Exmoor means business

An online directory of businesses operating in and around Exmoor National Park has been launched. It’s part of a Rural Enterprise Exmoor initiative which seeks to keep greater community wealth in the area.

Molton Monthly magazine, which recently became an Exmoor National Park Partner, is one of the varied businesses already listed in the new directory. It’s free to sign-up here: directory.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Meanwhile, a ‘Taste of Exmoor’ event was held at the House of Commons on February 24th, attended and supported by acclaimed food writer William Sitwell (photo right). “It was a wonderful opportunity to give MPs and those who touch the levers of power a taste of the amazing produce of Exmoor,” said Mr Sitwell.

Community News pages 50 - 55

Police pledge to tackle violence against women and girls.

Devon and Cornwall Police has pledged its ongoing commitment to tackle violence against women and girls, after the publication of the first national ‘NPCC report’ into police performance.

A range of measures have been put in place, focussing on ‘building trust and confidence in communities; relentless perpetrator pursuit and creating safer spaces for women and girls’.

“We are committed to ensuring our counties are a safe place and have worked on a range of initiatives as part of our commitment to keep woman and girls safe from harm,” said Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell.

It follows the publication of the first national National Police Chiefs’ Council study into force performances. The document also identified 20 allegations of misconduct towards women and girls by officers and staff at Devon and Cornwall Police.

“It is vital that we focus on our own internal culture, professional standards and behaviour to ensure that our communities have trust and confidence in us. There is no place for misogynistic or inappropriate behaviour in our force and we’re determined to route this out,” added DCC Colwell.

South Molton incident - appeal for dog walker to come forward

Police are appealing for witnesses after a young girl was allegedly chased down New Road in South Molton by ‘two young males’.

Officers investigating a report of affray say it took place between 3pm and 3.30pm on Sunday, March 5th in the stretch between Southley Road and Dart Park.

The males said to be involved were possibly in their young teens according to police. They are keen speak to a female walking a dog who intervened and shouted at the two boys to stop. They ran off towards the park.

If you witnessed the incident, have any information or CCTV/dashcam footage please contact the police via their website or call 101 quoting reference 50230052294: devon-cornwall.police.uk

Tiverton station re-opens

The public enquiry office at Tiverton Police Station has officially be reopened, aiming to ‘improve face to face access to officers’.

Tripp is top dog!

In the February edition of Molton Monthly we reported how Lorenz and Bridget Heil in South Molton had been fostering a puppy ‘Tripp’, starting out his life as a guide dog.

They’ve been in touch to say that he has now left them, and is doing well at the south west training centre for the Guide Dogs charity. “Tripp is enjoying his training and is now very familiar with the guiding harness and has started doing parts of his walk wearing it, locating things for me such as the cash point and the pedestrian crossing box. There isn’t much Tripp wont do for food!” said trainer Samantha Jarvis.

Lorenz and Bridget volunteered as ‘Puppy Raisers’ for the charity, and an appeal has been launched to find new homes for pups.

For more information on becoming a Puppy Raiser with Guide Dogs go to: guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/ volunteering-for-guide-dogs

Hospice donation

Staff at Mole Valley Farmers store in South Molton have proudly presented a cheque for £966.92 to the team at North Devon Hospice (pictured right).

The money was raised during the festive season from visits to Santa’s Grotto in the store, and collection tins at the check-outs.

Boy in tent - one last camp out

13 year old West Buckland School student Max Woosey, who has camped out in a tent for three years, is ending his charity challenge and coming back inside - having raised more than £700,000 for North Devon Hospice.

The schoolboy has announced he will hold a final celebratory camp-out festival on Saturday, April 1st at Broomhill Estate near Barnstaple - see the advert opposite for details of how to take part.