LAST week I zigged-zagged across our huge constituency for a number of local meetings. 

On the Thursday I got together with several local borough and district councillors in Whiddon Down in West Devon, many of whom were elected for the first time in the May elections.

It was an opportunity to hear how they are settling in and to discuss a number of important local issues.

Having spent the past 13 years dealing with up to 1,000 letters, telephone calls and emails a week from constituents on a range of complex subjects, I was also able to offer some advice on how to most effectively follow up on requests for help.

On the Friday I was in Bovey Tracey in Teignbridge, which was buzzing on the opening day of its annual craft festival.

During the morning I caught up with David McGahey, Chair of Bovey Paradiso, at their fantastic new café and restaurant. I would strongly urge local residents who haven’t been yet, to check it out.

I have been pressing hard for funding to help the Paradiso complete their goal of creating a community arts and entertainment centre at the site of the former King of Prussia pub in Fore Street.

The restoration of the historic Tudor building began with the creation of an art gallery, artist studios and a meeting room in 2021.

Last month, phase two of their plan was completed – the opening of a high-quality café and restaurant.

The final phase of development, if funding can be secured, will be a cinema/theatre with almost 100 seats.

This would deliver a boost to the local economy and provide residents with something very special on their doorstep.

It was then down the A38 for a meeting with Mark Hall, a Data and Geographic Information Systems Analyst from Osprey Charging (one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle charging networks).

A fortnight ago, Osprey opened the largest ultra-rapid EV charging hub in the South West in our constituency at Salmon’s Leap at Buckfastleigh and it was good to see that the 16-bay site is already being well-used.

Over the next decade we will need a big shift towards electric vehicles and it is vital that the infrastructure is in place to do so.

There will soon be an on-site farm shop selling homegrown produce, plus a coffee shop.

I am optimistic that in addition to the obvious environmental benefits the site will bring, there will also be a positive impact on the local economy.

In Mid Devon I visited Tesco in Crediton to meet Store Manager Simon Harding and discuss their community programmes.

Through Community Food Connection, surplus food is donated to charities and the community each night, and through their Community Grants three local projects are awarded £3,000 between them every few months based on votes cast by shoppers through blue tokens.

Over the past 18 months the store has also raised more than £9,000 for Children’s Hospice South West.

More from Mel at: www.melstridemp.com or follow him on Twitter @MelJStride.