streets in Torridge and West Devon, many of the places which received funding, such as Durham and Nottingham, are economic oases. “The Government must think we are absolutely stupid if we cannot see what is going on here – the south-west has been ignored again.” Note: Full details of the Government funding tranche and where it is to be spent can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1311364.
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