Torridge the Happiest Place to Live and dealing with unusually troublesome travellers - Ken James

It was pleasing to see an online newspaper article last week reporting that Torridge had been officially named as the happiest place to live in the UK.

The article reported that in a list compiled by the Office for National Statistics our district was named as the top scoring authority for this measure with a score of 8.2 and where the average was 7.5 out of 10.

We also scored better than average for life satisfaction, feeling life is worthwhile, and lower levels of anxiety.

Whatever measure we choose to focus on there is certainly no denying that on a sunny summer’s day, Torridge is definitely a place I’d rather be than almost anywhere else.

With our picturesque coastline, blue flag beach, rich heritage and inviting market towns it’s no wonder tourists flock here year round to experience all that we as residents are lucky enough to enjoy each and every day. Clearly our collective love for the area is reflected in the data coming out of the census and long may that continue.

Whilst most of the time Torridge is quite peaceful the arrival of a number of travellers onto Victoria Park and surrounding car park the previous week did highlight how quickly things can change and my inbox and answerphone did get filled up in no time.

I fully support and recognise the benefits of social media to share messages and news, which can be invaluable to some, but in a minority of occasions it can also cause harm and disruption especially when unsupported by accurate details and facts. There was a lot of rumour and misinformation spread on-line in relation to this event, which also included the perceived inaction of Torridge members and officers and the council as a whole.

Torridge officers were in fact working very closely and collaboratively with the local police monitoring things as they unfolded whilst ensuring every step taken complied with relevant legislation, which includes respecting the rights of the traveller community under specific laws such as the Equality Act.

The outcome was that Torridge did start eviction proceedings, which require a County Court Hearing and the date given to the Council was Wednesday, July 19, 2023 by which time the travellers had vacated.

More positively I am really pleased that the fair was able to return to Victoria Park to conclude their visit just in time for the start of the school holidays and provide the much cherished activity they provide.

As we hopefully return to more normal routines I can also announce that we will be bringing forward our review for Torridge’s Strategic Plan, which is due for a refresh in 2023. Nothing to do with Travellers but it will mark the start of a focus on a new plan that will set out the vision and ambitions the council will aspire to achieve over the coming years.

It will be centred around four themes – the local economy, communities, health and housing, our environment, and our council and the work to review all of this will now start in August. I look forward to joining with fellow councillors in delivering further progress for Torridge, and hoping we will be able to capitalise on upcoming opportunities such as those presented though the governments levelling up agenda.

Written by Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council