Word From The Editor

Hello readers and welcome to the October edition of our humble community magazine. Quite how we have arrived at this late stage in the year is beyond me - it feels like just yesterday that we were counting down each stage of Covid unlock and looking forward to welcoming the warm summer weather and influx of visitors. Now, as the weather grows cooler and the nights draw in, I find myself instead looking forward to the next major holiday milestone (sorry, but I just can’t bring myself to mention the C word just yet). It will be interesting to see the volume of visitors that remain in the town throughout these traditionally quieter months. We have all heard just how booked-up accommodation in the town is, with tales of availability only in the later stages of 2022. Regardless, I will continue to bang the drum for local businesses and tradesmen. As I type these words, the end of the Government’s furlough scheme is just around the corner - and by the time you read these words it will likely have come to its conclusion. I’m no financial expert, but when the Government stops stumping up the vast majority of some people’s wages, it’s likely their employment won’t seem quite as viable as it had beforehand. By continuing to spend what money we can in the local economy, we will be helping those in our own community to stay afloat. Did you know that if every adult in the UK spent just £5 extra in their local shops and businesses, it would be worth £13.5 billion. While I appreciate the economic boost to little old Ilfracombe wouldn’t be quite that substantial, it would still make a huge difference. In reality, all that means is buying a string of sausages from Turtons, some fruit from Norman’s, a bunch of flowers from Sweet Williams or even just a pint down the Hip - after all, every little helps! Leo

The Ilfracombe Magazine

One of Ilfracombe’s best kept secrets, with Harbour views to the front and the Bristol channel and Welsh coast line from our patio at the back. New members are always welcome, both sailing and social members. This gives you full access to the club, discounts on drinks and a lively social calendar. We welcome nonmembers (before 8pm.) Come along and see for yourself - you wont regret it!

Own carpet, vinyl & tiles fitted Contract & Domestic Fully Insured

Safety Flooring K Ka ar rn nd de ea an n S Sp pe ec ci ia al li is st t

Flooring Services

Supplied & Installed, Wet Room Specialist Commercial Kitchens, Luxury Vinyl Tiles

ASTRO TURF NOW IN STOCK 38mm & mega turf from £12 per m2

01271 855860 07967 560272

ajsjeffery@msn.com Find us on Facebook

NEW REMNANT STORE

Unit B, The Old Bakery, Chambercombe Park Road, Ilfracombe, EX34 9PH Carpet, vinyl & safety flooring Open after 5 pm to accommodate t th ho os se e w wh ho o w wo or rk k d du ur ri in ng g t th he e w we ee ek k

Supporting your dog’s health through diet.

Consultations for Skin Conditions, Poorly Joints, Digestive Issues, Kidney Ailments, Pancreatitis, Obesity... and more!

Book an online or in-person consultation with our holistic vet or nutrition specialist

Call 01271 624602 or visit nakeddog.co.uk/nutritioncentre

VETERINARY APPROVED

Book here!

Ilfracombe has been named one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the UK, according to a new study. The town ranked fifth in Great Britain out of a total of 169 coastal towns. The only other Devon location to feature in the top 10 was Salcombe in South Devon. Bournemouth in Dorset took the top spot, with St Ives in Cornwall, Hastings in East Sussex and Padstow, also in Cornwall, all sitting above the Devon towns. The study was carried out by betting company SlotsUp, who used scores from six different factors to rank the winners. Locations were give points based on number of Instagram hashtags, walking trails, beaches, museums and galleries and whether the town is in a National Park of Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). Although higher in ranking, Ilfracombe has significantly less Instagram hashtags than Salcombe, with 147,691 compared to 215,875. However, Ilfracombe’s museum and art gallery offerings gave it the final edge over Salcombe. Of all the top 10 towns on the list, only Ilfracombe, Salcombe and Padstow are set near both a National Park and an AONB and all three are tourist hotspots during the summer months.

CALLING ALL NEW LANDLORDS

First three months FREE full management

Contact the Ilfracombe office t: 01271 866699

www.bopproperty.com

Offer subject to a 12 month tenancy

The leader of North Devon Council says properties being purchased for second homes and holiday lets - including here in Ilfracombe - is a worrying trend that makes it extremely difficult for local people to get on the housing ladder. Council leader David Worden said house prices have risen by up to 18% in some parts of North Devon over the past 12 months. Mr Worden said the matter called for collective action. He said: “The impacts are not just on the individuals but also on our economy and social structure, as businesses and public services are now finding it hard to attract new employees as a direct result of the shortage of permanent accommodation. Our council has been very active in its efforts to keep people housed. Over the course of the pandemic, our housing staff have worked tirelessly with their colleagues and with our partners.” Mr Worden said between April 2020 and March 2021, the council helped stop 500 households becoming homeless and purchased a number of properties for use as emergency temporary accommodation. He said: “Despite the pandemic, 117 new affordable homes were delivered and as of 31 May 2021, we have approved 636 further affordable dwellings. We are keen for residents to come forward when they are aware of derelict or empty properties that could be brought back into use and, in certain circumstances, offer loans to owners of those properties in an effort to encourage them to move them back into use. We want to use our existing housing as efficiently as possible. It is clear though, that the answer for the current problems goes beyond the powers of local authorities and goes beyond simply building more homes. It needs a joined up approach from local and national government to resolve these issues. In the meantime, we, along with other district councils in Devon, will be pushing our local MPs to continue to take up the issue with government and to press for steps to be taken to redress the balance. This includes measures such as tightening up the criteria to enable properties to be valued for business rates, removing mortgage interest and Capital Gains tax relief from holiday rental properties and allowing councils to set higher council tax on second homes. We will also ask the Government to consider incentive schemes to encourage landlords to let on the permanent rental market rather than the holiday market. This is an issue that will affect the character of North Devon if action is not taken now.”

rhelectrical678@gmail.com