Mel Stride MP, whose constituency covers around half of Dartmoor National Park and most of its larger towns, has praised the authority’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter to Chief Executive Kevin Bishop the MP welcomed the launch of their Coronavirus Community Support Grant, their efforts in supporting the Government’s restrictions and for already starting work on a recovery plan to help communities and businesses when the restrictions are lifted.
Mel said:
“DNP staff are doing an excellent job in very difficult circumstances. Their Coronavirus Community Support Grant has already helped organisations in Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh and turning around applications quickly is proving to be a big help for these groups. The work of the rangers in checking vehicles are not travelling to Dartmoor for any non-essential reason is very important and I am encouraged to hear staff are not only dealing with the short-term impact of the pandemic but also planning for the longer term to help our businesses recover.”
Groups supported by DNP’s Coronavirus Community Support Grant include:
- Chagford Community Market Garden: packing tables to ensure volunteers can socially distance whilst they pack and to support delivery of vegetable boxes to low-income families.
- MedTheatre in Moretonhampstead: developing a new online arts platform to engage with those isolating at home and observing the instruction to stay at home
- Dartmoor Community Kitchen in Bovey Tracey: Personal Protective Equipment for volunteers who are delivering cooked meals to vulnerable people.
- Ashburton Town Team – support for vulnerable people and those self-isolating
- Buckfastleigh – emergency food boxes to over 80 households in need.
Photo: Mel meeting with Kevin Bishop in 2018.