Looking back on some good news for Torridge in the past month

Town and village centres have always played an important role in our communities, providing a safe space for people to meet and socialise together. 

In recent years, these areas have had to adapt in the wake of changing patterns since Covid-19 and the rapid increase in internet shopping. 

As a council we are always looking at ways in which we can repurpose, regenerate and enliven those spaces that were once at the heart of local communities and can be again.

With this in mind, I am delighted that works have now started to bring the iconic water fountains on Bideford Quay back to life. The fountains were installed to mark the late queen’s golden jubilee in 2002 but are now being renovated and recommissioned.

READ NEXT: Bideford water fountain to spout again after a decade of silence

Due to be completed by spring 2026, the renovations are expected to cost £60,000 and are being funded by the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund.

As part of the project the entire system will be given a modern, energy efficient upgrade. A new control system will allow for smarter operation and new high-efficiency pumps designed for long-term reliability are being installed. 

The valve assemblies will be refurbished to extend the life of the existing assets and the decorative lighting will also be upgraded to create a better visual experience.

Once finished these fountains will provide a fantastic backdrop to festivals and events in the town, hopefully attracting more local residents and visitors to Bideford and the surrounding area. I, for one, can’t wait to see them working again.

In other news, we also saw a key project milestone with the arrival of the first steels to the Appledore Maritime Innovation Site. The steels form the frame of the building and over the coming weeks we will start to see the structure rise from the ground. 

The maritime sector has played such an important part of the region's history, this project is a real opportunity to move Appledore and the wider region into a national maritime future. 

READ NEXT: Work underway to rebuild seawall and slipway on Appledore Maritime Centre site

The centre is scheduled to open in 2026 and we hope it will put Appledore and Torridge at the forefront of innovation and investment in clean maritime energy.  Exciting times ahead!

If, like me, you have yet to even think about your Christmas shopping, don’t forget that we have a wealth of independent shops on our doorstep. 

To support consumers and business owners and in partnership with the local town councils, there have been a number of free parking days as an incentive for people to shop locally and to engage in festive community events.

There will be free parking in Bideford and Great Torrington this weekend.