GREAT TORRINGTON TOWN COUNCIL NEWS

It was lovely to at last welcome, and be involved with, the Induction of Father Lawrence MacLean. We hope he and his family will be very happy in our town, and the Church Fete at the Vicarage was a good opportunity for us all to meet them.

At the December meeting of the full Council, members of Great Torrington Town Council decided they would like to communicate to both Torridge District Council, and to Sir Geoffrey Cox KC MP, local feeling about the proposed feasibility study being undertaken by Torridge District Council, regarding the potential for part of Sydney House car park to be developed for affordable housing. A letter has been sent to the CEO of Torridge District Council and to Sir Geoffrey Cox.

A summary of the main points are as follows:

Barnstaple Fair is always a wellsupported day, with all the “Chain Gang” out in force to celebrate the tradition of the Fair. The weather was kind as we walked around town, whilst the declaration of the opening of the Fair was read. Immediately after the formal part of the proceedings had finished, we dashed down to Newquay. It was time for Helen to put on a ‘posh frock’ for a reception celebrating the ‘South West in Bloom’ competition. We still had to wait until the following day to hear the results, and were proud and delighted when it was announced that the Torrington in Bloom team had won a Silver Gilt (last year it was silver). Thank you to the committee, traders and individuals who work so hard to enhance our surroundings in Great Torrington. We will soon have the opportunity of meeting the judges to find out how we can do even better – our next challenge is GOLD!!

Members feel strongly that it is vital that no further parking capacity is lost in Great Torrington, as the town has already lost New Street car park and School Lane car park in fairly recent times. Parking in the town is an ongoing issue, and the loss of part of Sydney House car park would exacerbate the situation.

The Co-op and Town Traders arranged a Harvest Festival in the Pannier Market on the 11th September. This was the first one organised and I think it will become a regular event on the Torrington calendar.

Sir Duke here again – wow how quickly a month goes by! Well Autumn is definitely upon us and many of the rescue dogs are gaining their winter coats in readiness for the onset of Winter! We have been as busy as ever with three new dogs being taken in who were due to be put to sleep – I don’t really know why as they are lovely and very friendly – they even like children!

Commons Allotment Charity Grants & Precept Grants 2023/2024 Budget

The Town Council has allocated its Commons Allotment Grant Funding (£6,840.00) as well as Precept Grant Funding (£21,400.00) for 2023/24. A full list can be viewed on the Town Council’s website.

The proposal to reduce car parking further is in direct contradiction to Point 7.4 of the Neighbourhood Plan, which states that ‘The number of town centre car parking spaces will be maintained or increased’. In fact, parking is mentioned in several points of the Great Torrington Neighbourhood Plan, adopted by referendum by the people of Great Torrington in 2021, and adopted by a Full Council Meeting of Torridge District Council 2nd August 2021.

Finally, we tried to attend as many Macmillan coffee mornings as possible and in fact ended up going to five! This is a wonderful charity and it‘s not surprising that it’s so well supported. After all those coffees we went to the Soap Kitchen shop to see Lesley and Richard Phillips who celebrated ten years of business on 30th September. Congratulations to you both.

As per last year, Members decided to keep a small pot of reserve grant funding to be made available during the period 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024 for ad-hoc urgent funding requests.

Bruno, our 12-month-old puppy that needs an eye operation, is still bouncing around and we are well on our way to raising the £3,000 needed for his operation.

Members have received many letters from concerned residents and a petition in the town shops has gathered many signatures. Members feel that not only will the loss of town centre parking have a negative impact on on-road parking, it will also have a detrimental effect on potential trade in the town.

Jennie Smithson, Town Clerk

12 Days of Christmas

Window Spotting Competition Winner

I look forward to hearing from you if you have an event or anniversary you want to tell me about – just call me 01805 625662, or our secretary, Pauline at the Council offices on 01805 626135.

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ Window Spotting competition were Poppy and Tilly Coates! They were presented with their prize by Assistant Town Clerk Charlotte Kirby, just before Christmas.

We have been chosen as one of three charities to participate in a fantastic scheme run by Animal Friends Insurance. Basically the charity that receives the most votes gets a whopping £5,000. So come on all you Facebook fans, please vote for us, and pass the word around to all your friends and family. It is simple to vote, and costs nothing. Just go to:

At the January Town Council Meeting Members agreed a budget for 2023/24. The precept arrangements reflect an increase of 1.43% on the Town Council element of your council tax bill in respect of 1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024.

Councillor Richard Rumbold

Our last out-of-town engagement

A huge thank you to the Knit and Natter group for the hard work which went into knitting all 78 festive creations. We are sure you agree, they all looked beautiful as they adorned the various shop windows.

Town Mayor www.facebook.com/feelgoodpark and on the left-hand menu you will see ‘Vote for Charity’. Click this and it will take you through to a page showing charities in the scheme. Then click on

The increase of 1.43% equates to an increase of £1.22 per annum for a Band A property and £1.43 per annum for a Band B property compared to last year (Town Council element of increase only). Full details of increases for all bands will be available on the Council’s website in due course.

Jennie Smithson (Town Clerk)