Howard Porter, our Barnstaple Town Council candidate for the Pilton & Yeo Valley ward by-election,
Thursday 22nd May 2025
“My wife and I moved to Barnstaple almost six years ago and we love living her.
But we can’t ignore the fact that the area has problems. We need better infrastructure including public transport and cycle provision. Roads are neglected with potholes and inadequate road markings, signs aren’t cleaned and pavements are not maintained as they should be.
“In short, we need more investment. The town is better off than some places and I welcome the investment from the Future High Street Fund and Arts Council England to improve the town centre and cultural scene. This is a driver of regeneration, helping to improve wellbeing for residents and boost our visitor economy.
“The remit of a Town Council is limited but it can make a difference, especially to the street scene and public spaces, and it can work with business and other organisations to help the town thrive.
“In addition to this, councillors can (and should) lobby and make a noise for the communities they serve.
“For instance, Dentistry is a problem in our area. I haven’t been able to get an NHS dentist since we moved here and the private sector is massively expensive. In fact, if you want to see what a privatised health services, as advocated by some people, would look like, look no further than dentists.
“North Devon District Hospital is a wonderful institution. I know first hand as I’ve spent several weeks being treated there. But it’s aging and facilities are no longer adequate for what we need. So, I was delighted to hear about the plans to build us a new hospital but, like everybody reading this, I was bitterly disappointed when the new Labour government pulled the plug. We must continue fighting for this much needed investment.
“Social services are in permanent crisis, there aren’t enough opportunities for young people, many of whom have no choice but to leave the area to build their careers and people really struggle with the cost of living.
“Please vote for me on 22nd May and I promise you I will work hard on your behalf to address these issues and do all I can to make Pilton and Yeo Valley and, indeed, Barnstaple as a whole, the very best it can possibly be.”
