A View from Bradninch (Central Devon Liberal Democrats)

Central Devon Liberal Democrats <info@centraldevon-libdems.org.uk>

A View from Bradninch

August 26, 2011 10:47 AM

A View From Bradninch - "Branesh (Bradninch) was a borough town

When Exeter was a fuzzy down"

Bradninch Guildhall

Bradninch Lib Dem town councillor Luke Taylor gives us a pen portrait of Bradninch

Bradninch lies at the eastern edge of the Central Devon constituency and at the time of William the Conqueror's Domesday Book, was the largest in area of forty-six manors inDevon.

Sometimes considered to be a village but is actually a town, with its own Town Council and the historic Guildhall (see picture) taking its proud spot in the centre of the town and hosting the weekly Saturday coffee mornings and many other community events. The town has a local Spar shop, 2 pubs and many small independent businesses whilst the Bradninch Music Festival attracts people from far and wide every June

Local Issues

There are many issues affecting the town which are typical of the small towns inCentral Devon. Parking is often considered the worst and Bradninch is in desperate need of more parking central to the Town as there are frequent problems of double and often treble parking. Other important issues include affordable and social housing being in decline in the area and a lack of facilities for younger people, though a Youth Centre, will soon be opening in the newly refurbished West End Hall. Dog fouling is a major concern for lots of residents.

"Bradninch is a great town to live in, with a good community spirit. However, there are concerns that younger people who want to stay in the area can't due to high housing prices and very limited social and affordable housing. People wanting to start their own families are having to leave the area where they have grown up for many years. It's encouraging to see a Youth Centre opening, but at the moment this will only be one evening a week. It would be great if people would volunteer to help out, they are a good bunch of kids with just nothing to do" says Luke.

Luke Taylor with daughter MIlly

Luke has fought the local Mid-Devon seat on two occasions, losing to the (con) chair of MDDC by 1 vote after 3 recounts in 2007. He is one of 2 card -carrying members on Bradninch Town Council)