Remembering the past and building a brighter future for Torridge

With everything going on in the world today, I firmly believe that it has never been more important that we create space to reflect on past conflicts and acknowledge their cost to humanity.

Earlier this week, I stood proudly alongside my fellow councillors and cfficers at Torridge District Council, to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and to join in the hope for a brighter, more peaceful future. 

As a community, it’s important that we remember not only those who have fallen but also those who still serve and their families.  

For many people, the realities and harshness of war is something that they face every day.  It’s now over two and half years ago that Russia invaded Ukraine and just a few months later that Torridge welcomed Ukrainian refugees into our community.  
Last week, I joined our officers, fellow councillors and representatives from the Pickwell Foundation to meet some of the Ukrainians who have settled here, sample some of their food and learn more about more about their experiences.  Their stories are truly inspirational and I am in awe of their resilience.

I have also been heartened by the warm embrace our community has extended to Ukrainian refugees and more recently to Afghan families who bravely served alongside the British armed forces. By sharing “our home” we can reaffirm our commitment to compassion and solidarity and show the true spirit of humanity.

I was extremely pleased to hear that the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Levelling Up partnership with Torridge following the pause caused by the general election and subsequent spending review.  

The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) will continue its partnership with the council, allocating up to £20 million in funding for various projects throughout the district.

I wish to extend my gratitude to the devoted and hard-working members of the Place Board who have worked tirelessly to produce a detailed proposal that will help the government to see how the investment will truly benefit our district.
The Place Board, established in February 2024, will continue to work with MHCLG ministers and officials to ensure alignment with the new government's mission-led approach.

There exists substantial potential within Torridge and northern Devon to enhance our key sectors while creating new opportunities in areas such as high-tech engineering and clean maritime technologies, among others.

So whilst there is still much work to do, and we are only at the start of our journey, the future is looking bright for Torridge.