plained - Pru Maskell

County Councillor Pru Maskell - December Update

Since I last wrote in July, I have attended a number of full Council meetings and Adult Health & Social Care Scrutiny Committee meetings at County Hall in Exeter. One of the main issues facing the committee at the moment is the proposed closure of the North Devon Link Centres for mental health support services. These proposals are very worrying for the service users in our communities and all of the North Devon and Torridge County Councillors share these concerns.

The upgraded crossing for Chaloner’s Road and the resurfacing of South Street will both be under way by the time this issue reaches you. The Bus Service Improvement Plan will be going to Cabinet in November and then submitted to the DofT. A huge amount of work has been going on to get it to this point. I have submitted a request for the 21A from Georgeham to stop at Tesco Braunton, which would allow residents from Georgeham, Croyde, Saunton, and Saunton Park, easier access to the supermarket. Currently there is only a Filers Bus from Ilfracombe which stops at Tesco twice a day. The 21A would also give residents of the Tesco development easier bus access to Barnstaple. I am still pursuing the idea of a crossing for Wrafton at The Williams Arms Junction. At the moment there are no funds for a scheme but by putting in some work now we may have a chance should some funding become available. Following some concerns about road safety on the Wrafton Road between the two schools, I have been looking into the School Streets Scheme and have been in contact with Devon County Council about the possibility. I am hoping that Braunton Academy and Southmead School will support this idea. Flooding has been a big issue for Knowle this autumn, making the bus stop and sections of pavement unusable at times. I realise that this makes life difficult for many residents and I am putting pressure on Highways to sort this out.

Many residents of Braunton will know the Palmer family. Nicki, approached me a while ago about getting some improved facilities and access for disabled people at our local beaches. We formed a group called Access for All and have focused on Croyde beach which has become a hub for ability surfing due to the amazing work of The Wave Project. At the end of October we were able to submit a bid for a Changing Places Facility for Croyde Beach with the help of North Devon Council as part of a Government scheme. If we are successful, this facility will be available for any disabled visitors to the beach as well as the ability surfers from The Wave Project. Wishing you all a good Christmas and a Happy New Year. Pru Maskell - County Councillor for Braunton Rural Pru.maskell@devon.gov.uk 07379 398641

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