AS we move towards the May elections I would like to bring two things to people's notice.

In order to vote you will need photo identity. Obviously you can use your passport, modern driving licence or your seniors bus pass.

If you have none of these it is possible to get a photo identity form by going online to: www.gov.uk  and following the instructions for downloading a photo ID form.

Unfortunately you do need to do this online and you will need a photograph that you have on your device.

The other alternative is to apply to Mid Devon District Council's electoral services (01884 234318) for a postal vote.

This has two advantages, the first is that you do not need a photo ID and the second is that when you have the forms through you will have a two-week window in which to vote and so you do not need to go out on that rainy Thursday when you would much rather stay at home.

In order to facilitate this I shall be bringing some postal vote forms with me to my surgeries.

I would like to remind you all that as the weather is improving I shall start my surgeries in March.

I shall keep to the roads I used last year, namely the first Saturday of the month at Crediton, the second Saturday at Cheriton Bishop at 10am and Yeoford at 11am, the third Saturday at Copplestone and the fourth Saturday in the Village Hall in Bow.

If you cannot get to my surgeries, do remember you can contact me by email via: [email protected] .

I have attended one interesting and important meeting, which was highways.

There is a programme of road repairs which is undertaken in summer by 16 gangs but in winter this number is augmented by contractors to 40.

There is a new idea that when inspectors go out to look at potholes that are on the system they will also mark up any nearby that they think need repair!

During the meeting I did raise the question of road signs indicating “Road Ahead Closed”.

Obviously, if it is an emergency, we have no warning, which can lead to inconvenience, but repairs have to be done there and then.

I did raise a question about going along the A377 and finding signs on the road that give you the impression that you are on the road that will be closed ahead but often it is a road off to the side.

We are pushing for signs with a 90 degree line to indicate a side road closure.

I am sure many of you breathed a sigh of relief at the halting of the high increase in car park charges.

Our petitions and cogent arguments helped sway the change of heart!

Cllr Frank Letch MBE

County Councillor for Crediton Rural