Local Government

Christmas Eve at the Front

An interesting letter has just been received by Mrs Packer, of Broadclyst, from her husband, Corpl Packer of A Company, 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment, who is serving with the Expeditionary Force in Northern France. In the course of a letter he describes a remarkable incident which occurred on Christmas Eve between the British and German trenches.

Grigg's Cottages

Bideford Rural Council were told at their meeting that the Minister of Housing and Local Government had agreed to remove Grigg's Cottages, Monkleigh, from the list of houses of architectural or historic interest.

This, it was pointed out, would permit the owner to demolish them if he so desired.

Gazette article dated 2 January 1959

Torrington May Sell Market

Negotiations are to be opened by Torrington Town Council with a property development company who want to buy the pannier market.

But it was stressed at Monday’s meeting that at this stage there would be no commitment.

The council is asking for particulars soon about the company’s detailed proposals for dealing with existing tenants of the market, including relocation of Devon county library.

At the appropriate time the council should engage private valuers, recommended the Highways Committee.

Councillor Michael Street said that the council must get the maximum price for this property, which belonged to ratepayers. He was told by the Town Clerk, Mr Alan Fitt: “I am doubtful if you would find two firms prepared to do the same work”.

The full Gazette article is dated 6 April 1973

Appledore Quay Improvement

County Council Help Intimated

At a special meeting of Northam Urban District Council it was reported that a letter had been received from the County Council regarding the proposed scheme for improving Appledore Quay from which it appeared that very material assistance would be forthcoming towards this scheme from the County Council.
A letter was also reported from the Transport and General Workers’ Union accepting the Council’s terms for workmen’s wages.
Messrs W H Badcock and Sons wrote withdrawing their tender for the erection of twenty houses at New Quay, Appledore, and the tender of Mr A A Beer, 32 Myrtle Grove, Bideford, in the sum of £7,640 was accepted, subject to the approval of the Ministry of Health.
The tender of Mr Boyle for pitches for bathing tents and refreshment stall at Appledore bathing pool was accepted.
Northam and Westward Ho! sewerage scheme has been deferred for two months.
It was decided to advertise the post of rate collector in succession to the late Mr W F Ashplant.
Present at the meeting were Messrs T A Blackford, A Reed, P W Harris, A E Green, J Cross, E J Hookway, H Ford, Gen R O Paterson, Lieut-Col G E Leman, Messrs W C Friendship, T Fulford, G W C Hutchings, L G T Uglow and J Heywood.
Gazette article dated 13 July 1937