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The Bradworthy Wind Turbines
Councillor
Christie's Weblog
From your Torridge District Councillor Peter Christie
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23rd Aug '09
I met up with well-known entrepreneur/character Dan Garnett (better known to Bidefordians as ‘Dan the Fish Man’) at the latest of this Summer’s Farmer’s Markets on the Quay. He enthused about the ‘new’ Quay and the marvellous trading position it supplied but was less enthusiastic about some of the charges levied by TDC – charges he says are not found at other markets he attends. On the same day I was in the Pannier Market where the Quayside markets are not so popular given that they provide obvious competition to the stall-holders. Once again I was asked why those attending the Farmer’s Market do not attend the Pannier Market especially in Winter when weather conditions rule out outdoor markets? I’m afraid this question never really receives a proper answer as the marrying up of the two would seem a match made in heaven to most but sadly the town council, who run the Pannier Market, cannot force producers to attend their market. Perhaps, as I have suggested before, the Pannier Market is moved down to a site near the Quay and amalgamates with the Farmer’s Market to produce a more easily accessible and more high-profile joint undertaking? After all the original market was at the bottom of the High Street before it moved to its present position in the seventeenth century.
The disappearance of pedestrian refuges along the Quay and the resurfacing of the road is part of the build-up to the Cycle Race which is due to arrive in Bideford in September. At this month’s town council meeting councillors raised some interesting questions about this. Tony Inch had been told that the various refurbishment works were costing £400,000 – and he was worried this was coming from the county roads budget which would lead to other repairs being put back. The Quay, of course, was completely relaid a few years ago when the whole area was redesigned. On a more pragmatic note he did ask that when the refuges/bollards etc are replaced they are done at a time that avoids the hold-ups experienced by many when they were removed.
It is good to see that the Town Band members have now submitted their planning application to build a new headquarters on the site of the demolished toilets in Victoria Park. The plans show a modest building which will give the band the ability to play directly into the Park on a summer’s evening – perhaps allowing a combined visit to hear them and also visit the Burton just yards away – with a Hockings ice-cream or a coffee from the Burton café? The proposed new building will not be cheap but the band has been assiduously collecting funds for many years now and both the town council and Bridge Trust have ring-fenced money to help them – but if anyone would like to aid the group I’m sure they would welcome help. The new building, being on the level, will allow disabled musicians to access the band far more easily than heretofore. I have to say how heartening it is to see local groups, like the band and the rugby club working so hard to improve their own facilities and I wish them luck.
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