Grime Busters restoring pride in Bideford

A two-man team of Grime Busters has been set up to help restore pride in Bideford. The Torridge District Council duo act as troubleshooters, tackling litter, graffiti and weeds at problem spots around the town. And new town signs on the approach roads to

A two-man team of Grime Busters has been set up to help restore pride in Bideford.

The Torridge District Council duo act as troubleshooters, tackling litter, graffiti and weeds at problem spots around the town.

And new town signs on the approach roads to Bideford are are also helping to give the Little White Town a fresh look.

The signs on the four main approaches have been paid for by Bideford Town Council and are to be followed by two more at East-the-Water.

Approval has also been given for new tourist signs on the North Devon Link Road to highlight Bideford's historic and maritime history, said Mayor Cllr Andy Powell.

Mr Powell is now planning a Bideford Pride Day and is calling on local people and businesses to join with the local authorities in giving the town a facelift.

"Bideford is a unique and wonderful town and needs to regain and take pride in its identity," he said. "IOne of its biggest assets is its originality."

Bideford Pride Day is being planned for next Monday, September 7, to coincide with other enhancement initiatives taking place.

The Mayor is calling on private landlords, the public and businesses to help create a partnership to give the town a facelift. A list of volunteer helpers is being compiled to join the Mayor and Mayoress and other councillors in a town centre clean-up on that day and anyone willing to provide materials or equipment.

"This is our town and we will do our bit, if you will do yours," said Mr Powell. "Instead of whingeing about the town, I want people to come out and help do something about it. Bideford has a wonderful setting that other towns would give their eye teeth for and we must make the most of it."

Torridge District Council's Grime Busters have been set up in response to comments in the council's two-yearly public satisfaction survey. Already four weeks into the job, they will be in place for another four weeks and this could be extended if the town council can provide extra funding.

The county council's parish lengthsman was also due in town to target drains, including the High Street and Tower Street areas, said Mr Powell. A second phase of works was also being looked at, with a schedule of possible enhancements and pedestrian-friendly ideas being drawn up with the help of North Devon + and the Bideford Regeneration Initiative, he said.