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Game on for Holsworthy as new PlayZone wins approval from councillors

Lewis Clarke
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Game on for Holsworthy as new PlayZone wins approval from councillors

A new floodlit sports facility for Holsworthy has been approved after councillors backed plans designed to boost opportunities for football, netball and informal recreation while also debating whether it should stay open later into the evening.

Members of Torridge District Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the proposal for a multi-use games area, known as a PlayZone, at Stanhope Park. The development will include a hard-surfaced floodlit facility measuring 30 metres by 20 metres, enclosed by fencing and designed for a range of sporting and recreational activities.

Before the decision was made, planning officer Peter Stapley updated councillors on minor amendments following a committee site visit. These included revisions relating to biodiversity net gain information and drainage arrangements.

Peter said: “We’ve had a minor amendment to a location plan. This is all sort of related to the biodiversity net gain.”

He added that updated ecological information had been submitted and that officers were seeking amendments to planning conditions, including a new condition requiring details of a surface water drainage strategy to be approved before work begins.

Peter said discussions with South West Water would continue regarding drainage arrangements and investigations already carried out for the site.

The application relates to land at Stanhope Park in Holsworthy and was submitted by Torridge District Council. Planning documents state the PlayZone will be equipped with integrated goal units, netball facilities, floodlighting and an electronic booking system controlling access to the site.

Speaking in support of the proposal, Cllr Nigel Kenneally said he was “very happy to support this application” but sought assurances that children not involved in organised sports clubs would still be able to use the facility.

Community engagement project officer Adrian Avery told the committee that free-play opportunities would form part of the management arrangements.

Adrian said: “Everything’s based on exactly the same as Torrington approved a couple of weeks ago.

“The elements of free play have been built into the activation plan in association with the Football Foundation, the primary funder of the facility. So that’s all built in and that’ll be linked with the management plan from Active Torridge.”

Cllr Kenneally also questioned a proposed condition restricting use of the facility to between 8am and 9pm.

He said: “The other MUGA in town, or 3G pitch down at the school, is open till 9.30. Is it possible to alter that condition to 9.30?

“You’re going to have groups coming from there because that one’s oversubscribed, coming from there wanting to use this MUGA.”

Adrian responded: “I’ve no problem with that condition being changed.”

Questions were also raised about how the facility would accommodate netball.

Cllr Rosemary Lock asked whether the pitch would be marked out and queried references to integrated goal units at each end.

Explaining the design, Adrian said the Holsworthy facility would differ from a recently approved scheme in Great Torrington because it had been designed to reflect growing demand for netball in the town.

He said: “This is always based upon a growing netball community that’s growing in the town.

“It’s actually going to be a hard surface.”

Adrian explained that while football could be played on the facility, it was intended primarily as a broader activity space rather than a dedicated football pitch.

He said: “It’s more a physical activity facility with the option of playing football on it.”

When Cllr Lock pointed out that a single netball post would be of little use for matches, officers confirmed there would be netball hoops at both ends of the court.

Adrian said the hoops would be attached to the fencing structure rather than fixed into the playing surface.

“They won’t actually have built-in posts into the floor,” he said.

“They’ll come out the fencing from above.”

He added that while the facility would support training and recreational play, it would not be large enough to host formal competitive netball matches.

Adrian said: “They won’t be able to play formal league matches on it because it’s two metres too small.

“It’s more for informal recreational training purposes for children, for adults. More than suitable for that, but not formal matches.”

Planning documents state the PlayZone programme is funded through the Football Foundation and is intended to increase access to high-quality sports facilities, particularly for women and girls, lower-income groups, disabled people and ethnically diverse communities.

The facility will be located on land north of Stanhope Park and south of the existing football pitch. Planning officers concluded that the development would provide an overall community benefit and enhance recreational opportunities in the area.

Developers dealt blow as treasured Bideford green space is spared

Lewis Clarke
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Developers dealt blow as treasured Bideford green space is spared

A bid to build a bungalow on a popular patch of green space in Bideford has been thrown out after residents successfully fought plans they feared would erode one of the area’s few remaining open spaces.

Planning inspectors rejected an appeal against Torridge District Council’s refusal of the scheme at High Park Close, concluding the land provides an important community green area despite being privately owned.

The decision has been welcomed by councillors and residents who objected to the proposal, with planning officials saying local feedback played a significant role in the outcome.

Speaking at a meeting of Torridge District Council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 4, Cllr David Brenton praised residents for working together to oppose the development.

He said: “A very good outcome on this and I think the residents of the area showed as a team they work well together and the officers of Torridge are really good at getting all the correct ducks in the row, if you want to put it that way.

“I think this is going to send a message.”

The appeal was lodged after the council refused plans for a single bungalow, parking spaces and associated works on land between High Park Close and Clovelly Road.

Although the developer argued the site could provide a much-needed home, the planning inspector concluded the plot forms part of an open space valued by local people and regularly used by residents, including dog walkers.

In the decision, the inspector said northern Devon already suffers from a shortage of public open space and found the loss of the land would outweigh the benefits of building one additional home.

The ruling is particularly significant because the land does not have any formal protection and remains in private ownership.

Planning manager Helen Smith said the decision showed existing planning policies were strong enough to safeguard valued community spaces.

She said: “The inspector acknowledged that this is privately owned. So the space is privately owned and it lacks a formal designation, but that current policy in the local plan was strong enough to mean that it is identified as a public open space and should be retained for that purpose.”

Helen also highlighted the impact local residents had on the outcome.

She said: “I think a really important point with this as well was the level of contribution and objection from the local community and the inspector put great weight to that.

“The inspector very much recognised the value that the public give to that use of it as a provision for the local community.”

The inspector found the proposed bungalow would not have harmed the appearance of the area and said drainage issues could have been resolved through planning conditions.

However, the loss of the green space was judged to be the decisive issue and the appeal was dismissed.

Cllr Rosemary Lock said the outcome should encourage more people to take part in the planning process.

She said: “It’s a good outcome and I think it’s important as well to send the message out because most people think it’s a waste of time putting in any comment because no one takes any notice.

“But in this case, as you say, the public really helped.”

Climbers scale victory as Plymouth council backs down over wall plans

Plymouth City Council
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Climbers scale victory as Plymouth council backs down over wall plans

Proposals to change the climbing wall at Plymouth Life Centre into a soft play offer for children and families will not be progressing, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure have confirmed, following significant public feedback and intervention from political leaders in the city. 

The decision comes after a strong response from residents, with hundreds of people sharing their views and expressing concern about the potential loss of the climbing facility. The Council says the scale and strength of feeling has been clear, therefore the proposed closure of Plymouth Active Climbing has been halted and the Council and PAL will take action to protect and support this vital community sporting facility.  

Councillor Kate Taylor, Cabinet Member for Finance and Sport said:  “We have heard the strength of feeling from our residents loud and clear. Hundreds of people have taken the time to share their views in our consultation, and we thank everyone who got involved.  

“We are listening, and in light of that feedback, Plymouth Active Leisure will not be moving forward with these proposals. 

“Instead, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure will work together to bring forward alternative plans to continue to improve the service offered to users of all our facilities. This includes engaging in conversation with regional and national climbing organisations to see what assistance they may be able to provide to improve the climbing experience at the Life Centre.  

“Our ultimate goal is – and always has been – the financial viability of Plymouth Active Leisure. It is an organisation which we are proud of; one which provides so many different opportunities for Plymouth people between the Life Centre, Mount Wise Swimming Pools, Tinside Lido and Plympton Gym. 

“However, the facilities offered can only thrive if they are supported by local people. Over the past 12 months, there have only been 208 regular members of the climbing wall, alongside around 500 additional users who registered on an ad hoc or one-off basis. However, operating costs continue to exceed income, with the gap increasing every year. The climbing wall currently loses around £100k per year. 

“I would encourage people in Plymouth to vote with their feet and ensure that Plymouth Active Leisure’s facilities are financially viable, and available to local people for many years to come.” 

Plymouth Active are committed to providing the best possible facilities for residents and have continued to demonstrate this since 2022, despite challenging conditions. Key developments include the delivery and activation of new spaces at Tinside, the HY‑NRG studio, and the new gym at the Life Centre, alongside a further upgrade at Plympton Gym completing this week. Investment has also continued in digital and customer services, with more improvements planned over the next 12 months to ensure the service continues to evolve. 

Usage of facilities continues to grow year on year, with programmes expanding to meet the city’s needs and increase opportunities for leisure, health, wellbeing and sport. In the past year alone, this has generated over £9.5 million in social value. With an ambitious strategic plan endorsed by Plymouth City Council in February 2026, Plymouth Active is well placed to deliver its long-term vision for the city. 

Red Arrows help draw nearly 200,000 people to Torbay airshow weekend

Torbay Council
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Red Arrows help draw nearly 200,000 people to Torbay airshow weekend

Thousands of residents and visitors gathered in Torbay over the weekend to enjoy the 10th anniversary of the English Riviera Airshow, marking a decade of one of the Bay’s most popular free events.

Event organisers estimate that nearly 200,000 people attended the Airshow in Paignton over the three days (Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May). The landmark event once again transformed Paignton seafront into a vibrant and bustling destination, with spectacular flying displays, live entertainment and a diverse programme of attractions drawing large crowds every day.

The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by us, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts.

Organisers delivered a memorable programme featuring a variety of renowned display teams and aircraft. Visitors were treated to a packed schedule of aerial performances alongside a lively event village offering entertainment, food, and activities for all ages.

The event benefited from fantastic weather conditions, with warm temperatures, clear blue skies and sunshine on Friday and Saturday, followed by dry conditions on Sunday. This provided an ideal setting for the aerial displays, including crowd favourites such as the RAF Red Arrows, who performed on both Friday and Saturday.

With thousands of people visiting Torbay over the three days, the English Riviera Airshow once again delivered a welcome boost to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and traders across the Bay benefited from increased footfall, reinforcing the event’s value to the local economy. Previous research has shown that for every £1 spent on the Airshow, a further £15.56 is generated for the local economy.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: “It has been fantastic to see such a positive response from the people who attended this year’s English Riviera Airshow. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy everything the weekend had to offer, and the atmosphere was brilliant across the three days.

“I would like to say a special thank you to our sponsors, partners and the many volunteers who help make the Airshow possible. Their commitment and support are vital to the event’s success,

and we could not do it without them. The hard work will soon begin again as we start planning for the 2027 English Riviera Airshow.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company said: “What a weekend! Thanks to everyone involved in delivering another fantastic English Riviera Airshow, bringing thousands of visitors to the Bay during this special 10th anniversary event.”

Following a spectacular English Riviera Airshow, attention now turns to the ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival which takes place from 24 to 28 June 2026.

Volunteers are wanted to join the crew behind this world-class event, with opportunities to be part of an international competition, gain hands-on event experience, and help create an unforgettable atmosphere along the bay’s coast. Further information on how to enter, spectate, volunteer or partner is available at: www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.uk

Other highlights in Torbay over the coming months include:

  • Art on the Doorstep – 6 March to 5 September
  • English Riviera Walking Festival – 6 to 21 June
  • Torbay Pride – 13 June
  • ICF SUP World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival 2026 – 24 to 28 June
  • International Agatha Christie Festival – 12 to 20 September
  • England’s Seafood Feast – 21 September to 4 October
  • Bay of Lights – end of November to beginning of January A full list of events taking place across Torbay can be found on our website.

New jobs vision moves forward after planning backing for Torrington scheme

Lewis Clarke
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New jobs vision moves forward after planning backing for Torrington scheme

Business boost plans approved as councillors back new employment hub for Torrington

Plans for a new employment hub designed to support business growth and create jobs in Great Torrington have been approved by councillors despite questions over drainage, noise and a nearby private water supply.

Members of Torridge District Council’s plans committee voted to support proposals for employment development on land at Hatchmoor Road, a site earmarked for business expansion in planning policy for several years.

The hybrid application includes detailed permission for the first phase of development, comprising nine flexible employment units together with roads, parking, landscaping and drainage infrastructure, alongside outline permission for future phases of commercial development.

Presenting the application, planning officer Peter Stapley told councillors the proposal would help deliver long-planned employment growth for the town.

The council heard the site sits within an allocated employment area identified in the North Devon and Torridge Local Plan and forms part of a wider strategy to expand business opportunities in Great Torrington.

Planning documents submitted with the application state the existing Hatchmoor Industrial Estate is approaching capacity, creating a need for additional employment land to accommodate both existing businesses and future investment.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, planning consultant Jenna George said the development would provide modern and flexible workspace capable of supporting a range of businesses.

She said: “The proposal seeks to deliver modern and flexible business space that responds directly to the needs of Great Torrington and the wider area.

“The site will create opportunities for local businesses to grow and attract new investment.”

Ms George told members the site had been allocated for employment use for many years and formed a logical extension to the existing industrial estate.

She said public consultation had generated strong support, with around 85 per cent of respondents backing the scheme and no formal objections recorded. Several businesses had also expressed interest in occupying units on the site.

The committee heard the development is intended to create a new employment hub for the town, with infrastructure designed to support future expansion. Plans include a new junction from Hatchmoor Road, estate roads, upgraded power and fibre connections, drainage systems and extensive landscaping.

The first phase would provide modern workshop and business accommodation, while later phases could deliver additional commercial floorspace on adjoining land.

Design documents submitted with the application show the units have been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing adjoining premises to be combined as businesses expand.

Councillors spent much of the debate discussing concerns raised during a site visit about a nearby private borehole.

Mr Stapley said environmental health officers had examined the issue and concluded the likelihood of contamination reaching the water supply was “extremely low”.

He explained that a number of unlikely circumstances would need to occur before there could be any impact on the borehole and officers were satisfied the development would not present a significant risk.

Members also questioned the site’s drainage arrangements, with officers explaining that sustainable drainage features, including attenuation areas, would be used to manage surface water while also delivering biodiversity benefits.

The plans include ecological buffer zones, new tree planting, enhanced hedgerows and landscaped boundaries intended to soften views of the development and integrate it into the surrounding countryside.

Attention then turned to the potential impact on neighbouring properties, particularly Hatchmoor Nursing Home.

Cllr David Brenton said he understood concerns about noise because his daughter had previously worked at the facility.

He told the meeting: “We’re talking about a lot of frail, terminally ill in some cases, people.”

Cllr Brenton asked what protection would be available should noise problems arise once businesses begin operating from the site.

Planning officers said any complaints would be investigated by environmental protection officers and reminded members that planning conditions were proposed to control noise impacts.

The planning report concluded the development would not result in unacceptable harm to neighbouring residents or the nursing home.

Speaking in support of the application, Cllr Doug Bushby described the scheme as a positive opportunity for the town.

He said: “I’m more than happy to support this application and I think Torrington are very fortunate to have such a quality development on the doorstep.”

Seconding approval, Cllr Doug Smith said the proposal was long overdue.

He told members: “It’s long needed.

“Torrington [is] on the up and up.

“This will enhance the whole positivity of the Great Torrington area.”

The development is expected to be delivered in phases, ultimately creating a larger employment park capable of accommodating a range of businesses while providing new jobs and investment opportunities for the town.

Planning officers recommended approval, concluding that the scheme represented a sustainable form of development which complied with local and national planning policies.

Coastal safety fears grow as rescue equipment disappears from key sites

Lewis Clarke
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Coastal safety fears grow as rescue equipment disappears from key sites

Missing rescue equipment, vandalism and dangerous coastal shortcuts were among the safety concerns discussed by councillors during a review of lifesaving provision across Torridge.

Members of Torridge District Council’s External Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard how public rescue equipment, including lifebuoys and throw lines, is regularly checked and maintained across beaches, rivers and other waterside locations in the district.

Chris Willson, coastal engineer at Torridge District Council, told councillors the authority had recently commissioned the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to carry out a comprehensive review of all public rescue equipment on land owned by the council.

The review examined existing rescue equipment, assessed whether it remained suitable and identified locations where additional provision could be required.

Most of the council’s rescue equipment is located around Bideford, Appledore, Westward Ho! and Northam Burrows. However, Mr Willson explained that guidance on where equipment should be placed can sometimes conflict.

He said shallow beaches can present particular challenges because the sea can be hundreds of metres away at low tide.

Mr Willson said there was concern that members of the public might waste valuable time trying to retrieve rescue equipment rather than immediately calling 999.

He told the committee: “Rather than doing the right thing, which is calling 999, you go, there was a lifebuoy and we passed it, and you run back to get the lifebuoy.”

As a result, some recommendations for additional equipment have not yet been implemented.

The council has also removed some rescue equipment following professional advice and has replaced some lifebuoys with throw lines where appropriate.

Mr Willson said the authority had identified several locations where it had historically maintained rescue equipment despite not owning the land.

Those sites include Bucks Mills, Welcombe Mouth, Bridgerule and a location at Instow.

The council has contacted landowners to inform them of their responsibilities and offered either to transfer ownership of the equipment or remove it entirely.

Councillors also raised concerns about how often rescue equipment is inspected.

Councillor Doug Smith questioned why inspections are carried out monthly during the main season but only quarterly during the winter months.

He said: “Surely the important time is when lifeguards are not on duty and the PRE is the only equipment available.”

Mr Willson replied that inspection schedules follow guidance issued by the Royal Life Saving Society UK, although equipment is also checked on an ad hoc basis throughout the year.

The committee also heard that vandalism remains an ongoing problem.

Councillor Wendy Lo-Vel asked whether missing equipment highlighted during inspections was the result of vandalism.

Mr Willson said a throw line at Kenwith Valley reservoir is frequently vandalised, while other issues often arise when members of the public use rescue equipment and return it incorrectly.

He said some people attempt to tidy lifebuoys by wrapping the rope around them before placing them back in storage boxes.

However, doing so can make the equipment ineffective during an emergency because the line may not deploy properly when thrown.

Mr Willson added that there had also been isolated incidents where equipment had been removed and used as dog toys.

Further concerns were raised about a coastal path shortcut at Northam Burrows where walkers have reportedly become stranded and required rescue assistance.

Councillor Claire Hodson asked for an update on plans to install warning signs at the location.

Mr Willson confirmed work was underway to replace older warning notices with larger and more suitable signage warning people about the dangers.

He said: “It’s being arranged at the moment. There was other signage that was up that warned the dangers. We’re replacing that with better and bigger, more appropriate signage.”

The discussion highlighted the challenges facing coastal authorities in balancing public safety, maintaining rescue equipment and ensuring clear responsibility for waterside locations across the district.

Westward Ho! water quality defended amid sewage discharge concerns

Lewis Clarke
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Westward Ho! water quality defended amid sewage discharge concerns

Questions over sewage discharges, water quality and the reliability of public warnings sparked a lively debate as councillors scrutinised the future of Westward Ho!’s Blue Flag beach status.

Speaking at a meeting of Torridge District Council on Wednesday, June 3, Northam Burrows manager and lead ranger Mike Day outlined the work required to maintain the internationally recognised Blue Flag award, which Westward Ho! has held for 23 consecutive years.

Mike said the award was often associated with water quality but also depended on a wide range of factors including safety, environmental education, accessibility, dog controls and visitor facilities. He explained that Environment Agency testing during the bathing season had consistently rated the beach’s water quality as “excellent” since the opening of the sewage treatment works at Cornborough in 2003.

He told councillors that weekly water sampling focused on the presence of E. coli and intestinal enterococci bacteria, which can indicate contamination from sewage and animal waste. According to Mike, the beach had remained eligible for the Blue Flag scheme every year since the treatment works became operational.

The discussion later turned to combined sewer overflows and concerns about discharges into local waters.

Mike said sewage discharges occurred through the Rock Nose combined sewer overflow system when heavy rainfall overwhelmed the combined drainage and sewage network. However, he said the geography of Westward Ho!’s wide bay helped disperse any discharge quickly.

He said fewer than ten discharges had occurred during the previous bathing season and argued they rarely affected official bathing water results. He added that the Environment Agency’s testing consistently showed water quality remained well below the threshold required for an excellent rating.

Cllr Jane Whittaker raised concerns about reports of discharges affecting the Northam Burrows area.

In response, Mike confirmed there was an emergency overflow discharge point on Northam Burrows but said it was only used in exceptional circumstances when the sewerage system became overwhelmed. He said previous Environment Agency information showed improvements had reduced discharges at the site from around 21 in one year to three the following year, although figures could vary significantly depending on rainfall.

Cllr Huw Thomas questioned the usefulness of discharge figures, arguing that counting incidents without measuring the volume released gave an incomplete picture. Fellow councillors also raised concerns about how long individual discharge events lasted.

Cllr Doug Smith referred to media reports and warnings from campaign group Surfers Against Sewage which had suggested water quality at the beach had been compromised.

Mike said councillors should be cautious when interpreting information from different sources. He stressed that official water quality assessments were based on Environment Agency laboratory testing rather than campaign data.

He said: “The only official water testing that is carried out is carried out by the Environment Agency.”

While praising the work of Surfers Against Sewage, Mike described it as a campaigning organisation whose objectives could sometimes lead to misunderstandings about local conditions. He pointed to differences between official guidance and the group’s public alerts following overflow events.

Cllr Wendy Lo-Vel questioned whether South West Water was investing enough in infrastructure improvements, particularly given housing growth and predictions of more extreme weather linked to climate change. She said any discharge was “too many”.

Chris Wilson, coastal engineer at Torridge District Council, said South West Water’s publicly available improvement plans included targets to reduce overflow spills by 2030 and beyond.

He said estimated discharge volumes were available for some outfalls and noted that one pumping station linked to the Rock Nose system recorded 65 discharge occurrences in 2024. Chris also pointed out that water quality in the area could be influenced by a number of discharge points throughout the wider Torridge estuary system, rather than a single outfall.

Despite the concerns raised, Mike highlighted the role played by residents and volunteers in maintaining the beach. He said organised beach cleans were well supported and noted that Westward Ho! had recently been ranked as the seventh-cleanest beach in the UK. He credited the community, council teams and partner organisations including the RNLI for helping maintain the resort’s Blue Flag status.

Torridge urged to back coaches over costly Bideford rail revival plan

Lewis Clarke
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Torridge urged to back coaches over costly Bideford rail revival plan

Bideford railway project faces fresh questions as councillors recommend alternative transport improvements

Plans to restore the railway between Barnstaple and Bideford have come under renewed scrutiny after Torridge District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended the authority focus on cheaper and more immediate transport improvements instead.

The committee agreed to recommend that the council concentrates on measures including a fast coach service linking Bideford with Tiverton Parkway railway station, improving active travel routes and strengthening public transport links across Torridge rather than prioritising efforts to reinstate the railway.

The recommendation follows consideration of a report examining proposals to bring trains back to Bideford for the first time since the line closed.

Presenting the report, Cllr Huw Thomas said there were clear benefits to improved public transport but also significant concerns over the practicality and impact of restoring the railway.

He said: “We do have a problem with connectivity here. Not everyone’s got a car and there are too many cars on the road, so in many ways it would be good to have improved public transport.

“But I think there’s also a number of major concerns about how the railway extension proposal would happen and the impact it would have on the whole corridor from Barnstaple to Bideford.”

The report highlighted estimated project costs ranging between £305 million and £539 million, with a mid-range estimate of £422 million. It also pointed to engineering challenges, flood risk issues, impacts on the Tarka Trail and questions over access and parking at a reinstated Bideford station.

Cllr Jane Whittaker said she believed the obstacles facing the project outweighed the potential benefits.

She said: “The issues really worry me. I just cannot see a logical way of practically delivering this no matter how long you wait.

“I think the challenges and the issues will always outweigh the wishes and wants of the local community.”

However, several councillors argued the authority should continue supporting the proposal while further work is carried out.

Cllr Nigel Kenneally said: “I like the idea of dreaming big.

“I get the logistics, I get the money, but sometimes we just have to dream big. Dreams become reality eventually.”

He argued that the railway would benefit communities across Torridge rather than Bideford alone.

Cllr Wendy Lo-Vel also questioned why the council should withdraw support at this stage.

She said: “It’s not going to cost Torridge anything to give support and let them take this investigation further.

“We are so poorly serviced in this area.”

But Cllr Claire Hodson said backing the scheme would still help supporters secure funding from elsewhere and therefore amounted to more than a symbolic gesture.

She could not support the scheme, arguing that major rail projects such as HS2 had demonstrated the challenges and costs involved in delivering large-scale infrastructure. She said the Bideford proposal would effectively require a railway to be rebuilt from scratch while overcoming flood risks and impacts on existing communities.

She said: “By giving them our support, it’s a tick in the box. Local authority not funding, but supportive of the idea.

“I cannot endorse something that I think is going to be so costly and so difficult to achieve.”

The debate also touched on wider issues of transport, education and economic development in northern Devon.

Cllr Doug Smith argued that better rail connections could help tackle long-standing transport challenges and support future growth.

He pointed to the reopening of the railway to Okehampton as an example of how rail projects can evolve beyond initial expectations.

He said: “I think we need to look at it really, really seriously and not just be dismissive.”

Responding, Cllr Hodson argued that investment should instead focus on improving local services.

She said: “Why are our young people having to travel? We need to be fighting for better education facilities in northern Devon.”

Cllr Thomas said the proposed railway remained at least 13 years away even under optimistic timescales and warned it would not solve immediate transport problems facing residents.

He also raised concerns about the impact on the Tarka Trail and practical issues surrounding a station in Bideford.

He said: “If it was to happen, I think you need a new station outside the town. I do not think you can have Bideford railway station.”

The committee ultimately agreed recommendations calling on the council to focus on improving coach services, active travel links and public transport connections, while prioritising investment in facilities and services within Torridge and the wider North Devon area rather than facilitating faster journeys out of the district.

Generous locals help fund £1.58m boost for Torbay Hospital

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Generous locals help fund £1.58m boost for Torbay Hospital

Patients, families and colleagues at Torbay Hospital are benefiting from £1.58 million of support from the Torbay Hospital League of Friends over the past year.

Between April 2025 and March 2026, the League donated £1,585,470, funding a wide range of equipment, facilities and improvements that are making a real difference to people’s care and experience every day.

From major investments to smaller, thoughtful touches, the funding reflects the strength of local support for the hospital and a shared commitment to going above and beyond for local people.

At the heart of this is support for frontline care. Significant investment in patient monitoring equipment is helping clinical teams care for some of the sickest patients safely and effectively in busy hospital environments, supporting day-to-day care as well as responding to periods of high demand.

The League has also funded equipment for the redevelopment of the Emergency Department, which will officially open later this summer, alongside a wide range of improvements across wards and services.

Investment in diagnostic equipment is supporting earlier diagnosis and treatment, including a new CT scanner installed in 2025. The new scanner uses cutting-edge technology and significantly improves diagnostic quality and reduces radiation exposure to patients.

For patients, the impact is also felt in the environment around them. Funding for recliner chairs and furniture across wards is helping create more comfortable, welcoming spaces for patients and families during what can often be a difficult time.

In practical ways that are often behind the scenes, the League has also funded a new road sweeper to help keep the hospital site clean, safe and accessible for patients, visitors and staff every day – a simple but important contribution to the overall experience of being at Torbay Hospital.

Support from the League is also helping people recover and rebuild their lives after illness. Investment in rehabilitation equipment and therapy technology is supporting patients through pain management, recovery and long-term conditions, including young adults living with diabetes.

For children and young people, funding for interactive projectors and technology is helping make hospital environments more engaging and less intimidating.

And in practical, everyday ways, donations continue to support dignity and care for patients – from clothing for people leaving hospital to equipment that supports safe recovery on wards.

Together, these investments show the breadth of the difference the League of Friends makes – supporting everything from life-saving care to the small but important details that shape people’s experience of hospital.

Patricia Roberts, President of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “It’s a real privilege to support the hospital in this way. Every donation reflects the generosity of our local community and a shared desire to do something extra for patients and families when they need it most. We know these contributions make a difference and we are proud to work alongside the teams at Torbay Hospital to support their care.”

Martin Tucker, Chair of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “This is a remarkable level of support from our community over the past year. What matters most to us is how that funding is used – whether that’s supporting frontline care, helping people recover, or improving the environment for patients and families. We are always focused on funding things that go beyond what the NHS can provide and make a genuine difference to people’s experience.”

Joe Teape, Chief Executive at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the Torbay Hospital League of Friends. This level of support from our community is extraordinary and it makes a real difference for the people we care for every day.

“From major equipment that supports our clinical teams to the practical and thoughtful touches that improve the environment for patients and families, this generosity helps us go further for local people. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Torbay Hospital League of Friends has been supporting Torbay Hospital for more than 70 years and received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2012. The League continues to fund equipment and improvements that go above and beyond NHS provision, always with the aim of enhancing patient care and experience.

New £14.2m A&E opens as Torbay Hospital completes major overhaul

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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New £14.2m A&E opens as Torbay Hospital completes major overhaul

The final phase of the redevelopment of the Emergency Department at Torbay Hospital has been formally marked today, with an official opening by the Lord-Lieutenant for Devon, on behalf of His Majesty The King.

The £14.2 million transformation has been delivered in carefully planned phases to make sure that emergency care for local people across Torbay and South Devon could continue throughout the build. Today’s milestone marks the completion of phase three and the full handover of the modernised department, providing improved facilities for both patients and staff.

The newly completed Emergency Department has been designed with patients and staff at its heart. It offers better patient flow, privacy and dignity, with expanded clinical areas and enhanced spaces to support the assessment and treatment for urgent and emergency care. Dedicated zones for different patient needs, alongside upgraded equipment and improved staff facilities, are helping to create a safer, more efficient and more compassionate environment for care.

Dr Kate Lissett, Chief Medical Officer at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a hugely important moment for our organisation and the communities we serve. Our Emergency Department team delivers exceptional care every day, often under significant pressure, and this investment gives them a modern environment that truly supports high quality care.

“For patients, the new department means faster assessment and a more dignified experience at what can often be a stressful time. We’re incredibly proud to have reached this stage.”

Amy Jones, Emergency Medicine Consultant, said: “The new environment is already making a real difference. The layout supports us in assessing and treating patients more quickly, and the dedicated areas mean we can provide more personalised care for patients.

“It’s also a much better place to work. The improvements support how we work as a team and help us to deliver the standards of care our patients deserve. We’re grateful to everyone who has got behind the project and shown patience while the work has been taking place.”

Dr Lissett added: “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our patients, visitors and colleagues for their understanding and support during the redevelopment. We know this hasn’t always been easy, and we’re incredibly grateful for the patience and care shown by everyone involved.”

The official opening ceremony recognises not just the completion of the building work, but also the dedication of staff, project teams and partners who have worked together to bring the new department to life.

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