Community News

Chulmleigh College leads campaign for better broadband

With the third national Covid lockdown closing schools to most pupils, teachers say slow internet speeds in our rural communities are causing major problems for home schooling.

Michael Johnson, Executive Head Teacher at Chulmleigh College, has been leading the fight to improve broadband speeds here in North Devon. He says not being able to learn online effectively is making children “vulnerable”. He took the decision to invite pupils who suffer from slow internet connections to come back to school.

“It’s important that the issue of slow broadband is highlighted because it has become a critical utility during the pandemic,” said Mr Johnson. “The Government won’t know the impact of poor connections if they are not told, and will assume children will continue learning at home.”

“Rural areas must have good broadband access to allow its residents to work, access information, shop online and participate in society. We must not be left behind in an information revolution, or allow our children to settle for lower expectations. Online learning is not a good substitute for school, we all know that.”

“But those of us in schools also know that our communities (and our schools) depend upon being connected and attractive to a working population, so that our children are not disadvantaged just because they live in one of the most beautiful parts of England”.

A recently released Parliamentary report identified the South Molton rural area as having the slowest broadband in North Devon, and overall one of the slowest parts of the country.

The campaign has featured on the national and regional news, including interviews on BBC News, Radio 5 Live, ITV Westcountry and BBC Spotlight. The school is carrying out a survey among pupils and parents and the results will be sent to North Devon MP Selaine Saxby.

Gigabit broadband will now be available at the cliff railway and the tourist information centre

Victorian tourist attraction gets 21st century broadband

Engineers scaled the 862 foot incline to connect the historic Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway to full fibre broadband, futureproofing the iconic North Devon tourist attraction for generations to come.

The project involved installing new cabling up the entire length of the historic railway track. Ashley Clarke, general manager of the cliff railway said, “We’re a major yearround employer, and better connectivity will mean being able to run our business more efficiently. This is an exciting moment in our proud engineering history”.

Openreach engineers will also be building the infrastructure to allow homes and businesses in Lynton and Lynmouth to upgrade to full fibre broadband.

Walkers and dog owners urged to act reponsibly

Photo: Pete Robinson With more people using Devon’s public rights of way and trails for their daily exercise during lockdown, Devon County Council says it is receiving increasing complaints from landowners, especially about livestock being disturbed by dogs.

When walking your dog in areas used by other people they advise that dogs are kept on a lead, especially if a ‘social distance’ of two metres can’t be achieved.

Farmers also warn care must be taken when approaching animals with their young. Pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are especially vulnerable at this time of year. Crops have also been damaged by walkers straying off footpaths.

Devon County Council leader John Hart said, “We know that exercising and enjoying green space is vital to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, but we would urge everyone to respect the land and livestock, and to give others plenty of space. Dogs must be kept under control.” For more information: devon.gov.uk/prow/

Nine out of ten Devon residents say they aim to buy an electric vehicle (EV) by 2025 according to the results of a survey of more than 1700 people just released.

And a third said they aimed to replace their petrol or diesel car for an EV within five years. Only six per cent of those questioned said that they would ‘never’ buy an electric car or van.

Emma Fancett took part in the survey, and has already made the switch to drive electric. “I’m excited to see new chargers popping up around Devon, helping us to make cleaner transport choices,” she said. “It felt like a gamble when we switched to an electric car for our family in 2019. We had no off-street parking and there were no public charge points in our area. I think it won’t be long before switching to an EV will be a no-brainer decision.”

As reported in last month’s Molton Monthly, the first electric vehicle charging points are up and running at Pathfields Business Park in South Molton (below), and North Devon Council has launched a scheme to introduce them to all its car parks this year.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for Highways Management, says, “The survey has shown that increasing numbers of people are considering exchanging their vehicle for an electric one. By continuing to improve the infrastructure across the county, I have no doubt that we will continue to see an uptake in those choosing electric vehicles in Devon.”

Mass Covid-19 testing started last month at Chulmleigh College.

The announcement that schools will be carrying out testing of all staff and pupils on a regular basis was made over the Christmas holidays.

Staff training and initial testing was completed, and the school would like to thank the catering team for helping and supporting them by swapping roles and carrying out tests. Other members of staff and volunteers are also getting ready to join the team in order to test the pupils.

Deputy Executive Head Teacher Neil Payne is pictured left taking his first test, which involves swabbing the throat and nose. His result came back negative.

Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust and the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust have received the go-ahead from NHS England and NHS Improvement, to continue working on plans to formally join together by April 2022.

Suzanne Tracey, chief executive of both NDHT and the RD&E says, “This partnership is focused on benefitting patients and staff across Northern and Eastern Devon. Both trusts face many of the same challenges - ensuring we have enough staff, responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, managing our waiting lists and transforming services.”

Health bosses say North Devon has a track record of innovation and adaptability, while Exeter is seen as a centre of excellence in research, with teaching and links to the university and a positive reputation for many of its clinical services.

Suzanne added, “Both trusts have something to offer the other, and it is clear that our strengthened partnership can make a real difference to our communities and our staff across Northern and Eastern Devon.”

Sixth form student Max Lo has been awarded a scholarship to study for a music degree at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama - and a place at the Royal Academy of Music.

Max (pictured right), who has been at West Buckland School since he joined in Year 10, specialises in clarinet and saxophone.

Director of Music, Nick Smith, says, “Despite the setbacks and frustrations that the pandemic causes, our musicians are still doing really well. Max’s achievement should not be underestimated as the Guildhall and Royal Academy are amongst the most prestigious institutions in the world, and only accept the very best musicians. We are all very proud of him.”

New play equipment has been installed in Swimbridge thanks to a ‘Community Councillor Grant’ from North Devon Council.

£700 was given to Swimbridge Parish Council and has been put towards the new play area which includes a wooden climbing frame, slides and a zip wire (right).

Chulmleigh refugee approval

The Chulmleigh Community Welcome group (pictured right) says it has received full approval from the Home Office to welcome a refugee family to the town. It follows a year of fundraising and form filling to reach this pivotal stage. We hope to bring you the full story in next month’s Molton Monthly magazine.

Animal welfare experts are reminding owners to house their birds to protect again the latest outbreak of bird flu.

All poultry and captive birds including hens, ducks and geese in Great Britain must be housed - this is the best way to keep them away from wild birds who could infect them with avian influenza.

The British Hen Welfare Trust, based at Rose Ash, says if it’s not possible to house your birds for welfare reasons, you must keep them in a fully enclosed or netted area.

Food and water must also be kept undercover, and all ponds and any other standing water should be fenced off. You can keep up to date with the latest information on the charity’s website: bhwt.org.uk/news/tip-for-keeping-your-hens-safe-under-a-housing-order/