Benchmark

by Mel Stride, Conservative MP

for Central Devon

Out and About

I WAS busy right across the constituency last week.

This included a visit to the Devon Highways Department to discuss road safety issues in Copplestone and on the A377 running from Cowley through Crediton. Whilst there I was shown their incident centre which monitors weather conditions and road related issues right across the county — huge screens showing meteorological data and CCTV output adorn the walls, all accompanied by the busy click of information flowing in and out from key services and the media.

I was also in Crediton to visit a fantastic local business 'Fix Auto' run by Louise Woolacott and her family. This award-winning company provides vital local employment.

In Okehampton I met with Paula Anscomb who runs the local credit union 'Plough and Share' which provides affordable responsible finance as an alternative to some payday lenders who charge interest rates of up to 4,000%. She and her wonderful team are based in East Street — more at http://www.ploughshare.co.uk">www.ploughshare.co.uk

In Chudleigh I spent time at the local youth club and held a series of surgeries with the young people there to discuss their concerns.

I held a meeting with the Community Forum in Buckfastleigh to discuss local planning concerns. Afterwards I spent time in Crediton viewing the proposals for the new Mid Devon local plan with its options for residential and commercial development over the next 15-20 years.

Back in Okey I visited Oaklands Park, the park home site on the north west of our town to discuss site issues and the new legislation that will better protect park home owners and which comes into force in April.

I met with several local councillors in the area and also held surgeries in Zeal Monachorum, Northlew and Hatherleigh.

For details of my upcoming surgeries please visit http://www.melstridemp.com">www.melstridemp.com