A word from the editor Greetings fellow coastdwellers and welcome to the June instalment of The Ilfracombe Magazine. It’s official, we’re half way through 2022 and the summer is virtually upon us. One familiar sign that signals the tourist season is the sight of the Dotto Train and I’m genuinely delighted to see it running again this year. There was a period where a contractor simply couldn’t be found to operate this cheery little vehicle. I love seeing the Dotto doing the rounds of the town, so hats off to the team who made it happen this year. As usual this month we bring you the very best in local tradespeople and businesses - all of whom we advocate you support in this tricky post-pandemic climate. We also bring you two significant news stories. Ilfracombe has become the first location in Devon and Cornwall to employ a dedicated Maritime PCSO (which stands for Police Community Support Officer). The role has gone to Andy Bailey whose role will involve policing antisocial behaviour around the harbour area - not least people tombstoning into the water, an activity which seems fun but can have devastating effects. I’m really pleased
Ilfracombe has been chosen for this trial and look forward to seeing the positive results over the next 12 months. Sadly, we also bring you news of another matter involving the police. The enormous fire at the Glen Tor Hotel can’t have escaped the notice of anyone in the town. The huge blaze took dozens of firefighters days to extinguish and, unfortunately, the fire has now been confirmed as
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arson. Everyone knows Ilfracombe’s history with hotel and large building fires, many of which result in eyesore sites being left to rot for years (in some cases decades). I truly hope that doesn’t happen in this case and that we all, as a community, do everything we can to help police draw this matter to a swift conclusion.
Leo
The Ilfracombe Magazine
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