Residents in North Devon and Torridge are being invited to have their say on the future of local government in the county.

In December 2024 the Government announced plans to simplify the structure of local government across England. Areas such as Devon, which currently has a county council and district councils in a two-tier system, are being asked to develop plans to move to a single-tier unitary authority.

North Devon and Torridge district councils have been working with councils across Devon to work up proposals, and in March 2025 an interim plan was submitted on behalf of all Devon's district councils, except Exeter.

The proposal, known as the '1-4-5 Plan', includes: 

• Creating a new unitary authority combining East Devon, Mid Devon, North Devon, Torridge and Exeter
• Forming another unitary authority covering South Hams, Teignbridge, West Devon and Torbay
• Keeping Plymouth as a standalone unitary authority 

Final proposals will be submitted to the Government in November 2025. Before then, the council would like to hear from residents, businesses and groups about what matters to them. 

A survey will run until 11 August 2025. Responses will help shape the final proposal and ensure it reflects the needs of the communities of northern Devon.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: "This is the biggest change to local government in North Devon for more than 50 years, and we are determined to ensure our proposals take into account the needs and aspirations of our communities.

"We want to hear from as many of our residents, businesses and local groups as possible. Your answers and insights will play a vital role in this change, and help us ensure North Devon and its communities are well represented and get the services they deserve for generations to come."

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “Services provided by the council, affect each and every one of us. If you want to have an input on what this will look like in the future, I would strongly urge you to make your voice heard and complete the questionnaire. These changes will affect many generations to come, so we are determined that our final proposals take into account as many, and as wide varying views as possible.”

Residents in the North Devon district can take part in the survey by visiting the Lets Talk North Devon website.

Paper copies are available for completion from the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple's Green Lanes Shopping Centre, the Ilfracombe Centre, and the Amory Centre, South Molton. Opening hours are available on the council's website. Paper copies or large print copies of the survey are also available on request by emailing the council's Corporate and Community Services team. 

Torridge residents can complete the survey online on the Let's Talk website. 

If you need this survey as a paper version or large print you can request this by emailing customer.services@torridge.gov.uk or by calling 01237 428700 option 9. Paper copies are available at Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG.

Notification of Road Closure on FORE STREET, NORTH MOLTON

We are writing to inform you that South West Water has applied for a road closure to complete utility works outside Red Lion Cottage to near 1 New Oaks. These works, subject to approval from Devon Highways, will take place between 07/07/2025 and 11/07/2025. All efforts will be made to maintain access to properties within the area of the closure and minimise disruption.

If you require further information, please contact the Helpline on 0344 346 2020.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, we’ll make sure the work is completed as quickly as possible to minimise any disruption.  

South West Water

Please find attached the latest Griffiths Newsletter for the North Devon Link Road Project - A361 - (Portmore to Borners Bridge) or click HERE to view online at the Griffiths Community Website under Newsletters.

For additional project information or to view all newsletters and traffic updates online, please visit the Griffiths in the Community North Devon Link Road website HERE

Please find attached the latest Griffiths Traffic Bulletin for the North Devon Link Road Project - A361 - (Portmore to Borners Bridge) or click HERE to view online at the Griffiths Community Website under Traffic Updates. This bulletin contains important Traffic Information regarding night closures and traffic management programme. For additional project information or to view all newsletters and traffic updates online, please visit the Griffiths in the Community North Devon Link Road website HERE.

The Parish Council's contractor will be spraying weeds along the roads and pavements in the village next Tuesday (17th June), weather permitting.  The spray is safe to use in public areas. Anyone who has not previously notified Liz Bulled that you don't want the plants sprayed outside your house, please get in touch with her (details under Parish Council).

Please find attached the Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Annual Governance & Accountability Return (Exempt Authority) that relates to the 2024/25 audit of the Parish Council.  Audit documents can be found under Parish Council, Legal Documents - 2025 Audit - after the 12th of June.

North Molton Parish Footpath Officer, Steph Harris, has created an excellent poster for the public rights of way in the Parish, attached to this post.

If you find a problem on a footpath, if it is in the Exmoor National Park, report it here.  Otherwise, report here. Please also drop the Clerk an email so that we can keep track of resolution of issues (clerk@northmoltonparish.gov.uk).

Please remember that you are responsible for your safety, control of dogs, appropriate behaviour around livestock, and using public and private land with care.  You can find the Countryside Code here.

Happy trails!

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has announced the necessary closure of a popular Somerset footbridge for public safety and is working on a plan for a long-term replacement, and to reinstate public access on the permissive footpath that crosses Hinds Pitt Bridge near the Tarr Steps. 

Access and Recreation Manager for ENPA Dan Barnett said:

“Unfortunately, the bridge above Hinds Pitt Pool that forms part of the popular Tarr Steps circular walk has had to be closed due to structural failure and for public safety. The bridge has been there since the 1950’s and some key parts of the steel structure have deteriorated to a point where they are no longer safe (see photos below). We hope to replace the bridge and secure public access once again here for the future, but it will take some time to develop a plan in agreement with the relevant landowners and to raise the considerable funds required.

It is possible that we can do some temporary modifications to allow the bridge to reopen while we plan for its replacement, and we are looking into that urgently. In the meantime, the Tarr Steps site is otherwise open for everyone to enjoy, including short walks there and back on either side of the river and all the longer walks in the area are fully open too. The popular long distance footpath the Two Moors Way is still passable using an alternative route on the west bank of the river.”

Please find attached the latest Griffiths Traffic Bulletin for the North Devon Link Road Project - A361 - (Portmore to Borners Bridge) or click HERE to view online at the Griffiths Community Website under Traffic Updates. This bulletin contains important Traffic Information regarding night closures and traffic management programme. For additional project information or to view all newsletters and traffic updates online, please visit the Griffiths in the Community North Devon Link Road website HERE.Highways

Exmoor Young Voices (EYV) is a voluntary group of young people from across Exmoor, seeking viable and sustainable ‘life’ and ‘work’ opportunities for young residents. They tackle many issues for young people on the moor, including housing, digital inclusion, employment, communications, travel and local wages.

EVY have kindly provided two copies of the Justin Tyers book "How to self build your dream home for £99,000 - or less!" to North Molton Parish Council and you can arrange to borrow a copy for up to 2 months from the Parish Clerk - contact via nmpclerk@gmail.com.  This is only a loan, and return is expected so that others can also benefit from the EYV donation.

Alternatively, you can go to the EYV page and find out how to get your own copy.