THE latest meeting of the ‘Holsworthy Area Advisory Group’ was held in Holsworthy’s Market Hall at 7pm on Monday, October 17.

The meeting was held to allow representatives from parish councils to interact with district councillors to voice their concerns and ideas on various matters.

Speaking on why these meetings are held Cllr Jane Whittaker, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “Area Advisory Group meetings have been around in various formats for some years. They are a very positive way for the District Council to interact more closely with Parish Councils and vice versa.

“This includes the exchange of ideas and views, bringing people up-to-date on actions and plans and to find more ways in which we can proactively support each other. In Torridge we now hold quarterly meetings in Holsworthy, Torrington and Bideford/Northam where all the surrounding parishes are invited. Our plans for the future intend to make one of these meetings a joint one for all to attend.”

Devon County Council representatives, the Police and other third parties and public sector organisations frequently attend the meetings.

Cllr Whittaker said: “It has proven to be an excellent way for these organisations to share what they’re up to, or focus on a particular project or topic. For practical reasons we have not previously invited members of the public to attend.

“However as part of the transparency agenda in Torridge, that all councillors have been contributing to, and are keen to extend, we will be trialling public attendance for the first time at forthcoming events. We hope that by listening to the presentations and debate this will give people a better understanding of the issues and initiatives going on in their locality.”