Promise farmers, rural communities will be heard with new county role

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.

- by ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter @[e-mail]

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, villages pubs and shops are struggling.

"And farmers feel they are being ignored by the Government. 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."