ACROSS the country, high streets have faced a tough few years.

The shift to online shopping, rising energy and wage costs, and changes in how we live and work have all taken their toll. But here in Central Devon, despite the national trend, I remain upbreat about the energy, ingenuity and resilience shown by so many of our local businesses.

What sets our towns and villages apart is the way they’re adapting - not by trying to compete with shopping centres or online giants, but by doing something different.

They’re building high streets rooted in community, offering high-quality experiences, and showing a spirit of entrepreneurship that’s genuinely inspiring.

Take Crediton. A café like Coco’s which I visited recently is run by Chloe and isn’t just somewhere to grab a coffee - it’s a hub of local life, where customers come not only for good food, but for conversation, connection and a sense of belonging.

Just down the road I dropped in to see Neil Paterson at Union Road Moto Velo.

What started as a bike shop has turned into a thriving café, a clothing brand, and even a B and B.

Neil also happens to be a brilliant engineer - he recently rebuilt my old Harley Davidson, and it is absolutely magnificent.

Over in North Tawton, I met Dr Bryony Herrod-Taylor and the team at North Park Vets.

Their commitment to their work, and the trust they’ve built with local families, is a reminder that not all high street services are about retail.

Many, like veterinary care, underpin the town, and it was clear from my visit that great customer service was the foundation of their business.

Food and hospitality continue to be a real strength across Central Devon.

In Chudleigh I visited The Phoenix, run by Ian and Tracey Nixon, which is a prime example of flexibility: a restaurant that combines quality with consistency, and where you’re always met with a warm welcome.

I’ve seen the same in Ashburton, where Rafikis where I had lunch the other day is always busy offering something fresh, relaxed and full of personality.

And in Chagford, Blacks Delicatessen was recently the perfect place for me to stock up for a lunch on the move.

High street businesses are never easy. Higher business rates and staffing costs, thanks to the choices of this Labour government, have made it even more difficult to run a rural business.

But what I’ve seen across Central Devon gives me real confidence that our high streets across the country do have a future, based on innovation, hard work, and community.

I’ll continue doing everything I can to support local enterprise, and make sure our towns and villages have the representation and recognition they deserve.

Mel Stride

MP for Central Devon