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Community News March 2024

Burrington blaze

Stables, a holiday let and a workshop were destroyed by a major fire at Burrington on January 30th. Fire crews from South Molton, Witheridge, Torrington and Barnstaple battled for several hours to stop the flames spreading (right). Locals set up a Crowdfunder to help the family affected.

Storm hits rail travel

Rail services between Exeter and Barnstaple were cancelled due to bridge damage (right) as Storm Isha swept through on January 21st. The A377 was partially blocked near Kings Nympton by a landslip, and power lines in the village were sparking overnight with fire crews standing by as a precaution.

School is top of class

Chulmleigh College were the only comprehensive secondary school in the South West peninsular to achieve ‘significantly above average’ in every one of the 16 GCSE Department for Education Progress measures given to schools in England. The school also impressed Ofsted inspectors recently, who said it could achieve ‘outstanding’ status.

Photo courtesy South Molton Fire Station

Heavy rain damaged a bridge near Copplestone

Village shop could open soon

Volunteers planning a new community shop in North Molton say they’re making rapid progress towards announcing an opening date. Planning approval has been granted for The Old School building and a National Lottery grant of £19,550 has been awarded.

“We are still some £20,000 short of our target, but with a bit of arm-twisting we believe we can reach the £75,000 needed to fund our opening and first six months of operating costs,” said Dave Heath, vice chair of North Molton Community Shop Ltd.

“We will be approaching local businesses to see if they can help, and have extended our share offer to March 14th.”

If you can help, go to: northmoltonshop.com or phone 07547 811836

‘Good’ report for school

The South Molton Community Primary School team say they are delighted by its Ofsted report, which awarded it as ‘Good’ in all areas. Tom Parkin said, “As headteacher of this wonderful school I am hugely proud of the children, staff and community who fully deserve this hugely positive report.”

“Well done to the entire school community, and I look forward to working with you all as we move forward on the next stage of our journey together.”

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