Opinion: Exciting projects and opportunities on the horizon for Torridge residents!

As we embark on several projects to provide opportunities for Torridge residents, life at the council is currently both exciting and challenging.

The projects aim to provide better services, facilities, and infrastructure to create growth, development and progress opportunities.

I am really pleased that we will be working in partnership with our neighbours in North Devon on a New Local Plan which will provide a vision for the future of a vibrant Northern Devon based on Communities need. 

This is one of the most important pieces of work for both councils over the next couple of years and it will shape the future of our districts.

The development of Middle Dock into the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre moves on with the Recycling fleet being relocated to a temporary site in Bideford in the next couple of weeks. 

This move will provide better working conditions for the staff we all rely upon until completion of a new Operational Services Centre which will provide a permanent and purpose-built site.

The work on a new five-year Strategic plan which will shape the future direction of the Council from 2023-2028 continues.

The council is working through the many comments that have been submitted, and I welcome the opportunity to thank all those who took the trouble to take part in the consultation. 

The comments are being grouped into themes and we will provide responses to our full council meeting on Monday, December 11 where I’m sure there will be a good debate.

Following on with the theme of consultation and projects the council is starting on preliminary work on the Levelling Up Partnership.

This is a partnership between the Government and the Council based on Torridge having been classified as a deprived area and qualifying for assistance to, amongst other things, lift education skills and opportunities. 

We are committed to improving opportunities for young people and retaining local talent to promote prosperity.

The partnership does not start officially until the end of March 2024, but the council is getting ready for that date and will soon bring together a Place Board in line with government guidelines. 

This board will help the Council to describe the area to the Government and be part of the conversation between the district and the various government departments we will work with to improve prospects for our residents.