South Molton News

05/08/2024

We've been away for a few months but the new website for the former South Molton & District News has today gone live: www.moltonnews.co.uk

Now you can keep up to date with all the local news from a trusted source (regulated by the UK's only recognised press regulator - IMPRESS). We've been doing this since 2007 and to avoid any issues, the site has been designed with a very simple layout/navigation specifically without any bells, whistles or really, really annoying invasive adverts.

There's still things to sort out and content to put on, but send your news through (and your not for profit events etc) and we'll post them up on our site.

Want to know more? Simply contact us by phone, email or pop in and see us in the George Arcade.

Find us online at: www.moltonnews.co.uk

08/02/2023

APPEAL TO HELP THOSE IN TURKEY
Derya Aslan (of Fred's Charcoal Grill in South Street) is supporting their chosen charity, providing shelters and blankets in the worst hit areas affected by the Turkey earthquake.

There is also a collection box for cash (at Fred's Charcoal Grill).

British Red Cross is also an option, as are many others.

14/09/2022

“A WARM WELCOME”
Community Meeting for Everyone, Monday 10th October, 6pm-8pm at the New Assembly Rooms, South Molton.

This Autumn and Winter we are all going to be affected by the energy crisis and rise in living costs.

One South Molton and South Molton Town Council warmly invite community members, local businesses, everyone to share concerns, resources and ideas to support residents in South Molton town and the surrounding areas.

This is an open evening for conversation and discussion about what the problems are, what we have available and making plans for our community to move forward together as best we can. There will be refreshments for everyone at the meeting.

You are all invited to “A Warm Welcome”. We look forward to seeing as many people as possible joining us. If you have any questions about the evening, please phone South Molton Community Developer, Jess Twydall, on 01769 575533.

12/09/2022

Mayor Stephen Lock reads the proclamation for King Charles III in the Pannier Mkt this morning

09/09/2022

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Opens Book of Condolence

The Countess of Arran, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Devon attended St Mary Magdalene Church in South Molton following the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at midday on Friday 9th September.

Her visit coincided with a single bell tolling to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II as well as the marking the opening of the Official Book of Condolence in the Parish Church.

Having been the first to sign the Book of Condolence, Lady Arran and Revd Michael Grandey were then joined by South Molton Town Clerk Andrew Coates on the Square in South Molton for a period of reflection.

05/03/2022

28/02/2022

Vigil tonight in Barnstaple in support of Ukraine.

Alternatively if you wish to donate to help those directly affected, please consider following this link:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/

24/01/2022

https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/economy/2022/january/omicron-business-grants-applications-now-open/

Economy

03/08/2021

This has recently been launched by the ONS. Some areas in N Devon have had no excess deaths during the Covid pandemic - unfortunately, the South Molton area has.

19/07/2021

Barnstaple Street currently closed. Fire service in attendance at former Chanters Bakery shop.

08/07/2021

Y’?
Over the past 3 months a group of volunteers have been working hard brightening up the town with a vision of entering the Britain in Bloom competition.

Many businesses who have struggled to survive through the pandemic recognised the benefits of this initiative & despite possibly not really being able to contribute, have done so to the tune of hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

The South Molton in Bloom volunteers have all followed strict Covid protocols and involved many, many other organisations such as the Men’s Shed & the skate park users as well as those who have welcomed some of their first socially distanced interaction since the start of the pandemic….and then…

…a few days away from the Britain in Bloom judges arriving the vandals strike ripping out flower beds and damaging the work so many have taken so much time to achieve to bring a little brightness/normality back into our town.

Planters across the town have been targeted such as those in Central Park which these alone cost many hundreds of £‘s to create.

If your child, teenager, brother, sister, mother, father or grandparent was responsible, it needs to stop. The police have been asked to intervene and CCTV from both public & private cameras will be inspected.

Although criticised/castigated by some for publishing images from CCTV previously, the News will do so again online and in print to identify & shame those who have been caught causing vandalism.

If someone you know is involved in this or you suspect they are, please, have a word and ask them to cease.

23/06/2021

TIMES OF MOTORISED UNIT COVID 19 COMMUNITY TESTING

The mobile Covid 19 Community Testing Vehicle is now becoming a familiar site located on the Square in South Molton twice a week.

Speaking to the News, Johnny Thornton who operates the mobile centre told us, 'We are seeing better numbers of people coming forward for testing which considering that the infection rate has risen since we opened up more is a good sign of people taking care.

Infection rates have increased in Devon with the new Delta strain, we are stepping up our efforts to ensure we can get to as many people and groups in the community that may need our help including retirement parks, minority groups and those who are into sport so gyms, football, cricket and tennis clubs anywhere were there are groups gathered.

If any groups in the area would like to get in touch we are only too pleased to respond with testing or home kits.'

You can just turn up to be tested on the Square in South Molton every Tuesday from 9am - 12.30pm or on a Friday from 1.30pm - 5pm, no appointment necessary.

11/06/2021

SOUTH MOLTON BUSINESS OWNERS PLEASE READ
Today (Friday 11th June) an individual is canvassing businesses claiming to be working on behalf of North Devon Council to ask about card machine useage.

This individual actually works for a company called Handepay (according to his 'security' lanyard) and does NOT work on behalf of North Devon Council in any capacity.

I'd advise you to not enagage with him.

27/05/2021

A361 Night-time Closures and Diversion for Essential Works

To view the latest newsletter to residents please click here:https://community.alungriffiths.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/NDLR-Letter-A361-Closure-May-2021-v2.pdf

For more information and the latest updates on the progress of the North Devon Link Road improvements you can visit the Contractor’s website here: https://community.alungriffiths.co.uk/projects-in-your-area/north-devon-link-road/

Griffiths have been appointed by Devon County Council to construct a series of improvements on the A361 North Devon Link Road (NDLR). Griffiths will deliver the section of works on a 4.8 mile stretch between Portmore Roundabout to Borner’s Bridge Junction, as shown in the image above. The works co...

17/05/2021

https://www.facebook.com/141942152552467/posts/4067336913346285/?d=n

COVID-19 vaccinations are available tomorrow (18 May) at the North Devon Leisure Centre 💉

If you’re aged 38 or over (or other eligibility criteria) book your appointment now via the national booking website. Appointments for tomorrow need to be booked by midnight tonight
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/

Find more information about having your vaccine at the Leisure Centre here https://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-north-devon-leisure-centre/

07/05/2021

DISTRICT COUNCILLORS GIVE THEMSELVES A BACK DATED ‘PAY RISE’

At the annual meeting of North Devon Council held on the 7th April, North Devon Councillors voted to give themselves a backdated 2.75% ‘pay increase’.

Every year, each District Councillor receives an allowance of £4,281 which is paid monthly. Although recommended for an increase in the 2019/20 year by an independent remuneration panel, it was not implemented last year so Councillors voted to accept a backdated increase at the meeting held on 7th April.

It was however not a unanimous decision. Of the 38 Councillors who attended the meeting, 19 voted ‘for’, 7 voted ‘against’ and 12 Councillors ‘abstained’ from voting.

This is how those attended the meeting voted:

Voting ‘FOR’ the increase:
Barker, Bushell, Campbell, Chesters, Fowler, Gubb, Hunt, Jenkins, Lane, Ley, Luggar, Mack, Mackey, Petrinos, Phillips, Prouse, Topham, Tucker & Walker.

Voting ‘AGAINST’ the increase:
Crabb, Davis, Henderson, Saxby, Turton, Wilkinson & Yabsley.

‘ABSTAINED’ from voting:
Cann, Davies, Knight, Lofthouse, Lovering, Orange, Pearson, Roome, D Spear, L Spear, Worden & York.

07/05/2021

DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL RESULTS

The results of the Devon County Council election are in. There were two seats up for grabs in the South Molton News publication area:

SOUTH MOLTON WARD
1st (ELECTED): Jeremy Yabsley (Conservative) 2,139 votes.
2nd: Alex White (Liberal Democrats) 918 votes.
3rd: Steven Hinchliffe (Labour) 303 votes.
4th: Gill Saunders (Green Party) 272 votes.
5th: Steve Cotten (Independent) 233 votes.
6th: Val Schenn (Freedom Alliance. No Lockdowns. No Curfews) 77 votes.

CHULMLEIGH & LANDKEY WARD
1st: (ELECTED): Paul Henderson (Conservative) 1,523 votes
2nd: Glyn Lane (Independent) 620 votes.
3rd: Nick Withers (Green Party) 447 votes.
4th: Victoria Nel (Liberal Democrats) 431 votes.
5th: Philip Mason (Independent) 83 votes.
6th: Turtle Knight (Freedom Alliance. No Lockdowns. No Curfews) 55 votes.

15/04/2021

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-devon-56746491

Figures from Public Health England show North Devon saw seven days with no new cases.

09/04/2021

NORTH DEVON SHOW CANCELLED
Theresa Soanes, Secretary of the North Devon Show has announced that the 2021 Show has been cancelled.

In a statement, Theresa said, 'After ongoing discussions and monitoring of the current situation, the Directors met last night and it is with great sadness, that they made the agonising decision to cancel the 2021 North Devon Show, due to the continuing Coronavirus pandemic.

The Society are devastated to have to make this announcement for a second year, but although recent news about the Pandemic is much more positive, there remains a lot of uncertainties around larger events and clear guidelines not being available until nearer show day making planning for our show near impossible.

The safety and welfare of everyone involved with the North Devon Show is our main priority, particularly as our show is run mainly by volunteers and with the uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 Restrictions, this is the safest decision we could make.

The Society would like to thank everyone who has supported the show and we want to reassure you all, that our efforts will now turn to planning and holding a fabulous show on Wednesday 3rd August 2022.

Finally, we hope you and your families stay safe and well through these difficult times.'

06/04/2021

COVID 19 TESTING AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW IN THE CENTRAL CAR PARK
A mobile Covid 19 test unit is currently parked in the Central Car Park in South Molton offering free while you wait tests.

The van is here until around 5pm today but will be returning to the town from 8.00am - 5pm on Friday (9th April). You don't need to book an appointment - just turn up.

22/02/2021

01/02/2021

POTHOLES AT JUNCTION OF NEW ROAD/EAST STREET
We've just been informed by Highways that the repair work to these potholes is scheduled to take place this afternoon (Monday Feb 1st)

26/01/2021

The application form for the Government Covid19 business support grants has now gone live on the North Devon Council website.
https://northdevon.gov.uk/

North Devon Council