Newbrooke Ward Report October 2019
Graeme Barnell Mid Devon District Councillor
Mid Devon estates
I am currently dealing with tenants’ requests for action about broken down vehicles being left on the Tytheing estate in NSC. The legal process required to take ownership of and remove vehicles is very time consuming. However Mid Devon Council is doing its best to sort out these problems.
Road and Cycle Way improvements
The A377 Road Safety Group had its second meeting on 8th October. The meeting was as usual attended by Cllrs Margaret Squires, Cashmore and myself together with officers from the County Council Highways Dept. A new option for a controlled (Toucan) crossing in the centre of Newton village was discussed. Unlike the previous options this plan has the merit of simplicity and will not involve either land purchase and/or taking a large piece of the Village Green. The Parish Council will be posting details on its own webpages and on the Newton Wonder Website for information and comment.
Devon County Council will now submit this plan for an independent Road Safety Audit. This is required by law. If all goes well the scheme could be then approved by the County Council for building work in the next financial year. We’ll be looking for good news after Christmas.
We also discussed the proposed dual use cycle/pedestrian path from Crediton to Exeter. We hope to hold a meeting in early November with the Trustees of the Boniface Trail who have been working to deliver this path. The aim is to provide the Trustees with better support from the statutory agencies.
Finally, we agreed that the next priority for the Group should be safe paths in Half Moon for people on foot. To get this work done we will need to identify some money as there is none available at the moment.
Twenty is Plenty in West Town
With the help of neighbours, I put letter out to 70 households from the A377 turn in NSC along West Town Lane and up to Sherwood seeking views on whether residents support or do not support a proposed: -
There will soon be a meeting with those who are offering help so we can work out a proposal to the PC for the cost and placement of informal signs and the application to DCC for a formal 20mph zone. It has been noted that in neighbouring communities Bramford Speke already has a formal 20mph zone along the main street through the village.
Shobrooke Parish Council are now asking me how they might take forward a similar scheme.
Langford Lorry Traffic
Residents of Langford are asking for action because their lives are being badly affected by a large volume of heavy lorry traffic through their village. I’ve been working with Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires to in an attempt improve matters. These matters are still ongoing.
Climate emergency
I am interested in setting up a local Climate Emergency Action Group across both NSC and Shobrooke. The idea is to bring local people together to: -
Mid Devon Planning and Regeneration
I have the lead role in Cabinet for Planning and Regeneration. This continues to involve me in a lot of work in and around Cullompton and Tiverton where there are major developments planned. At the moment there are no new developments planned in Newbrooke Ward. The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) may have implications for our Parishes but this continues to be delayed
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
Newbrooke Ward
Mid Devon District Council
Halses, West Town,
Newton St Cyres,
Devon,
EX5 5BS
Landline 01392 851308
Mobile 07564541572
Website Page https://www.newtonwonder.net/mid-devon-district-councillor.html
Facebook Page and Messages:- https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
Mid Devon estates
I am currently dealing with tenants’ requests for action about broken down vehicles being left on the Tytheing estate in NSC. The legal process required to take ownership of and remove vehicles is very time consuming. However Mid Devon Council is doing its best to sort out these problems.
Road and Cycle Way improvements
The A377 Road Safety Group had its second meeting on 8th October. The meeting was as usual attended by Cllrs Margaret Squires, Cashmore and myself together with officers from the County Council Highways Dept. A new option for a controlled (Toucan) crossing in the centre of Newton village was discussed. Unlike the previous options this plan has the merit of simplicity and will not involve either land purchase and/or taking a large piece of the Village Green. The Parish Council will be posting details on its own webpages and on the Newton Wonder Website for information and comment.
Devon County Council will now submit this plan for an independent Road Safety Audit. This is required by law. If all goes well the scheme could be then approved by the County Council for building work in the next financial year. We’ll be looking for good news after Christmas.
We also discussed the proposed dual use cycle/pedestrian path from Crediton to Exeter. We hope to hold a meeting in early November with the Trustees of the Boniface Trail who have been working to deliver this path. The aim is to provide the Trustees with better support from the statutory agencies.
Finally, we agreed that the next priority for the Group should be safe paths in Half Moon for people on foot. To get this work done we will need to identify some money as there is none available at the moment.
Twenty is Plenty in West Town
With the help of neighbours, I put letter out to 70 households from the A377 turn in NSC along West Town Lane and up to Sherwood seeking views on whether residents support or do not support a proposed: -
- Official 20mph speed limit along West Town Lane.
- Informal interim “20 in Plenty” signs along West Town Lane.
There will soon be a meeting with those who are offering help so we can work out a proposal to the PC for the cost and placement of informal signs and the application to DCC for a formal 20mph zone. It has been noted that in neighbouring communities Bramford Speke already has a formal 20mph zone along the main street through the village.
Shobrooke Parish Council are now asking me how they might take forward a similar scheme.
Langford Lorry Traffic
Residents of Langford are asking for action because their lives are being badly affected by a large volume of heavy lorry traffic through their village. I’ve been working with Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires to in an attempt improve matters. These matters are still ongoing.
Climate emergency
I am interested in setting up a local Climate Emergency Action Group across both NSC and Shobrooke. The idea is to bring local people together to: -
- Share information about good practice and other local schemes aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.
- Plan local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Engage with local authorities, businesses and local people to reduce carbon release.
Mid Devon Planning and Regeneration
I have the lead role in Cabinet for Planning and Regeneration. This continues to involve me in a lot of work in and around Cullompton and Tiverton where there are major developments planned. At the moment there are no new developments planned in Newbrooke Ward. The Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) may have implications for our Parishes but this continues to be delayed
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
Newbrooke Ward
Mid Devon District Council
Halses, West Town,
Newton St Cyres,
Devon,
EX5 5BS
Landline 01392 851308
Mobile 07564541572
Website Page https://www.newtonwonder.net/mid-devon-district-councillor.html
Facebook Page and Messages:- https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
Newbrooke Ward Report August 2019
Road and Cycle Way improvements
I’ve been continuing work to get improvements in road safety, include highway improvements along and adjacent to the A377 and to reduce the need for car use and journeys. Many local people share my belief that we cannot continue with road traffic dividing and dominating our communities in the way that it now does. We need safer road crossing points, more pavements, and dedicated cycle ways.
I am aiming to get a local highways and transport plan agreed by Devon County Council and the Parish Councils. I hope this will give us away forward with the large number of road and transport issues that have been waiting for progress. It should help the local authorities involved to respond to local people who are asking for action.
In July I met with Officers from Devon County Council and County Councillor Margaret Squires together with Roger Cashmore Newton St Cyres Parish Councillor. I am meeting them again in September to discuss how to get this plan done. Like all such plans it will need to be costed with a timetable for implementation. It will also need to be the subject of discussion and consultation with local people
I will be keeping local people informed and updated on progress. If you have views or proposals let me know.
Twenty is Plenty
Some residents along West Town Lane and in Sweetham have told me they want to see a change in speed limits in their locality. The are concerned that 30mph is too fast in narrow country lanes where people live, walk and where children play. The know that this takes time to achieve so they are also asking for informal “Twenty is Plenty” signs along the roads that are causing concern. I agree with this but, before I take this up, I need to ensure that it has the support of most people in these localities. starting in West Town Lane and West Town in September I will be putting a letter in our mailbox asking for your views. Please can you do our best to answer m questions and return this to me.
Langford Lorry Traffic
Residents of Langford are asking for action because their lives are being badly affected by a large volume of heavy lorry traffic through their village. I’ve been working with Devon County Councillor Margaret Squires to in an attempt improve matters.
Climate emergency
I am interested in setting up a local Climate Emergency Action Group. The idea is to bring local people together to: -
- Share information about good practice and other local schemes aimed at reducing greenhouse gases.
- Plan local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Engage with local authorities, businesses and local people to reduce carbon release.
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
Newbrooke Ward
Mid Devon District Council
Halses, West Town,
Newton St Cyres,
Devon,
EX5 5BS
Landline 01392 851308
Mobile 07564541572
Website Page https://www.newtonwonder.net/mid-devon-district-councillor.html
Facebook Page and Messages:- https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
Climate Emergency and the local Parish Councils in Shobrooke and Newton St Cyres
Although the PCs have no premises and few assets they do support and sponsor a number of activities and organisations locally. They are also an important source of leadership in engaging with local businesses, schools and householders.
I hope that the PCs will pass their own climate change resolution along lines of that passed unanimously last week by Mid Devon Council. We need to achieve carbon neutral impact on our environment by 2030.
I would also hope the PCs might also set up their own local Climate Emergency Network and invite local businesses, schools (where there's one locally) , voluntary organisations and residents to join. The idea would be to share information about successes in reducing carbon emissions and examples of good practice both locally and in s imilar communities elsewhere.
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
Although the PCs have no premises and few assets they do support and sponsor a number of activities and organisations locally. They are also an important source of leadership in engaging with local businesses, schools and householders.
I hope that the PCs will pass their own climate change resolution along lines of that passed unanimously last week by Mid Devon Council. We need to achieve carbon neutral impact on our environment by 2030.
I would also hope the PCs might also set up their own local Climate Emergency Network and invite local businesses, schools (where there's one locally) , voluntary organisations and residents to join. The idea would be to share information about successes in reducing carbon emissions and examples of good practice both locally and in s imilar communities elsewhere.
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
From Graeme Barnell
Climate emergency—doing our bit
Climate emergency—doing our bit
Mid Devon District Council has vowed to be carbon neutral by 2030 and that all decisions will be considered in light of the climate crisis.
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of declaring a climate crisis and adopting the Devon Climate Change Declaration on Wednesday, June 26. Further to that, the Council has agreed to work to the Devon-wide target or new-zero emissions by 2050 but will aim for Mid Devon to be carbon neutral by 2030, an amendment on the original 2050 date as set out by county council.
The Council will also lobby the Government for the finances and powers to act effectively to undertake the necessary measures to ensure the climate crises can be limited to 1.5 degrees and be carbon neutral by 2030.
As District Counccillor for both Newton St Cyres and Shobrooke I will be reporting to these decsions to the Parish Councils and suggesting the suportthe Mid Devon intiative. we can work together with local peoplle to do out bit in meeting the climate challenge.
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/decisions-consider-climate-crisis-mid-3035878
Graeme Barnell Newbrooke Ward Councillor Report June 2019
Since my election in May I’ve been busy finding out more about my new responsibilities. I’ve also tackling some of the issues that were raised with me during my campaign.
I have been asked to take on lead responsibility for Planning and Regeneration within the new governing Cabinet of Mid Devon Council. The Cabinet will soon be reviewing our responses to the Government on the Local Plan and our involvement in the Greater Exeter Plan.
At the moment I understand that the Parish is not identified by Mid Devon Council for additional housing. However, I will obviously be keeping a close eye on this and I will update if there is new information. I am committed to involving local people in early discussions about any new housing development plans in the Parish
Cllr Graeme Barnell
Newbrooke Ward
Mid Devon District Council
01392 851308
07564541572
Facebook messaging:- https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
Web Page:- https://www.newtonwonder.net/mid-devon-district-councillor.html
I am very happy to arrange a private meeting either in your home or his if this is needed.
- Communal areas maintenance at Tytheing Close, Court Orchard, Shuttern Close, and New Estate Sweetham
- Road safety and the environment
- Safe(r) road crossing points across the A377 at Smallbrook (bus stop), Newton Village, Tytheing, and Half Moon.
- Pavements/pathways in Half Moon and along Station Rd (between the school and the Bridge).
- Cycle paths particularly the planned Boniface Trail.
- 20mph speed limits on roads where children play especially those without pavements.
- The safety of the crossroads in Newton Village (A377 junction with Church Lane and Station Rd).
- Extending the Park and Ride service in Crediton
- Speeding along the A377 including Newton Village and Half Moon (Average Speed Camera plans)
- Pollution levels in Newton Village
- Planning and Development
I have been asked to take on lead responsibility for Planning and Regeneration within the new governing Cabinet of Mid Devon Council. The Cabinet will soon be reviewing our responses to the Government on the Local Plan and our involvement in the Greater Exeter Plan.
At the moment I understand that the Parish is not identified by Mid Devon Council for additional housing. However, I will obviously be keeping a close eye on this and I will update if there is new information. I am committed to involving local people in early discussions about any new housing development plans in the Parish
- Contact
Cllr Graeme Barnell
Newbrooke Ward
Mid Devon District Council
01392 851308
07564541572
Facebook messaging:- https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
Web Page:- https://www.newtonwonder.net/mid-devon-district-councillor.html
I am very happy to arrange a private meeting either in your home or his if this is needed.
2nd May Mid-Devon Council Election Results:
Graeme Barnell wins the election for the Newbrooke Ward with 274 votes
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Graeme Barnell, your new Mid Devon District Councillor, can be contacted on 01392 851308 or on his mobile number 07564541572.
Email: gbarnell@middevon.gov.uk He can also be contacted on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/ He will be providing details of regular surgeries in the near future. In the meantime please contact him if you need help. |
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TWENTY IS PLENTY -WEST TOWN LANE Newton St Cyres
Since my election as District Councillor for Newbrooke I've been asked by several residents who live along West Town Lane what can be done about speeding traffic along the Lane. This is a typical narrow village road with no pavements, housing abutting the road along its length, children playing on the street and people walking along the road to get to the bus stops and the village shop. Elderly people often cannot hear cars approaching.
In my view Twenty MPH is more than plenty but there are often cars, farm traffic and delivery vans driving much too fast down the lane.
I think we should be asking for an official 20mph limit or zone along the length of West Town Lane. In the meantime, it’s been suggested we put up our own unofficial "Twenty is Plenty" and also ""children playing" signs along the lane. Many villages have done this and have reported success in reducing speeding.
Are you a resident of West Town Lane, Woodlands, Meadowlands or Marsh Lane? What do you think about these ideas? Please let me know. If you think this is not a good idea let me know too. Do you have any other suggestions to make? Read more about Twenty is Plenty in different parts of the country and send me a message me on my District Councillor Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
You can also Email me at gbarnell@middevon.gov.uk, Alternatively call me on 01392-851308.
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor
In my view Twenty MPH is more than plenty but there are often cars, farm traffic and delivery vans driving much too fast down the lane.
I think we should be asking for an official 20mph limit or zone along the length of West Town Lane. In the meantime, it’s been suggested we put up our own unofficial "Twenty is Plenty" and also ""children playing" signs along the lane. Many villages have done this and have reported success in reducing speeding.
Are you a resident of West Town Lane, Woodlands, Meadowlands or Marsh Lane? What do you think about these ideas? Please let me know. If you think this is not a good idea let me know too. Do you have any other suggestions to make? Read more about Twenty is Plenty in different parts of the country and send me a message me on my District Councillor Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Barnell-District-Councillor-476396543103535/
You can also Email me at gbarnell@middevon.gov.uk, Alternatively call me on 01392-851308.
Graeme Barnell
District Councillor