THIS week we celebrate our vital public role as part of Holding Our Community Together, our campaign to shine a light on the impact made by your trusted Crediton Courier every week.

As people consume more news and information than ever before, both in print and digitally, respected news titles like ours perform an important duty in delivering information from local authorities while still holding to account leading local organisations over their decisions.

Just as we have always reported on local events throughout our history, the Covid-19 pandemic showed how we could update our audiences with the latest news about the impact in our community and the work to shape the way forward from the accompanying lockdowns.

With many people turning to their trusted local newspaper to understand how Covid was affecting local life, we stayed true to our aim of reporting on the big issues which matter to our community.

Our print publication and website were an important platform for people to access the latest news and information, especially in the early weeks when life ground to a halt.

We believe we hold a unique place in local life by holding to account local decision makers, which many other providers do not do. Those in power may not thank us at times for asking difficult questions but we take seriously the mantle of being the trusted news brand for our community.

Nobody can represent our community like your Crediton Courier. We continue to report the latest news from our public services, such as the police, fire service, NHS and local authorities. When they plan changes which impact you, we hold them to account on your behalf.

Recently, we have brought you news such as:

• Crediton Police stopped every vehicle in Crediton High Street at lunchtime on Friday, March 27, 2020, the day after new powers came into force to ensure motorists in the Crediton area were not breaking coronavirus partial-lockdown rules.

Strong words of advice were extended to motorists in Crediton High Street, as well as in other areas of the town. Paperwork was checked and, on more than one occasion, car boots were opened to see if vehicle owners had shopping as they had stated. The new powers introduced at the time mean’t that anyone continuing to break coronavirus rules would be breaking the law and face possible arrest. People ignoring the restrictions on movement could be hit with a £60 fine initially and another for £120 for a second offence. Fortunately these restrictions are no longer in place.

• In July this year Lee Howell, the Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, presented a Certificate of Commendation to the Crediton fire crew which took brave action during a harrowing fire in Exeter in February which resulted in the loss of four lives.

He said: “Your speedy actions, including some individuals administering CPR, enabled all six casualties to receive the necessary medical attention, ensuring their best possible chance of survival.

“Your response and supreme professionalism ultimately contributed to saving the lives of two children. You are duly commended for your outstanding actions.”

• In March and April 2020 there was fantastic support for NHS staff from Crediton residents when hundreds of people took part in national applause of thanks for health workers helping in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

In one Crediton street, every single person living in George Hill, stood to give applause or bash pots and pans to make as much noise as possible.

George Hill resident Dee Saunders, who messaged all her neighbours, led the riot of noise of support. Afterwards she said she was thrilled that everyone took part.

In other parts of Crediton children enjoyed shouting and clapping and banging drums and pots and pans.

A loud firework also boomed across the town during the applause effort.

We see it as our responsibility to report on the public issues which mean a great deal to people living here. Those in authority locally know we are here to raise topics for the greater good.

AT THE CENTRE OF THE COMMUNITY

Mel Stride, the MP for Central Devon said: “The Courier has always been at the centre of the community in Crediton. Informative, connected and irreplaceable.”

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, said the Courier plays a vital role. She explained: “The Courier plays an important role in publishing accurate information on local authority news and plans, and in raising relevant issues of general public interest.

“It is a significant channel of communication and comment for our community.”

Frank Letch MBE, the County Councillor for Crediton commented: “As a councillor and once long-time standing Mayor of Crediton I have always valued the role of the Crediton Courier.

“As a modern man I am even able to look at the Courier on-line and keep up with issues and important news stories which affect us all.”

Rachel Avery, Crediton Town Clerk, said: “The Crediton Courier is a central part of our local news outlet, providing a range of local stories and connecting our local communities. It celebrates all that is good in our town and surrounding area and highlights local issues and concerns.”

Cllr Elizabeth Lloyd (née Wainwright), Mid Devon District Councillor for Sandford and Creedy Ward, said: “Good local journalism is an essential public service that supports local democracy and decision-making. It should present information well, ask good questions, and connect residents to the people and services they rely on. But good local journalism - including investigating and reporting on the issues that affect local people - is underfunded. And yet with the rise of ‘fake news’, and a lack of trust in national media, it is more important than ever.

“Good local news and opinion reporting can increase social cohesion and political participation, and decrease polarisation.

“That’s why I and others support the public service that the Courier provides - by buying and reading it, writing occasional letters, or sharing news with Alan, the editor.

“During the pandemic, it has been a lifeline for many people, and by supporting it and the service it provides, we can all play a part in shaping our community.”

Mid Devon District and Devon County Councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires, said: “I have always valued the Crediton Courier for the representation of local news stories. It always tackles difficult issues looking at both sides and being prepared to ask questions. It covers a broad spectrum of items meaning there is something for everyone within its pages.”

Sue Lee, Library Supervisor at Crediton Library said she valued the communication to the community by the Crediton Courier.

She explained: “The Crediton Courier has always been supportive of Crediton Library. Friendly and enthusiastic photographers and journalists have covered a wide range of our events.

“Communication to the community about all that we do couldn’t happen so effectively without the Crediton Courier. They also published what we were doing during lockdowns, how we were able to help the public and they played a vital role in making the community aware of our re-openings.”

Thanks also came from the churchwardens at Crediton Parish Church who said: “The churchwardens at Crediton Parish Church appreciate the part the Courier has played in spreading news through the town of services and events at the church throughout the pandemic.

“This has made us feel at the heart of the town which is where we want to be.  We congratulate the Courier for their professionalism and their willingness to confront issues head on which are occasionally controversial and think the Courier is a great asset for the town."

Farmer and businessman Andy Gray, was also full of praise for the Crediton Courier. He said: “Businesses such as ours have valued the contribution of the Courier in highlighting the communities’ efforts to look after each other.

“There is no other real medium to tell of the many kindnesses done throughout the Covid disaster. These stories remind everyone it isn’t all bad news, and we have a great community in and around our town. There are many things locally to celebrate, we forget when the national media hit us with unalloyed gloom.”

Having published news and information here since December 1974 nobody else we believe has our proud track record for reporting on the public interest in our community.

We understand that there may be times when our questions or campaigns put noses out of joint. But for democracy to thrive, those making the decisions must be prepared for our news teams to put the spotlight on their plans.

We now reach more people than ever before as we report on all aspects of local life. We know you will continue to turn to our versions of the news affecting you and your community, particularly as we rebuild from the damage caused by the pandemic.

Thank you for continuing to value the professional news presented by the Courier, as we keep reporting on the big issues and continue holding our community together.