High Bickington Community Property Trust
December 2011 update

Progress on building works

Although work on the phase one housing has continued to progress well the poor weather in December has inevitably caused some delay to final completion of the external works to both the housing and the roads. It is now anticipated, therefore, that the handover from the builders of this phase will not take place until at least mid-January 2012. Meanwhile work on an additional three homes for open market sale is progressing well with completion anticipated for the end of March 2012.

Almost all of the affordable homes being built, for occupation by people with local residence qualifications, have been allocated and the legal work associated with Equity Purchase and Rental Contracts is well in hand. Excitement is building amongst those due to move in to their new homes and we are hopeful that most will be able to ‘move in’ by the end of January 2012. One of the two ‘open market sale’ homes, being built as part of Phase 1, has also been reserved by a local young couple and again the legal conveyancing work is underway.

There are two workshops available for rental from mid to end January 2012 and we have had several tentative enquiries about these. At the time of writing, however, neither of them had actually been let. Anyone interested in taking one of these units should contact the letting agents, Webbers Commercial Office in Barnstaple, for further details.

Building works on the new Community Hall are progressing well and are on target for completion by July 2012.

The Community Woodland

A working party was held on Saturday, 3rd December 2011 and, although only attended by a few volunteers, this was an enjoyable and successful day. Discussions were held regarding sowing a wild flower meadow on the grassed area near the main entrance to the woodland, build up existing and create new banks, make a car park area for visitors who have disabilities and about future plans for the Wildlife and Wetland area that will form part of the school land. To aid this work it was agreed that we should request the building contractors to place some of the spare sub and topsoil from the main project site into appropriate locations within the woodland over the coming months.

Another meeting will be arranged in February/March to discuss works required during the Spring/Summer period. Thereafter, half- yearly meetings will be arranged together with working parties to be organised as required throughout the year.

Concerns about the lack of Public Transport

At a number of recent meetings, organised by HBCPT, concern has been expressed about the paucity of local public transport has been raised and how this is an acute issue for the village. Since this is a matter that is unlikely to be resolved easily, in these times of economic difficulties, we thought that it might be helpful to draw the attention of local residents to the various services provided by the Torridge Community Transport Association [TCTA]. This a local charity that offers a range of volunteer run services to all people who are facing transport problems. “JUST ASK!” is their motto. So… if you have a transport difficulty, ring TCTA, and they will do their utmost to get you where you need to be. Some of their services are listed below.

1. Ring & Ride

   
   This is a door-to-door, timetabled, service using a minibus that is fully accessible for people with disabilities, taking passengers into Barnstaple for shopping etc. The bus collects passengers from their home and takes them into town at a fixed fare and anyone can use the service. There are normally 2 or 3 drop-offs within the town, arranged with the driver, and can be such as supermarkets, Shop mobility, main post offices, and the main shopping areas. The driver can even help with your bags back onto the bus. High Bickington currently has a service on Friday’s collecting at about 9.30am and returning after lunch. It costs £4 return. You must book 2 days in advance via the booking line [operated between 9.30 and12.30] on 01237 423232
2. 
    
   

   Volunteer Car Service

   
   Volunteer drivers, using their own vehicles, are able to take passengers wherever they need to go. This service costs £1 for admin and then 45p per mile for the car, so you could get together a group of friends and share the cost between you. This service can also be used to collect children from after school clubs as all drivers are checked via the Criminal records Bureau. Anyone can use this service if they are unable to access other transport. The service must be booked 2 days in advance by telephoning 01237 423232

 


3. Community Group Minibus Hire

   
   TCTA are able to rent their minibus to groups that are registered as community groups by Devon County Council. This is normally using one of their volunteer minibus drivers. This service could be a perfect solution for sports clubs attending matches or for groups on a social outing.

TCTA are also keen to recruit some more volunteer drivers in the village. You can look at their website for more information or just give them a call for a chat! General enquiries - 01237 425522 or check their website at www.torridgecommunitytransport.org.uk

The great news is that TCTA might even be interested in organising another service for the village if there was enough interest. HBCPT has offered to collect views on their behalf so please get in touch to tell us what extra transport you would like in the village: more trips into town or perhaps a school run? Call: (01769) 560161 or Email: dion.mantell@highbickington.org