THE annual town’s meeting, held by Holsworthy Town Council in the Market Hall on Wednesday, April 25, provided an overview of what has been a very successful year for the town.

The mayor Cllr Jon Hutchings welcomed those present and began proceedings. He said: “I could start by talking about cuts to services, but I would rather be positive. As mayor I attend regular meetings along with Vanessa [Saunders] the town clerk, other mayors and town clerks within the district. It’s amazing how positive we are about Holsworthy compared to other towns. Most other towns in Torridge rely on TDC [Torridge District Council], however here in Holsworthy we pretty much stand on our own two feet.”

He said this meant the town’s precept had been increased for 2018/19 but he added: “This is due to the fact that we do run our own ship, and even if I do say so myself I think we do very well.”

He thanked the town council staff — Mrs Saunders, assistant to the town clerk Kerry Wilcox and town gardener and handyman George Wilcox — for the ‘sterling job’ they do in the office and around the town.

He added: “I also would like to thank one new addition, Steve Pitts, who helps with our market on Wednesday mornings and afternoons. I also would like to thank my fellow councillors for their support over the last 12 months.”

Over the last year the council has been involved with many projects in the town, from supporting the twinning in May last year to the Christmas lights switch-on event in December.

Looking forward, Cllr Hutchings said: “The calendar for me as mayor just seems to keep growing and growing. I will probably be best remembered for 2017/18 as the mayor who opened the most shops in a year! But I think that is something to be very proud of and just shows how people are willing to invest in our town, not just around the square but also at the industrial estate as well.”

The town recently saw the completion of the council’s largest project, the Holsworthy sports pavilion. Cllr Hutchings said: “As you are all aware, we have completed the council’s largest ever building project. The pavilion, now in the hands of HASP [Holsworthy Area Sports Pavilion], was officially opened on April 15. I wish HASP all the best in the running of this new facility.”

But, just when the council thought things couldn’t get any better for Holsworthy the announcement was made by the Northern, Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) that the town’s community hospital beds were to be re-opening after more than a year’s temporary closure.

Cllr Hutchings said: “Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better for Holsworthy a shocking announcement came last week from the Devon CCG regarding our hospital inpatient beds. The beds will ‘reopen’!

“This is largely due to meetings and pressure being put on the CCG from several of us locally. I would like to thank Cllr Barry Parsons for his continued support. Also Geoff Cusick who represented the town council on the stakeholder group.”

He said the next step is to ensure the Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust fulfill the wishes of the CCG and ‘get those beds operational’.

Cllr Hutchings added: “I would like to thank you all for attending tonight and hope you will support the council again next year as you have in the last 12 months. With all your support we can make sure Holsworthy doesn’t just stay on the map, but also be one of the best places to live and work in the South West. Holsworthy equals positive!”