Totnes Town Council rejects Devon local government reorganization

Totnes Town Council has unanimously rejected the UK government’s current plans for local government reorganization in Devon. The council expressed significant concern that proposed boundaries could split the Bridgetown community between two separate unitary authorities.

Specifically, the proposed boundary between Totnes and Berry Pomeroy Parish would place part of Bridgetown within Torbay. Councillors have agreed to seek an amendment to ensure the entire community remains under a single authority. During an extraordinary meeting, evidence from Bridgetown Alive indicated that all surveyed residents supported keeping the community unified.

Residents and officials raised concerns regarding the potential impact on community cohesion, access to local services, funding for voluntary organizations, transport links, and health and social care. There were also questions regarding the long-term sustainability and practicality of the government's proposed unitary arrangements.