We need your help to improve your local area

As some of you might be aware, in response to the government’s plans for local government reform, Torridge District Council is seeking public opinion and gathering information about how local residents and businesses view and engage with their local area and the services provided.

Whatever the future for Devon, it is important that we make it the best it can be.  As someone who lives here and cares deeply about it, I would like to invite you all to tell us what makes your area special and what’s important to you.

Some of the questions in the survey include: what would you like to be improved in this area, what are the biggest challenges in your local area and what do you like about the area where you live, work, study or represent in Torridge?

To express your views, visit the Torridge District Council website, www.torridge.gov.uk  

If you require a paper version or large print you can request this by emailing our very helpful team at

 customer.services@torridge.gov.uk or by calling 01237 428700 option 9. Paper copies are also available at Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG. With many families across Torridge continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living, the launch of the latest round of the Household Support Fund, will be welcome news to a lot of households.

The grants will be available to help people in need to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living or housing costs. Previous assistance has already allowed people to purchase clothing, blankets, and fund boiler servicing or repairs during the winter months. Applications can also be made to meet the cost of purchasing or repairing white goods such as fridges, freezers and ovens, which might otherwise currently be beyond the means of struggling households.

To apply, please visit Torridge District Council’s website by clicking on the ‘Cost of Living Help’ icon on the main landing page and then the ‘Household Support Fund’ link. Alternatively, people can contact Encompass through their website or by telephone if they do not have access to the internet on 01271 371499.

With the school summer holidays approaching fast, entertaining the kids for six weeks straight can be a tough and expensive job!  With this in mind, our Northam Burrows rangers have got a wide range of free activities lined up to keep the whole family entertained.  

Whether you fancy a rockpool ramble, bumblebee safari or a Teddy Bear’s picnic – there is plenty going on for everyone. 

 For further details about each of these events, you can visit our website online at www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrowsevents or check out our social media pages.

We’re so lucky to have an award-winning ‘Blue Flag’ beach like Westward Ho! on our doorstep, so why not get the family outdoors this summer and join in the fun!