I AM writing to appeal to residents in villages in the local area to ask if most of the basic services and amenities seem to be declining from their local villages?

I have lived in my mid-Devon village (of which I truly love) for about 18 years now and since around the year 1996. In that time I have seen the village lose the doctor's surgery, village shop, classes at the local school, Post Office and a public house.

I have also seen the reduction of the deliveries of essentials such as prescription pharmaceuticals and library services, add to this a reduced service of train and bus services.

I firmly believe that these basic privileges provided to sustain a healthy and thriving community are being lost, therefore leaving these areas forgotten and left to "rack and ruin".

Times seem to be especially tough for the young and the elderly and understandably cuts may have to be made by local councils, but at what cost?

If we lose our communities, we stand to lose our past and our future also.

I would appreciate any feedback on this letter and would be interested if it is only my village losing it's identity, or if others are suffering a similar fate?

Name and address

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