Mel Stride MP recently met with West Devon Borough Councillors Julie Yelland, Lois Samuel, Patrick Kimber and Nicky Heyworth. Cllr Heyworth (Chagford) opened the meeting by congratulating Mr Stride on his appointment as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, and Cllr Kimber (Hatherleigh) asked Mel about energy bill support for farmers, small businesses and schools. Cllr Yelland (Okehampton South) and Cllr Samuel asked Mel to seek a progress update on the Devon County Council bid for funding for a second rail station on the eastern edge of Okehampton to maximise the economic benefits of The Dartmoor Line.
Cllr Yelland said:
“It was great to catch up with Mel and discuss some of the local issues that really matter here in West Devon. These include a second rail station on the eastern edge of Okehampton to improve accessibility and reduce congestion.”
Cllr Kimber said:
“It was very useful to get a better understanding of the support being provided to businesses, charities and public sector organisations like our schools and hospitals as well as to families over the next six months to help with energy bills. The fact the support is being provided automatically without needing to do anything will ensure no-one misses out on the support they are eligible for.”
Mr Stride added:
“It was very good to catch up with Julie, Lois, Patrick and Nicky on a number of important local and national issues and I will certainly see if I can get a progress report on where we are with the funding bid for the second station in Okehampton.”
