The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the town centres of Devon in a huge number of ways, with each town having different characteristics. We all know how those early times brought so many people together even when they were forced to be apart, with communities kicking in to gear to help each other and town centre traders finding new ways to get supplies out. So while this has been an incredibly stressful time for so many, we have also seen unprecedented support for local businesses. We are keen to make sure that we find ways to continue to support those traders but also make sure that the town centres which emerge work for the people who live and work in them, as well as visit them.
Torridge District Council has been working with a range of partners across the area to develop a plan to help the economic recovery in Bideford, Great Torrington and Holsworthy town centres in partnership with BAS Consultancy. Town centres specialist Ben Stephenson is part of the Institute of Place Management (Manchester Metropolitan University) and is also associated with the government’s High Street Task force, the go-to body for town centre regeneration. Ben has been speaking to businesses, residents and local politicians to develop a plan of action, following up from initial work in the towns at the end of 2019 and early 2020.
There are some exciting projects developing across Torridge. From the www.bidforbideford.co.uk project as part of the Future High Street Fund efforts in Bideford through to explorations on how to bring The Globe Hotel in Great Torrington back to life in community hands, innovative transport pilots in Holsworthy working with Devon County Council. But as part of this Recovery planning, we would like to hear from our communities who need to be at the heart of any developments. As such, we are keen to invite you to take part in an online session to contribute your thoughts about the long-term future of your towns.
The webinar will be an opportunity for residents, businesses and others with an interest in the town to consider how the pandemic has affected your town centres and what we can all do now to help ensure those towns economies are sustainable into the long term and work for you.
The Webinars will take place on the following dates:
- Great Torrington 7th September at 6:30pm
- Bideford 8th September 6:30pm
- Holsworthy 9th September 6:30pm
You can register here: [email protected]
Please state which webinar you wish to join when registering. You will then be sent joining instructions.
