WHEN you are stuck out in the countryside it may be beautiful, peaceful and an idyllic place to live but if you get two buses a week, mobile telephone reception only when you are hanging out of an upstairs window and broadband that means you can make a pot of tea in the time it takes for a picture to download – it can get frustrating.

The residents of Colebrooke parish have got together to take matters into their own hands.

Following two years of consultation and public meetings, they have produced their Parish Plan, which is due to be launched at Colebrooke Parish Hall on Friday, June 17, beginning at 6pm.

Mary Stephenson, Chair of the Colebrooke Parish Plan steering group, said: "Throughout the process the enthusiasm from residents has been really impressive, demonstrated by their readiness to share in helping the community improve and sustain existing resources as well as introduce new ones.

"Now they want to set up strong links with the key service providers.

"The evening will take the form of a market place of local resources highlighted during the consultation period as being of primary importance."

Mary explained that these will include broadband/mobile telephone reception, roads, parish activities, community support, transport and communications (newsletter/social media).

She added that this will give residents the opportunity to circulate and meet key stakeholders and service providers.

Food and drink will be provided at 7pm following which focus groups will form to discuss with the relevant stakeholder how, on behalf of the residents, they can best achieve the aims set out in the Parish Plan.

Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, will be attending along with other key stakeholders for the area.

Ms Stephenson added: "Judging by our previous Parish Plan public meetings, there will be an excellent turn out of local residents.

"We anticipate the event will end at 8pm."

Alan Quick