TRANSPORT and HIGHWAYS

NO doubt about the highway problem that most worries the people of High Bickington-

NORTH ROAD

Are there any danger spots?... Is speeding traffic a problem?... asked the Appraisal questionaire. Of 247 comments made, 157 mentioned North Road - the traffic speed, lack of pavements, junctions and parked cars.

Pavements have since been provided between the Golden Lion and the Barton Meadow estate, but only on one side of the road. Traffic parking is till a problem and parking on the pavements is a village wide problem. The Parish Council did attempt to create a car park on land opposite the village shop in North Road but they were prevented by high rental charges and other conditions being demanded by the landowners concerned. Some traffic calming measures have been put in place as a result of new building on the Barton Meadow estate although many feel this is ineffective and adds to the problems....

Another trouble spot is the main A377. Its junction with Kingford Hill is criticised.

Poor visibillity from side road junctions both onto North Road and onto the A377 comes in for criticism. So does the width and the bends in the road from the village to 'Week Cross'.

Children rate the roads no better then do their elders. North Road also topped their list of danger spots. Many asked for pavements and the majority rate the village roads from 'so-so' to 'terrible'.

BUS SERVICE

Although held to be important, 268 people say they never use the bus service, 51 do occasionally and 9 do weekly. Eight people would like more frequent services.

Some improvements have been made to the bus service to include additional services.

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INFORMATION and COMMUNICATIONS

NORTH Devon's local papers are widely received in the Parish. Those answering the question say that more than 300 local papers go into our homes each week - 114 copies of the Journal; 101 copies of the Gazette and 94 copies of the Advertiser.

When it comes to being in contact with what is going on locally there is a fairly even split. 168 people say they look at the Parish notice board, 101 say they do not and 60 say they don't know where it is.

Twice as many people (222) say they read 'Ramblings', the Parish magazine, as those who don't (111).

Are social events publicised enough? Yes say 139; No say 150.

When it comes to contact by PUBLIC telephone - 7 people say they use the local kiosk often, 91 do occasionally and 225 say they never use it.

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