‘Regeneration, not reorganisation’ say Lib Dems in Torridge and Tavistock

The Government has announced that residents of Torridge and West Devon Councils will from 2028 be served by a new Devon Coast and Countryside unitary authority comprising a vast area from Axminster to Holsworthy and from Ilfracombe to Kingsbridge. Three other new unitaries, Plymouth, Exeter, and Torbay, will expand their existing boundaries to encompass a total of 84 parishes adjoining them. Torridge, West Devon, and the other five District Councils will be abolished, as well as Devon County Council.

Responding to the news, Phil Hutty, Parliamentary candidate for Torridge and Tavistock, said:

‘The proposal chosen by the Government seems to be the most unpopular of the five options submitted to it by the existing eleven councils affected. Only two – Labour-run Plymouth and Exeter, supported this option. I can’t see that it will either improve services or cut bills for our residents.’

Councillor Chris West, Leader of the Lib Dem group on West Devon Borough Council, said:

‘Our worry is about the financial viability of a diverse rural authority stripped of the economic muscle of its cities. This configuration gives us miles of potholed minor roads to look after, three unconnected stretches of coastline, parts of two national parks, plus Lundy, an older population, extensive SEND responsibilities, and no obvious centre to provide cohesion.’

Councillor Teresa Tinsley, Leader of the Lib Dem group on Torridge District Council, said:

‘My pledge not to vote for any proposal which cuts jobs in Bideford or Torridge still stands. We need regeneration, not reorganisation. We have no choice but to accept the Government’s decision so now we need to do some hard thinking about how services and council functions can be distributed within such an unwieldy new authority.’