The launch of the Halwill Parish Community Emergency Plan (CEP) was held at The Winsford Centre in Dreybury Lane, Halwill Junction on Saturday, July 24 and is the culmination of much hard work over the past two-and-a-half years by a small and highly dedicated group of individuals.

In 2008, Torridge District and Devon County Councillor, Barry Parsons was keen to establish a formal means of supporting residents of rural communities in the event of any state of emergency which might not receive the immediate support of emergency services.

Such events might include severe weather, forest fire, loss of power, and flu pandemic. Halwill Parish Council, then chaired by Shelley Knight, undertook to form a working group which has been tireless in devising a plan to look after residents in the event of an emergency. Rev Peter Hayes has chaired this group admirably.

At the CEP launch included members from the emergency services, local businesses, and officials from local councils including Devon County Council all of whom expressed their delight to see a document, which, it is now intended to roll out as best practice within Devon.

Especially important for vulnerable groups, the CEP offers immediate contact to support in difficult times. It offers immediate assistance to the emergency services in terms of the location of support systems (human and non-human!), and venues best placed to deal with emergency care in the first instance.