December 21, 2023

Read John’s roundup for December 2023.

M5 Junction 28 and Cullompton Relief Road Consultation . Devon County Council public engagement to update on plans is now open until Monday 7th February. After years of campaigning, I am delighted we have details! The preferred option being new bridge to the South of Cullompton with south facing slip roads plus the Town Centre Relief Road! Details available at: https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/m5-junction-28. In January DCC Officers will be available to answer questions in person as follows:

Monday 8 Jan 2024, 3.30PM – 7PM Cullompton Community Centre

Wednesday 10 Jan 2024, 12 noon – 4PM The Hayridge, Cullompton

Rail Statin – exciting news that some of the previously ring fenced £36 billion for HS2 will be allocated to Cullompton Station. Years of campaigning have paid off and I look forward to seeing the project come forward, with the anticipated opening in 2025. Cullompton Station will see Devon County Councils ‘Devon Metro’ plan develop a step nearer.

Devolution – Plans have been submitted to Government for Devon County and Torbay to jointly form a devolved administration, which if approved will lead to a public consultation.

Highways – Devon has received an extra £6.663 million for road maintenance up to April 24, to be repeated n in the year to April 2025, much needed after widespread, serious, and some untypical, flooding experienced throughout Devon during torrential storms this Autumn. I visited various places, met with MDDC , DCC and the Environment Agency, who are investigating to find any improvements that might alleviate the problem for the future.

Adult Social Care is supporting 20,340 clients with a range of care needs and demand for services is rising. DCC are lobbying Government for increased funding to support care for adults, young people and children. Children in care increased to more than 900 in November 2023, from 837 in January 2023

DCC Locality Budget – I was delighted to support clubs, groups and projects in and around Kentisbeare. I have a small fund remaining so if your group needs a small grant to help with a project or equipment, please let me know by 10th February, 2024. Congratulations and thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who keep these organisations going, making Kentisbeare a good place to live.

With very best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas, and very best wishes for 2024

John Berry

Devon County Councillor for Cullompton and Bradninch

Email john.berry@devon.gov.uk

01884 32320