Community News June 2023

Community News pages 50 - 55

South Molton school’s pupils banned from shop over shoplifting allegations

The Spar Shop has banned all South Molton Community College students from going into the town centre store, following the alleged theft of stock running into “tens of thousands of pounds.”

Devon & Cornwall Police are working with the school’s management team and the business to tackle the issue. It’s reported that other shops in the town have also been affected. In a letter to parents, the school said, “We place heavy emphasis on community values with our students when at school, and we would ask that you reinforce this at home if you feel your child/children may be involved in some way.”

The letter states that it is, “a small minority of pupils tarnishing the reputation of other students and the school.”

“Spar may be looking to prosecute offenders as their loss of stock is now in the tens of thousands of pounds, and some of their staff have also been subjected to abuse by students when suspected shoplifters have been challenged.”

“We want to divert students away from actions which are causing great distress in the community, their community, and ensure that they make the right choice and not get involved in actions that may adversely impact on their future life chances.”

South Molton Community College says it is also taking steps to combat reports of bullying at the school, after concerned parents set up an anti-bullying Facebook page which now has 56 members.

One alleged incident is being investigated by police who said, “Devon and Cornwall Police are aware of allegations of bullying linked to pupils from South Molton Community College, and our enquiries continue.”

Roads flood in heavy rain

Heavy rain at the beginning of May left several local roads flooded, with the Kings Nympton, Umberleigh and Chulmleigh areas reported to be the worst affected.

It peaked on May 9th, leaving the A377 barely passable near the Portsmouth Arms, also the B3226 from South Molton, and the road from Kings Nympton to Head Bridge towards the railway station (right).

Despite a wet April and start to May, the area remains officially in drought after last year’s exceptional dry spell and South West Water says the hosepipe ban remains in force across most of North Devon.

Weather forecasters say more than 3 inches of rain fell in the first few days of May, 137% of the normal average for the whole month.

Kings Nympton - photo courtesy Fiona Triplow

‘100k’ Swimbridge drugs raid

Two men from Bideford were arrested when police discovered a large suspected cannabis farm at a property in Swimbridge.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police seized production equipment and suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of £100,000 in a raid carried out on April 27th.

Police say a man in his 70s was arrested on suspicion of producing a Class B drug, and a second man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of cultivating a Class B drug. Both men are from Bideford and have been released on bail until June 8th pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by telephone on 101, quoting reference 50230127302.

Alternatively, if you can assist police with this or any other suspected crime, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or the charity’s website: crimestoppers-org.uk

Photo courtesy Barnstaple Police

A361 crash - drug arrest

A 27-year-old man from South Molton was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and driving while under the influence of drugs, following a collision on the link road which left a motorcyclist with “life threatening” injuries.

The A361 was closed for more than seven hours on Sunday, May 14th. Officers were called to reports of a road traffic collision involving a blue Renault Traffic van, a white Nissan Qashqai and a red Honda motorcycle at around 12.55pm on the A361 at Rackenford. As a result of the collision, the motorcycle rider, a man in his 40s, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to Derriford Hospital.

If you witnessed the incident or have any information or dashcam footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via their website or call 101 quoting reference number: 50230141536. The man arrested has been released on bail until August 11th.

Show goes on

The performance of ‘Mixed Doubles’ by Drama@, which was cancelled in March due to a power cut, will go ahead on June 2nd at West Buckland Village Hall. Tickets (£8) can be obtained by phoning 01769 574453.

Give bowls a try

South Molton Bowling Club are offering an opportunity to any interested ‘non-bowlers’ to join them and try out the game - free!

Every Monday evening in May and June (6.30pm start), one of their qualified coaches will give free lessons, introducing you to the game in a friendly environment, allowing time to see if you would like to play regularly.

All equipment will be provided, you just need to wear flat soled shoes. The club says bowls is a game suitable for any age or gender, and is a great way of improving your flexibility, enjoying fresh air and good company (photo above right).

For more information call Pam Parkhouse on 07866 147055 or visit their website: southmoltonbc.co.uk

Chulmleigh open gardens

You can explore around 20 beautiful gardens in and around Chulmleigh, with cream teas and refreshments served in the town hall on Sunday, June 4th from 1pm.

Tickets (£7) available on the day in the town hall or in advance from Claire Withers 01769 580019, or see Chulmleigh Open Gardens on Facebook. All proceeds to North Devon Hospice and St Mary Magdalene Church.

Chittlehampton hall upgrade

Following consultations with the community, a planning application has been submitted for the refurbishment of Chittlehampton’s ageing village hall.

The hall committee says work will be carried out in phases as grants and fundraising allow, adding, “When complete, it will bring this 70 year old hall up to modern standards - it will be a community facility for the village to be proud of.”

The plans include a new roof, toilet extension, external cladding to improve insulation and weatherproofing, alterations to the internal layout, stairs to a loft area, a refurbished kitchen and the installation of doors from the main room to access a new veranda and patio - to make the most of the hall lawns and the views across the valley.

Barton Architects have been appointed