New county role 'a voice for rural communities'

INNOVATION will be key to attracting Government funding to help rural communities in Devon, according to the holder of a newly-created role on Devon County Council's cabinet.

- ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

First time county councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin (Lib Dem, Torrington Rural) has been selected to be in charge of rural affairs and says she is looking globally to get the best for Devon.

"There are so many issues in rural areas, from access to health services and dentists and public transport, village pubs and shops are struggling, and farmers feel they are being ignored by the Government," she said.

"But we can’t keep asking for money for the same things. We need to come up with new ideas and I am looking at what people are doing across the country and across the world in innovation.

"That is the way we will get central government funding."

A Torridge District councillor of eight years for Shebbear and Langtree, Cllr Cottle-Hunkin spearheaded a campaign in Devon to try to save mobile libraries and was invited to Westminster to talk to MPs at a farmers’ rally in the capital against changes to inheritance tax.