Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Possibly as things stand, but isn't the entire exercise predicated on growing both the L&B and the local economy, without unsupportable levels of road traffic, with the emphasis on which depending on one's priorities?

If you look ar the road network on Exmoor, there are several villages sited at road junctions, where two different 2 hourly services could be routed to provide an hourly service at that point. Such key locations could readily be mapped out for walkers, with the knowledge that a timetabled service will be there to put you a maximum of one 'change' from your car.

I'm merely floating an approach, rather than specific suggestions, but feel it'd be a mistake to consider the situation purely from the current perspective, as the L&B obviously hasn't yet extended to either Blackmoor of Lynton. I'm attempting to think on maximising benefit for the local economy generally, under the circumstances which the currently stated objectives intend.

 

Maybe Combe Martin 'High Street' or Barnstaple Town Centre (even without level crossings over the Braunton and Pilton roads), but are there really traffic jams in North Devon ? I for one would like to know.

 

And I'm supportive of the approach, while mindful of the challenge seen elsewhere with more favourable circumstances.

Not the only reason that traffic may be an issue for local communities.

 

Traffic jams may be the only issue noticed by motorists, but aren't by any means the only issue caused by high numbers of cars in areas with no adequate pavements, nor are cars the only road users.

There are a couple of points to be raised at this point. Firstly, the issue of excessive road traffic is one raised by ENPA, NDC and numerous parish councils. The issue also lies at the heart of the rational for reinstating the L&B.

I do find myself asking whether many of those raising several questions in similar vein actually have much experience of bus services, certainly (other than moaning about getting stuck behind) rural ones, this side of their student days? BTW, looking up a bus timetable, before seeing how scant and slow the service is, before saying "s-d, I'll take the car" doesn't count.

I've noticed something of a dichotomy when it comes to bus provision, in that those who make policy have a tendency to regard those who actually use bus services as being clearly unsuccessful in life (or they'd have a car, because ... who wouldn't?) and by extension, unqualified to have any meaningful input.

 

Would there be more work in making those changes, as opposed to setting up a new entity and gaining charity status? Genuine question - I don't know!

 

I failed to find a website for the YVT. Is it me or is there not one - or just well hidden?

 

There isn't one, nor a Facebook page. The only online place you'll find anything about them is via Trackbed Trails and you'll need to be a shareholder of EA to get access to that (as I am).

 

The YVT has actually submitted documentation to the Charity Commission (as per Trackbed Trails 35) and, after feedback, has just submitted revised proposals and waiting for a final decision. So, no point in changing the approach now I would think.

 

I recall it was Mrs T who said something like 'anyone using a bus at 27 is a loser'. Someone could perhaps quote the exact words for the edification of all of us. I think she only traveled once on a train during her premiership.

 

All editions of Trackbed Trails are linked from the EA website except the latest one so that shareholders, quite rightly, get first dibs. However none of the ones I’ve read (and I’ve no desire to read them all) seemed to give a clear idea of what YVT is all about.

 

I thought it was the Inbetweeners .... Oh, hold up ..... that was "Bus W■■■■■s". The way Shaw felt about Shakespeare is how I feel about TINA. If she was the answer, someone asked the wrong question.

Back to Exmoor .....

 

You can access back numbers of Trackbed Trails on the Exmoor Associates website - you can't access the latest one. If you are a shareholder of EA you get it emailed to you there has to be some benefit to contributing to their funds.

 

https://fullfact.org/news/margaret-thatcher-bus/

 

- EA is solely devoted to buying trackbed as it comes up. It's not a charity, so no gift aid.
- YVT is for the interesting accessories, eg equipment like the finials of postbox, funding the BF goods shed etc. It has applied to be a charity, then gift aid is possible. It's still new, so no website yet. I expect some help with that would be welcome.

 

For a rural area, Exmoor actually has a pretty good bus network, particularly East-West. The open toppers from Minehead to Lynmouth are very well patronised and frequent, and are now joined by the "sunseeker" route from Lynmouth to Ilfracombe. Even the Lynton - Barnstaple bus has upped its game this year. More here: https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/travel/getting-around

 

My understanding (and it is no more than that) is that YVT can also buy EA shares. Ergo, to get get Gift Aid on donations to EA, route them via YVT and get YVT to buy the shares on your behalf, with a 25% Gift Aid bump.

 

Are we certain that's kosher? Is there a tax specialist in the house?

 

(Deleted)

 

as i understand it, the YVT can give EA grants for things like it has in the past, guttering for the shelter at Snapper purchase of a flail mower to control the undergrowth, paint for the garage ect but if it were to supply funds for a trackbed purchase then it must receive that equivalent in EA shares