Community News

‘Snow-go’ on the roads as floods turn to freeze

With the A399 closed, the road up from Yarde Down saw heavy traffic and difficult driving conditions Photo by Sarah Hailstone/Exmoor with Jack

A cold snap returned with a vengeance in mid January, following straight after the heavy rain and floods (pages 22 - 27). Temperatures dropped to around -7°C, leaving roads icy for several days, and heavy snow in parts of North Devon and Exmoor on January 18th. Lorries and other vehicles ground to a halt on the link road hills, and treacherous driving conditions saw accidents in the slippery conditions. Many schools closed for the day and bus services were cancelled on several routes.

It was ‘snow-go’ at times on the A361 - photos by Geoff Pearse (above) and Fi Hailstone (below)

The snow also brought a winter wonderland to Exmoor, as can be seen from this beautiful picture of red deer covered in snow - photo by Jochen Langbein @LangbeinWildlife (18/1/23)

Vintage rally club’s 18k donation to local good causes

South Molton Vintage Rally Club hosted a cheque presentation evening at the Assembly Rooms on January 7th, to donate £18,000 raised through its 2022 events.

14 different organisations received vital funds, including £5,300 to the Devon Air Ambulance and £2,800 to the Exmoor Search and Rescue charity.

Other grateful recipients included Chemo Hero, Young Lives vs Cancer, Everything Ellie, South Molton Army Cadets, South Molton Town Band and the South Molton Memory Café.

The 2023 South Molton Vintage Rally will be held on the weekend of June 3rd & 4th at Frankhill Farm, Rackenford (EX16 8EG).

Mervyn Way presents cheques to the Cadets and the Memory Café, with rally club chairman Rob Kelland (left) and treasurer Linda Regan

Concern over new Dartmoor wild camping deal

People will be allowed to continue wild camping in areas of Dartmoor National Park, after an agreement was reached between landowners and the National Park Authority.

It follows a successful legal challenge by landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall on January 14th, who argued the right to wild camp without permission did not exist.

At a meeting on January 19th, The Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association agreed that, in principle, landlords would allow the public to wild camp in certain areas of the park as long as they “leave no trace”.

It had been feared that a total ban on wild camping could see an end to the popular Ten Tors challenge and Duke of Edinburgh Awards activities, seen as vital to the development of local teenagers. National park bosses say they can now continue.

However, Chulmleigh Academy headteacher Michael Johnson, whose pupils train for the Ten Tors Challenge on the moor, is concerned that the new resolution is a downgrade. He told BBC News, “No thought has been given to the people who were wild camping, including our schoolchildren.”

“It feels as though we had a Rolls Royce taken from us and we have been given a second-hand pushbike with flat tyres.” He called for politicians to intervene.

A new interactive map has been put on the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website to provide guidance on wild camping. More information: dartmoor.gov.uk/about-us/about-us-maps/camping-map

The cost of subscribing to have your garden waste collected in the North Devon district will rise in April 2023, councillors have agreed. The new subscription charge will be £55 per year per green bin, which equates to an increase of 40 pence per collection.

North Devon Council says the price hike is to ensure the costs of the service are covered by those that use it and not other Council Tax payers.

Photo ID needed for voting

For the first time, you will need to show photographic ID to vote at this year’s local elections, which take place on May 4th in northern Devon. The forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for a free ID online or by completing a paper form when the application process opens soon.

The rain and cold put a temporary stop to any recent team days at South Molton Community Garden, but Rebecca Blackman reports that the communal beds are covered (right) and the garden is having a “little rest”.

“I hope our volunteer gardeners are managing to have a rest too!” she said.

The group’s AGM is taking place on February 10th at the Methodist Church Hall at 7pm. They will be joined by local artist Karolina Andreasova, who will be showcasing some of her work. The meeting is open to all and is a perfect opportunity to come and meet the team and find out about the garden.

“If you are interested, please do come along. We look forward to seeing you there!” said the coordinator Rebecca.

New MD for RGB

RGB Building Supplies has appointed Jenny Naylor as new Managing Director. She replaces Andy Gamble, who retired at the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, employees at the firm’s South Molton branch are benefitting from a new cost of living support package. They received a one-off winter payment of £500 from the firm in January.

Devon and Cornwall Police have a new Chief Constable - Will Kerr (right).

With over 30 years’ policing experience, he says his priorities are to improve access to the force and visibility in communities, to look after and invest in the workforce and improve standards and tackle “unacceptable behaviour”.

Chief Constable Kerr said, “I am deeply proud to be the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police. I have dedicated my career to serving the public and I look forward to continuing this work at the head of this organisation.”

Meanwhile, the annual Christmas ‘drink and drug drive’ campaign saw Devon & Cornwall Police record 233 arrests.

Pub shop for North Molton

The Poltimore Inn has opened a new ‘mini shop’ selling basic groceries, filling the gap following the closure of E. Bulleds in North Molton in December last year. It’s open during pub hours (advert page 14).