Land Transfer

On the 30th of April, after lengthy negotiations between the Community Property Trust and Devon County Council, contracts were exchanged for the transfer of land at Little Bickington Farm. The areas for housing and workshop development will be transferred to the CPT on an unencumbered Freehold basis whilst the sites for the proposed Playing Field (part) and Community Hall, reserved Health Centre and Allotment sites plus Quarry Wood will be held by the CPT on 125 leases. The County Council has retained ownership of the new school site and the part of the proposed Playing Field to the south of it.

Community Woodland

Quarry Wood continues to be well used by the community. Many users bring their dogs – this is welcomed, as long as faeces are picked up and placed in one of the bins provided at the entrance gates. Recently it appears that a few people are neglecting to do this. Dog fouling is unpleasant for other users, especially so for the primary school children who walk through the wood to the playing field or use it for their nature studies.

It might be worth pointing out that on the 1st of May, Torridge District Council introduced Dog Control Orders, under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which require dog owners to remove faeces from any land to which the public have access. Any one failing to do so is liable to a fixed penalty notice and a fine of £50. We appeal to everyone taking a dog into Quarry Wood to pick up faeces and dispose of them in the bins provided, and that other users might gently remind dog owners of their responsibilities.

Finally, as a result of vandalism, the two smaller tables and rustic oak seat have been removed from the picnic area. At around the same time the gate at the bottom of the wood was damaged. Again, we appeal to regular users of Quarry Wood to help us to identify those responsible for this damage.