Former mayor to stand in Milton and Tamarside by-election

The voters of Milton and Tamarside will have a familiar face to vote for when they go to the polls on 23 October to elect a new district councillor for Torridge, after the resignation of Kit Hepple.

Nigel Kenneally is well known as an active Holsworthy Town Councillor and former mayor. Born and bred in Shebbear, from an agricultural background, Nigel has a strong commitment to the countryside and rural life, and a formidable track record of providing practical help to people locally. During COVID, he was a founder member of Holsworthy Mutual Aid, supporting local people with prescription runs and deliveries. He continues to be involved in activities like the Easter Bunny Run, Firework Display and Halloween Party, established then and still going strong

Earlier this year, Nigel was within less than 90 votes of being elected County Councillor. Now he wants to make a difference on Torridge District Council. ‘My big object is to make sure that funds from developers (S106) are kept within the community, to benefit the local area’, he says.

Holsworthy councillor Lyndon Piper is full of praise for Nigel’s tenacity and talent, saying, ‘Nigel is an excellent Town Councillor. Together we fought to get a BMX pump track on the list of projects developers must provide in exchange for the new housing they build. I’d love to see him represent at District level. A second chance for people to back a top local guy with heart in the right place and the skills, nous and intelligence to back it up. 

Nigel also wants to hold developers to account over affordable housing. ‘Too often we’ve seen them back out of their commitments because of viability concerns. This can’t happen. If elected I will prioritise affordable housing so young people can stay in the area’.

Nigel is a keen advocate of the Holsworthy Agri-Business Centre and the jobs and opportunities it will bring. ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put our agricultural economy on the front foot’, he says. ‘Let’s make sure that government money is wisely spent and gives our area the boost it deserves’.

Teresa Tinsley, leader of the Lib Dem group on Torridge District Council, has warmly welcomed Nigel’s wish to become a Councillor:

‘Nigel is a straight talker, he understands rural life and the pressures farmers have been under, and he’s a brilliant entrepreneur who gets things done. He will be a powerful advocate for the community on Torridge District Council.’