Community News

Hosepipe ban for North Devon

South West Water has extended its controversial hosepipe ban to include all homes in the Roadford Lake supply zone, which is all of North Devon.

A spokesman said, “Our region remains officially in drought and a hosepipe ban has been in place for Cornwall and a small part of North Devon since August 2022.”

“To further ensure our reservoir levels recover, and in accordance with our drought plan, we will be extending the ban throughout other parts of Devon from April 25th, 2023.”

Heavy rainfall in March and April has left Wimbleball and Wistlandpound reservoirs

both full, but Roadford is the main supply source for North Devon and that’s at only 66% of capacity. At the same time last year it was 96% full - and we’re now heading towards summer and the influx of tourists.

The water company says the South West is still feeling the impact of last year’s exceptionally dry weather and reservoir levels are much lower than normal.

South West Water says it is acting now with the ban to protect water resources and the environment, to help rivers and reservoirs to recharge ahead of the summer months.

The spokesman added, “We are grateful to all our customers and communities for their efforts in reducing water usage. We must ask you to keep saving water where you can, so that our water resources can recover sufficiently for the summer months ahead.”

The ban is on hosepipes, sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems, and covers watering gardens, washing cars and filling ponds, paddling pools and fountains.

The area in pink is supplied by Roadford Lake and is where the new hosepipe ban covers. It includes all of North Devon including postcodes EX36, EX31, EX32, EX37, EX18, EX19, EX35 and EX17.

For updates and information go to: southwestwater.co.uk/environment/water-resources/hosepipeban

Graphics courtesy South West Water

‘Flockdown’ finally over

Bird flu restrictions were lifted on April 18th, meaning that hens and other birds can now be let outside again.

The only exception is if you fall within a Protection or Control Zone, where an outbreak of avian influenza has been confirmed by Defra officials.

Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer, said, “Whilst the lifting of the mandatory housing measures will be welcome news to bird keepers, scrupulous biosecurity remains the most critical form of defence to help keep your birds safe.”

“The unprecedented nature of this outbreak has proven it’s more important than ever for bird keepers to remain vigilant for signs of disease and maintain stringent biosecurity.”

Photo courtesy British Hen Welfare Trust, Rose Ash

The news that the so-called ‘flockdown’ is being lifted after five months, will be a boost free range egg producers, and the Rose Ash based charity British Hen Welfare Trust who rescue and rehome former battery chickens.

Businesses like North Molton based North Devon Hawk Walks have been able to operate in recent weeks thanks to changes in the rules by Defra to clear them flight.

Poultry and captive bird keepers must:

* Cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds, if practical, use disposable protective clothing

* Reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept

* Thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis

* Keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and bird housing entry and exit points

* Minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds

* Be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have concerns

Photo ID needed for elections

With local elections taking place in North Devon on May 4th, voters are reminded that they must have photo identification. This is a new requirement, introduced by the UK Government’s Elections Act.

Types of accepted photo ID include passports and drivers’ licences issued in the UK or European Economic Area, as well as some concessionary travel passes such as an older persons’ bus pass. Voters can also use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo. You can also get a free Voter Authority Certificate from North Devon Council (deadline was April 25th).

The elections are to vote for councillors serving North Devon District Council, and also for some parish or town councils. Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

Hair cut raises more than £1,200 for child cancer charity

Caitlin Buckingham, age 7, had 11 inches of her hair cut off in April to help young children with cancer.

She not only raised £1,241 with her trim at Halo Hair & Beauty in South Molton, her hair will also be used to create wigs for youngsters being helped by cancer charity The Little Princess Trust.

“I am really happy to help another child and pleased that I have raised enough money for the charity to make two wigs,” said Caitlin.

Mum Rachel said, “I am super proud of Caitlin. She is such a kind, caring little girl and it’s such a selfless, wonderful thing for Caitlin to have done.” The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs, free of charge to children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

All smiles from Caitlin after her charity haircut

Builders support hospice

RGB Building Supplies, with a branch on Pathfields Business Park in South Molton, has chosen Children’s Hospice South West as its charity partner for 2023-24.

Aid donation success

The Rotary Club of South Molton has so far raised £1,800 for the aid charity Shelterbox - enough to buy three ‘shelterboxes’ to go to disaster zones like Syria and Turkey. Pop into their town centre shop if you would like to make a donation (Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings). The club’s ‘Citizen of the Year’ award will be presented to Roger Watts on May 10th at the Assembly Rooms (from 6.45pm). Supper and bar - admission £9 on the door or £8 in advance, children half price. Everyone is welcome. Contact John Price for tickets on 01769 574109.

New drop in services at library

One South Molton is launching a community drop in service called ‘CommuniTEA’ on the second Tuesday of every month. It starts on May 9th and runs from 10am-11.30am in South Molton Library.

Email for info: jess.twydall@northdevon.gov.uk

A new Parkinsons Café is starting on May 18th at South Molton Library, and then the 3rd Thursday each month (10.30am-12pm).

This is for anyone affected by Parkinsons - the person with the condition, their carer, partner, friend or relation, to meet together for a ‘cuppa and a chat’.

Please contact Parkinsons UK volunteer Caryl Bowles on 01769 572380 or e-mail: carylbowles@yahoo.co.uk

South Molton Community Garden news

by Rebecca Blackman

It’s been all systems go at the garden! The old tool shed has been dismantled and a brand new, larger shed is being built.

Two extra water tanks have also been installed, which will be fed by the new shed roof. The tanks needed to be plumbed in, which required a workman to climb inside to fit the taps (picture right)! We’re also planning to install extra guttering to increase the water catchment area. Access to water is difficult at the garden as there is no water supply, so hopefully these additions will help.

We welcome new members! If you’d like to join us, come along on a Thursday afternoon, weather permitting, at 2pm. Email: somocogarden@gmail.com

Rally entries

South Molton Vintage Rally takes place on June 3rd & 4th at Rackenford (advert page 16). If you would like to take part and own a classic or vintage car, motorcycle, tractor, stationary engine, tractor or steam engine, entry forms can be downloaded from the website: smoltonvintagerally.co.uk