Even if you don't live in Barnstaple, for many people, Barnstaple is the economic centre of North Devon. Most buses either go to, or pass through, Barnstaple and it will not have escaped many people’s attention that our Town Centre needs some tender love and care.
The Government funded Future High Streets fund being used to renovate the Market Quarter, Butcher’s Row and Boutport Street will help. We should be encouraged that there are still people investing into Barnstaple Town Centre and some great new businesses opening.
Despite this many people contact me about the over all appearance of Barnstaple, be it overflowing bins out on the street, damaged pavements, dirty signage, broken lighting, closed toilets etc. We do not need a multi-million pound Government fund to fix many of these issues. We need our councils to act with the support of the community. The wonderful Barnstaple in Bloom have shown what can be done, community litter picking groups have shown the willingness to help and there are funds and support out there if the will is strong enough.
Please do fill in my survey and do consider contacting any of your local residents groups or Barnstaple in Bloom as the more people we have helping out, the more that local authorities will be able to do.
Selaine Saxby MP