On May 4 Honiton residents will vote for five new East Devon District Councillors across two wards.

Owl notes that Phil Twiss has endorsed Tory candidates. Maybe he should concentrate on the day job of trying to avoid DCC falling into bankruptcy. Not a good advert for the pledge to run a “value for money” administration.

Remember DCC is facing bankruptcy after hiking council tax by 5%. The coalition EDDC, despite inheriting significant legacy problems, has a balanced budget and only raised council tax by 3%.

(Alison Hernandez hiked the police budget by 6%)

honiton.nub.news 

Voting will also take place to elect 18 new Honiton town councillors.

East Devon District Council candidates for St. Michael’s Ward (3 councillors to be elected):

Violet Bonetta (Labour)

I am Honiton born and raised and attended both primary and secondary here. I’m invested in community work here in Honiton, through both volunteering and work. Through my role at Honiton Foodsave, I have helped to give away tens of thousands of items of food to our local community and keeping the operation running by making and upkeeping our website. I also worked as the Member Pioneer at a local supermarket, supporting community causes and charitable events. Locally, we need a more diverse range of councillors who know people’s priorities and that will work with the community to improve the lives of working people in Honiton and beyond. With the cost of living only rising, something needs to be done, and I commit to doing all I can to continue with Labour’s achievements on EDDC and to support you as your local Councillor.

Joanne Fotheringham (Independent)

Originally from London, I have lived and worked in central Honiton for five years. I am a business analyst, an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and gained a History degree as a mature student researching Britain’s secret chemical weapons programme in Cornwall. I am 100% independent and have never been a member of any political party.

Lockdown made me appreciate living in Honiton and the importance of our local independent shops and green and open spaces. I want to help to continue the positive work of our current town council. I will oppose Devon County Council’s plan to introduce a pay and display parking system on the High Street.

The loss of HSBC and Barclays bank branches from the high street is a concern. Although it is good to see that Barclays is planning a part-time presence in the library, I will work with others to campaign for a proper community banking hub for the town.

I support the current Town Council’s decision to contribute towards the cost of building a pedestrian crossing on Clapper Lane to improve safety for children and parents of Honiton Primary School and will support ongoing efforts to make sure that Devon County Council schedule the work urgently.

Finally, if you are voting in person at the polling station, don’t forget you will need photo ID such as a driving licence or passport. The permitted forms of photo ID are listed on the back of your polling card.

Nicholas Ingham

I am an IT consultant and have lived and worked in central Honiton for five years. I was born in Manchester and grew up in Cornwall. I lived in Catford in south east London for many years where I was involved in a number of campaigns including Save Ladywell Pool (to save the local swimming pool from demolition) and the Bring Back Democracy campaign (calling for the abolition of the directly elected Mayoral system in Lewisham). Both campaigns involved working with a wide range of people from all political parties including Conservatives, Greens and Socialists.

At the forthcoming election for Honiton Town Council, a number of excellent town councillors are now standing down. I want to ensure that the progress made by the “Honiton Forward” group of new councillors is not lost. I am very concerned about the possible effect of the new voter ID laws on both voters and polling staff. Recent polling shows that 1 in 4 people are completely unaware that they will need to produce Photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate to be able to vote in the Local Elections. Before the election, I will be campaigning raise awareness of the new Photo ID regulations. Joanne Fotheringham and I have set up a campaign website at https://readytovote.uk

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Councillor Phil Twiss has shared with Nub News a supporting statement for Paul Carter, Jenny Brown and Brice Cornelius who are all standing for the Conservatives:

Statement from Phil Twiss: All three Conservative candidates (Jenny Brown, Paul Carter and Brice Cornelius) are strong advocates for the farming community, buying locally produced food whenever possible, helping reduce carbon miles and supporting local High Street businesses from food shops to hospitality venues and other services, including people’s health and wellbeing, where they will work for improvements to local health services and build more high quality affordable homes for local people.

Regenerating the High Street is a key priority for all of them, to keep Honiton sustainable and vibrant. We will all make every effort we can to regenerate Honiton High Street by innovative working, attracting more funding and new business, making Honiton an even better place to live, work, shop and socialise.

Paul Carter (Conservative)

Paul Carter works for the internationally famous Donkey Sanctuary, who have offices in Honiton High Street; in what spare time he has Paul breeds and trains horses. He was also previously a member of EDDC and has many years of experience in a number of Councillor Roles to call on.

Brice Cornelius (Conservative)

Brice Cornelius moved to Honiton 40 years ago and is well known locally. He is a highly experienced professional, working as a Senior Project Manager in the construction industry and would bring a wide range of skills to EDDC, if elected.

Jenny Brown (Conservative)

Jenny Brown is a Town Councillor and committed to community work, including help reduce social isolation by running the popular Beehive Arts and Community centre café and helping those she comes in to contact with. Jenny previously sat on EDDC, and was the lead Councillor for Tourism and successfully campaigned for the reopening of Honiton Police Station.

East Devon District Council candidates for St. Paul’s Ward (2 councillors to be elected)

Tony McCollum (Independent)

For many years I have been a voluntary member of the Honiton & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and for the last three years I represented the Chamber as their Honorary President. 

As a Town Councillor I will continue to support Honiton and its small independent businesses by keeping High Street and New Street as free as possible from the large national companies who are happy to take money out of the town, but shut down at the first downturn in profit. 

The driving force to provide Honiton’s future lies with the council understanding the needs and aspirations of our townsfolk, and being engaged with so many committees and working groups I am always in touch with the people of Honiton.

I have lived in and around Honiton for 50 years, having worked in our local dairy business working my way up to factory manager over a period of 25 years and followed this with a further 10 years in the engineering side of the industry which has given me a ground level insight into the needs and wants of working men and woman. 

As a Honiton Town Councillor I am involved with many charitable organisations and would like to continue to support them as best I can. In many ways I have been partially responsible for the changes brought about within Honiton Town Council and am happy to be able to report that the council now functions with civility and decorum between all councillors and changes are underway to ensure, by written agreement, that this will continue to be so.

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Councillor Phil Twiss has shared with Nub News a supporting statement for Andrew Pearsall and John O’Leary who are both standing for the Conservatives:

Statement from Phil Twiss: Andrew Pearsall and John O’Leary are strong advocates for the farming community, buying locally produced food whenever possible, helping reduce carbon miles and supporting local High Street businesses from food shops to hospitality venues and other services, including people’s health and wellbeing, where they will work for improvements to local health services and build more high quality affordable homes for local people.

Regenerating the High Street is a key priority for all of them, to keep Honiton sustainable and vibrant. We will all make every effort we can to regenerate Honiton High Street by innovative working, attracting more funding and new business, making Honiton an even better place to live, work, shop and socialise.

Andrew Pearsall (Conservative)

Andrew Pearsall is a local builder, who is also a member of Honiton Town Council. He recognises the challenges facing all of us in the town, not least getting to grips with ensuring we have high speed Ultrafast Broadband across the whole of Honiton; essential for businesses to operate effectively, as well as attracting new ones who cannot be competitive without it.

John O’Leary (Conservative)

John O’Leary is very well known to many people in Honiton, who come across him working on the Deli counter at Complete Meats, in the middle of the High Street. John was previously a popular and hardworking EDDC Councillor representing Honiton St Paul’s ward for a number of years, where he is again seeking your support on May 4.

The full list of candidates for the town and district level elections is available here.

axminster.nub.news 

Ahead of next week’s East Devon District Council elections, here you can read more about candidates standing in and around Axminster.

Below, candidates for the Axminster, Trinity and Yarty wards have offered statements ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 4.

To find out more information on the upcoming election – including a list of candidates for all wards across East Devon or details of your local polling station – visit https://eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/election-information/

Don’t forget, under new government guidelines, you will need to show proof of ID at the polling station. More details on acceptable forms of ID can be found at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need

AXMINSTER

Three seats available

Ian Hall, Steven Holt and David Willey – Conservative

Ian Hall is a lifelong Axminster resident, current chair of Devon County Council and an East Devon district councillor for Axminster. He is dedicated to improving the infrastructure of the town, education facilities and employment opportunities in Axminster.

Steve has the health and well-being of people at the heart of the work he does within his various charity roles and as a town councillor. He is passionate about the improvements needed to rejuvenate a ‘shop local’ town centre and make Axminster an even better place to live, work and socialise in. 

David moved to this area to give his growing family a secure life in wonderful East Devon, bringing with him very significant expertise in setting up and working with youth groups. Ian, Steve and David offer a wealth of experience to deliver the things people in Axminster have told them they want for the town.

At the last elections, the Conservatives lost their majority. The first action of the new alliance council was to stop any debate on a relief road for Axminster. Four years later we are no further on; there is still no discussion about poor air quality or safety issues due to congestion, or a wider infrastructure review to unblock our choking town centre.

Ian, Steve and David’s overwhelming priority are the needs of everyone in Axminster. They agree that “we need to ensure the best outcomes for everyone, through the full cycle of life, and to help improve the health and prosperity of everyone who lives here”.

Paul Hayward – Independent

I am often asked why someone would give up their spare time to serve as a councillor. Why sit through endless meetings, reading thousands of pages of reports and documents, getting home late and missing out on time with family and friends?

There’s no easy answer. I genuinely believe that each of us wants to help our neighbours and those living nearby whenever and wherever we can. That’s an instinctive human trait. Politics, however, can be a huge turn-off for a great many. Too much talking, not enough doing. Too many arguments, not enough agreement. The perception is that tax-payer’s hard-earned money is frittered away on daft projects. Perception is everything.

I have served Axminster (and parishes nearby) since 2011 – starting just four years after I moved here from “sunny” Slough with my family. We chose to come here because Axminster offered a bright future, an opportunity to live in the glorious Devon countryside and a chance to live in a small community where you could make a real difference and feel welcome.

In the last 12 years, I have met thousands of people – both as a town and district councillor, and as a member of staff to four wonderful local parish and town councils – and I have no doubt that Axminster is one of the friendliest places in the UK. Certainly, our motto “Axminster – the home of Community Spirit” is well-founded and well-deserved.

Since 2019, I have served as an EDDC councillor (for Yarty ward) but also as the deputy leader of the council, and Cabinet member for economy. During those four years, our lives have been turned upside down by the impact of Covid and the worst ‘cost-of-living’ crisis since the 1950s.

There is still so much to be done to create a brighter, better future for Axminster. Please consider trusting your three votes on May 4 to Sarah, Simon and myself – your independent candidates – and allow us to make that difference. People before politics. Public before party. Service before self-interest.

Please vote independent and vote for Paul Hayward.

Integrity. Honesty. Accountability.

Sarah Jackson – Independent

I have been living in Axminster for over a decade now. I am running for re-election to EDDC as an independent candidate. This time, I am standing with two outstanding independent colleagues – Simon and Paul. I am incredibly proud of this town and its community, and I’m committed to continuing my efforts to make Axminster a better place for all.

During the pandemic, I helped found ACER, a community organisation that provided support and assistance to the most vulnerable in Axminster. I also volunteer for the Axminster Banners group and for the Axminster Christmas Together lunch. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the strength of community spirit here.

Over the past four years, I’ve worked hard to advocate for residents and business owners in the area through one of the most challenging times in living memory. I ensured the transfer of Jubilee Field into public ownership. I secured significant funding from EDDC for the Axminster Skatepark, a project which was only made possible because I encouraged multiple organisations to cooperate where they had not done so before.

Additionally, I have made protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity projects a priority and have consistently opposed inappropriate housing developments that don’t deliver the necessary infrastructure.

Each of us believe that we can achieve even more for our town by working together. We believe that our locally elected representatives should be accountable to the public. We are committed to putting the needs of Axminster first, rather than the interests of a national political party.

Axminster has enormous potential, and with the right approach, we can achieve a bright future for the town while maintaining its unique charm. By electing three independent councillors, we can unlock Axminster’s potential and meet the needs of a growing population in more appropriate ways while preserving our community spirit and natural surroundings.

As election day approaches, please use all three of your votes to elect independent councillors who will put you first. Together, we can make positive changes for our community. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and concerns.

Gillian Jordan – Liberal Democrats

I have lived at Raymonds Hill, in the EDDC ward of Axminster for 13 years and am standing as the Liberal Democrat candidate in the forthcoming elections. I have extensive experience in the education sector – as a primary school teacher, an adviser and a school governor. I am currently a member of the Axminster Medical Practice PPG (Patient Participation Group), which aims to improve links between the community and the medical practice.

I’m backing the Lib Dem plan for East Devon:

• Fighting for fairer funding to protect local services; 
• Protecting the environment – continuing to lead the way to a cleaner and greener future for all;
• Protecting our most vulnerable people.

My priorities for Axminster are:

• Holding the water authorities to account by ending the scandal of regularly dumping sewage into the Rivers Axe and Yarty;
• Supporting the local groups working to reduce single use plastic, recognising their success;
• The provision of more hospital services to be located at Axminster hospital, in order to reduce the number of journeys patients have to make to Royal Devon & Exeter hospital;
• The provision of affordable homes for local people when new house building resumes. The issue of phosphates in our rivers is a serious one and is severely restricting the house- building programme;
• The need to consider ways of reducing heavy traffic travelling through the town centre, to make it a safer place for pedestrians;
• More investment and innovation to reduce the number of empty shops in Axminster;
• Consulting with the County Council to address the issues of speeding on our roads and the appalling state of many of our roads due to pot holes! 
• Acting as a voice for children with Special Educational Needs and their parents. Provision in the Axminster area is insufficient to meet their needs.

I am fighting for a fair deal for Axminster.

Simon Smith – Independent

You have the power to effect real change in Axminster. As someone who lives and works in this town, I know first-hand the struggles faced by individuals in our community. That’s why my colleagues, Paul, Sarah, and I are running as independent candidates in the upcoming election. We’re passionate about working together with you to bring vitality and a fresh perspective to our town.

In my role as a community manager in Axminster, I have seen the gaps in provision and heard about people’s struggles. I don’t believe in party politics, and I think that real change can only come from individuals working together to get things done.

Our priority as independent candidates is to work collaboratively with you to bring vibrancy back to Axminster. We want to protect our community assets from opportunistic developers and promote much-needed improvements to reduce congestion in our town. We want to ensure that every person in Axminster, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the services they need.

If elected, we promise to take action to solve the concerns you’ve shared with us. We’ll listen to your ideas and work collaboratively with you to find practical solutions to the challenges facing our town. Transparency is essential to us, and we will keep you informed about our work and decisions.

We’re not professional politicians; we’re just members of our community who care deeply about Axminster’s future. We believe that our shared skills and experiences make us the perfect candidates to represent our town. We’re passionate about working together with you to bring vitality back to Axminster, and we’re committed to making it happen.

We humbly ask for your vote on May 4 to help us bring about the positive change that each of us in Axminster deserves.

Jeremy Walden – Labour

I have lived in Axminster for 40 years. With my family I ran a pub and restaurant and latterly a sandwich-making and distribution business. I retired last year. I am an Axminster town councillor, governor at Axe Valley Academy and chair of trustees for arc, a local mental health charity.

If elected I will generally support the independent alliance, but be separate from it as I feel they have not got it totally right.

EDDC is not right in developing its new local plan by not co-ordinating new housing with infrastructure. In this it is not challenging its officers who should act according to councillor’s policy decisions, not the other way round.

EDDC has also not acted in robust enough way to South West Water’s blatant treatment of excessive sewage outflows. This must end.

TRINITY

One seat available

Andrew Turner – Conservative

For those of you who don’t know me I am Andy Turner, the fourth generation of my family to live in Uplyme Parish. I am acutely aware of the things that matter to local people here, and in the rest of Trinity ward.

I have been an Uplyme parish councillor for 17 years, currently deputy chairman and chairman of the Planning Committee. I am deeply involved in a number of important community roles, including being snow and flood warden and 37 years as a police special, rising to the rank of Chief Superintendent.

Partnership working is a key part of being a councillor and I will work with our county councillor, MP and any other individual or organisation that can improve lives in Trinity ward. My management and relationship experience gained over many years in various roles will be an invaluable part of my job, if elected.

I am an active member of the community and would like the opportunity to serve everyone in Trinity Ward with the same enthusiasm that I have done in Uplyme over many years, pulling together the many positive elements of the three parishes, working together and supporting each other, not least with greater emphasis on the provision of ‘real’ affordable housing for local people.

I will maintain and build new relationships to ensure the voice of Trinity is well represented and heard at all levels of local and national government. Together, we will engage with utility companies across a wide range of issues, from roads and drains, to reducing the impacts of the unexpected, such as the cost of living crisis and weather emergencies. 

Also standing in the Trinity ward is Susan Westerman – Liberal Democrats.

YARTY

One seat available

Richard Norman – Conservative

People ask me why I am interested in politics. Put simply, all of my life I have tried to help people make the most of their lives, whether at work or rest. Local politics is an extension of that desire to get even more done. I am motivated and organised, having worked in the engineering industry for 30 years in IT programme and project management, moving to Devon eight years ago to start with my wife to start the next chapter of my life.

Team work is import to me, not working in isolation. I look forward to working with likeminded people in the wider Axminster area, who like me are committed to their local communities, in my case with a very clear emphasis on all of the villages and communities in Yarty ward. My clear aim is to work with them to promote ways of us improving the wellbeing and prosperity of all people who live here; not least with the local county councillors to us the £9million they have just received from government to fix potholes!

Significant proposals recently announced by the government will hopefully ensure communities gain the maximum influence, to benefit from these important changes to planning policy housing policy, being at the heart of deciding how many homes will be built and where.

I am committed to promoting wider alternative energy use, but not at the expense of our countryside. I support new ways of generating green energy, including use of ground source heat pumps, where viable.

Duncan Staddon – Green Party

I’m excited to be standing for a party that genuinely wants to make a difference. I’ve worked closely with a number of charities over the years and am aware of how tough it is for families at the moment.

If elected I’d do all I can to help families that are struggling. As a Dad, I also believe it’s crucial we do all we can to protect our environment for future generations and work towards a fairer more equal society. 

Also standing for Yarty is Duncan Mackinder – Liberal Democrats.

All the above statements were supplied by candidates personally. All candidates for the above wards were offered the opportunity to submit a statement up to the same maximum word count, by the same deadline. Some chose to submit joint statements. 

Richard Sharp has resigned as chair of the BBC after an investigation concluded that he broke the rules by failing to declare his link to a secret £800,000 loan made to Boris Johnson, creating a “potential perceived conflict of interest”.

Geneva Abdul www.theguardian.com 

The inquiry report says Sharp had a discussion with Johnson about applying for the job of BBC chair, shortly before taking part in a supposedly independent interview process where it was made clear that Sharp was Johnson’s preferred candidate.

Here are the other findings of the investigation by Adam Heppinstall KC:

Sharp’s name was leaked before the formal application process had concluded

The investigation cites a news report in the Daily Telegraph mentioning Sharp’s application for the role suggesting he was already the government’s favoured candidate while the job advert was still live.

Both the panel and ministers were “disappointed” by the quality of the applicants for the position of BBC chair, with the investigation concluding other candidates may have discouraged others from coming forward due to the perception that Sharp was being lined up for the role.

Sharp discussed becoming chair with Johnson before applying – even though the PM would have to approve the appointment

Sharp was working as an adviser to the Treasury during the coronavirus pandemic when he told the then prime minister of his intention to apply for BBC job.

Sharp told the inquiry the conversation with Johnson informing him of his intention to apply for the role was similar to that of one with a current “boss”, seeking permission to apply for a new role.

Sharp said he did not consider it a conflict of interest but rather an opportunity for the then prime minister to “persuade him” to stay in his current position. Sharp told the inquiry that in hindsight he should have disclosed this, and that he apologised.

The investigation said: “Whilst it might have been appropriate for Mr Sharp to inform his ‘boss’ of his application particularly in light of Mr Sharp’s work at a time of national emergency, it was also appropriate for him to have informed the panel of the conversation.”

Sharp said any failure to disclose conflict was “inadvertent”. Announcing his resignation on Friday, he said: “I have always maintained the breach was inadvertent and not material, which the facts he lays out substantiate.”

No 10’s support for Sharp was made known to the panel who interviewed candidates

Sharp was interviewed on 11 December 2020, as one of five shortlisted candidates for the position of BBC chair.

The lead interviewer said they knew of Downing Street’s support for Sharp and he was the only candidate whose application was supported by ministers.

Sharp discussed potential personal loan for Johnson while preparing for job interview

Before his interview, Sharp told Johnson of his intention to meet the cabinet secretary and introduce “to him a person who had made a suggestion that he might assist the former prime minister with his personal finances”.

In December, Sharp met the cabinet secretary, Simon Case, in a meeting in which no one else was present. No official minutes were produced.

Following the December meeting, the cabinet secretary commissioned advice to be given to Johnson relating to his private financial affairs.

The advice, given by the deputy cabinet secretary, stated: “Given the imminent announcement of Richard Sharp as the new BBC chair, it is important that you no longer ask his advice about your personal financial matters.”

The inquiry was told the advice was given not to avoid a conflict of interest in the appointment process, but to stop further contact between Sharp and Johnson.

Links between Sharp and Johnson during the interview process could have undermined BBC impartiality

The public could be left with the impression that Sharp was “beholden to the prime minister for his support such that his independence from government was compromised”, the inquiry concluded.

Johnson was the person “who would make the final decision on the recommendation for appointment and also a person from whom Mr Sharp would have to maintain independence if so appointed.”

Being chair of the BBC “fundamentally requires independence” from the government. But having conversations about applying for a job with the prime minister, before applying for the job, “could undermine this independence.”

A 39 per cent surge in pothole-related breakdowns has seen the RAC respond to 10,076 incidents between January and March for faults likely caused by poor road surfaces.

Reporting by Neil Shaw www.inyourarea.co.uk 

The RAC recorded the jump when comparing incidents from the same period in 2022, saying the state of roads is ‘nothing short of scandalous’. And with common pothole-related problems including damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels, the motoring firm said it is ‘not right that drivers who are struggling to make ends meet are having to fork out’, reports HullLive.

UK Government funding to maintain England’s motorways and A roads was 31 times higher per mile than for local roads in 2022, according to analysis by the Local Government Association. But the government has hiked up its Potholes Fund (with funding going to English councils) by £200 million to £700 million this financial year.

Simon Williams, an RAC roads spokesman, said: “Drivers are telling us that the UK’s local roads are in a worse state than ever, and it’s hard to disagree looking at some of the craters that litter so many of our carriageways. It’s not right that drivers who are struggling to make ends meet are having to fork out for new tyres, wheels, suspension springs and shock absorbers simply because our roads have been allowed to fall into such a dire state of repair.

“We implore the government to think differently to end the pothole plague once and for all. One way could be to ringfence a proportion of fuel duty revenue for the maintenance, repair and improvement of our local roads because, as it stands, the £28 billion collected from drivers is currently just another form of general taxation.”

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said the government is investing more than £5 billion from 2020 to 2025 to maintain local roads, with an extra £200 million announced in the budget, which will help fix ‘millions of potholes a year’, making journeys ‘smoother and safer for everyone’.

Dangerous potholes risking motorists’ and cyclists’ safety on roads in East Devon has prompted the county council to come under fire from the MP for Tiverton and Honiton.

The Conservatives have run the County Council into the ground; they’d do the same if they got control of EDDC wouldn’t they? – Owl

Local Democracy Reporter eastdevonnews.co.uk

A Devon MP has written to the county council’s chief executive to complain about the state of local roads, writes local democracy reporter Ollie Heptinstall.

Safety fears have been raised over the size of potholes on the road between Honiton and Dunkeswell, East Devon, and Black Cat junction on the A396 – some deemed as ‘incredibly dangerous’, forcing motorists to swerve to avoid the defects.

In his letter to Donna Manson at Devon County Council, Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord says his postbag “has been flooded in recent weeks with residents concerned about the state of the roads across my Tiverton & Honiton constituency, and around the county.”

Mr Foord outlined how, in many cases, potholes and defects are “incredibly dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians, with drivers often having to swerve sharply to avoid damage to their vehicles.

“This is especially true on the road between Honiton and Dunkeswell, and Black Cat junction on the A396.”

In the first 20 days of January, the council recorded more potholes than in the whole of January 2022, with Mr Foord adding: “There has also been a series of diversions caused by these potholes and other safety defects, causing huge disruption to communities and commuters.”

“I appreciate that we can never totally eradicate potholes, but with the council paying out tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money to compensate drivers for damage caused by the poor state of our roads it’s clear we need to ensure that when these problems do emerge, they are tackled quickly.”

A spokesman for Devon County Council said: “We thank Richard Foord for his letter and will respond to him directly.

“We have just experienced a winter of prolonged freezing weather followed by very wet spells – the worst combination for our roads – which has had a significantly detrimental effect on the condition of our 8,000 mile road network.

“To tackle this over the past few months we have doubled the number of pothole gangs, introduced weekend working and extended working hours across the network. This resulted in up to 2,200 potholes being repaired each week.”

A report in March said the number of recorded potholes in Devon is on track to be lower than the previous financial year.

However, the council also said its road network faces an “inevitable decline” because of a lack of funding. A new highways management plan details how current investment means the worsening condition of some roads is “unavoidable.”

It hopes that A and B roads can be maintained in their current condition, but minor roads will be allowed to “gradually deteriorate,” while unclassified roads will get “minimal maintenance.”

Neil re-announces his re-announcement. 

He first hinted at his return in August last year, then repeated it again as recently as March.

But don’t believe this ”Independent” nonsense.

 Like Simon Jupp Neil dutifully trooped into the voting lobby to vote against the Lord’s amendment to stop companies dumping raw sewage into our rivers and seas.

Can’t see any self respecting independent candidate in East Devon wanting his assistance.

Bring it on! – Owl

Lewis Clarke www.devonlive.com

Devon’s porn watching former MP who quit in the wake of the scandal has been spotted canvassing in Devon promoting a Independent’s political prospects in the upcoming local election. Neil Parish has also hinted that he may make a return to politics and stand as an independent parliamentarian when the nation next goes to the polls.

Mr Parish quit his role as Tiverton & Honiton MP a year ago this week after admitting twice to watching pornography in the House of Commons. At the time, he said he had been trying to search for tractors when he accidentally viewed the X-rated material before purposely watching it a second time while waiting to vote.

Ahead of May’s local election on May 4, Mr Parish has been out in the Cranmore ward of Tiverton backing Christina Daw, who is standing as an independent after quitting the Conservative Party earlier this year in a row over the 3 Rivers Development at St George’s Court.

While out campaigning, Mr Parish indicated that he is considering running as an independent candidate in the next general election, saying he had received a good reception while out in town.

Mr Parish stated: “I’m just making sure that people know that Chris is standing as an independent, and I want to make sure I’m for things, not against things. People are still very worried about the cost of living and everything going on, but it’s fascinating, really. I think politically, the election is wide open here, and somebody like Chris Daw, who’s done such a good job for the area, will stand a very good chance.”

He continued: “I’ve always worked very well with Chris, and she is a very good councillor, and for my sins, I think I was not a bad MP either. Therefore we both share the same vision that you stand up for your community, you stand up for your area, and you fight for it.

Mr Parish spoke about the possibility of running as an independent candidate himself, stating: “I think with the political climate like it is at the moment, they may well be looking for a change, and perhaps the political parties don’t always please them, so somebody who could look across the political spectrum and be for things not against them.”

He continued, “I’m not against the Conservatives, Liberals or Labour or anybody, I just want to be for the area, and if I stand as an independent, that is what I will do. If I am going to stand, I will make a decision during the summer for sure. It’s very difficult in a parliamentary seat to suddenly pop up at the last minute; therefore, one will have to dig in.

Parish, who represented the area in Parliament for 12 years, acknowledged: “When you have blotted your copybook, you have to see how people now view it. I think, on the whole, people think I did a stupid thing, but I think they also believe that I stood up for the area.”

Christina Daw added: “It’s been very interesting out with Neil this afternoon to see what people are thinking and being very open to us, asking lots of questions, but you never know what will happen until the votes are counted.”

The full list of Cranmore district council candidates: Steve Bush (Independent), Les Cruwys (Liberal Democrat), Chris Daw (Independent), Guy Edward (Conservative), Tom Ewings (Labour), Beckett Fish (Liberal Democrats), Sue Griggs (Conservative), Lance Kennedy (Liberal Democrats), Nina Zuleika Lindsay (Conservative)