Torridge Council leader Ken James reflects on 2024

As I look back over 2024, I am proud of what we have achieved as a council against a change in the political climate and continued tough economic conditions.

Twelve months ago, we announced details of our new strategic plan that will help shape business plans and spending across the district over the next five years.

Sitting alongside this, we also confirmed the setting up of a ‘Torridge Place Board’ to address the government’s announcement that Torridge was identified as one of 20 councils invited to form a levelling-up partnership with the government and potentially in line for a share of the £400m pot.

Fast forward a couple of months and a general election was called, putting all plans and discussions on hold.  

Thankfully, at the end of October the new government reaffirmed its commitment to the levelling-up partnership. 

We have so much potential in Torridge and northern Devon to enhance our key sectors whilst creating new opportunities in areas such as high-tech engineering and clean maritime technologies, among others.

I’m looking forward to working with fellow members of the Place Board to see these projects scoped and developed in 2025.
2024 has been a positive year for our leisure services. 

In April, we opened our spectacular new Victoria Park play area in Bideford.

A great example of real project design and facilities, which will benefit the local community and visitors for many years to come.

In October, we also announced that Holsworthy Leisure Centre will be receiving over £1 million in energy improvements.
A key community resource for both young and old, these new upgrades will

enable us to provide a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective place for future generations to enjoy.
 At the same time, we also announced that funding had been approved for three new play zones in Holsworthy, Bideford, and Great Torrington.

Meanwhile, councillors agreed to extend our contract with Active Torridge and extend our portfolio of leisure centres by adding a fourth site at the old Bideford library.

This year, we were also delighted to secure planning permission for a much-needed new operational services centre.  We have been actively seeking to acquire a site to consolidate our facility for some time, so I am pleased that our employees will be moving into their new purpose-built site in 2025. 

With construction due to start on the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre, next year is already shaping up to be busy!

While we welcomed the Waverley in the summer, we have also been delighted to witness the return of cargo ships to the Torridge estuary.

The choice to ship cargo into Torridge not only reduces the carbon footprint but also contributes to environmental sustainability. 

We are looking forward to welcoming more ships to the ports of Torridge, as the sight of these vessels is always a spectacular and well received attraction for onlookers.

So as 2024 draws to a close, I would like to thank my fellow councillors and officers for their support and hard work over the last twelve months.  

2025 holds many exciting projects for us, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues to see these plans develop.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.