We really need to bring our politics back to our doorsteps. There is so much happening at City and County Council level, that will have huge effects on our lives and our Councils are not keeping us informed. Residents of Heavitree Ward have an opportunity to elect one of their own to add balance and scrutiny to an overly dominate political party Council. Furthermore there is an opportunity to join Devon County Council committees to ensure that our community needs are at the front of closed door meetings.
Heavitree Advocates is a growing community group incorporating Heavitree, Whipton, Wonford, St Loyes and surrounding wards, who have been advocating for a new inclusive public consultation for the residents to participate in since September 2022. A new consultation would be an opportunity for Planners and Devon County Council to show the community what a Low Traffic Neighbourhood is, how it works, the benefits and the consequences for all of us that will live in a zone.
This group has seen since 2021 how dominant political parties can control the narrative, by simply ignoring residents. Instead of clarity, negotiation and fair compromise, our group and community is stonewalled with silence and an unwillingness to engage with local residents. Each of us lives on a street that has its unique and bespoke issues. These could be high air pollution, seasonal flooding due to poor drain maintenance, poor parking, school run issues, rush hour surges, hospital staff parking concerns, Victorian streets and traffic congestion as Greater Exeter grows at an exponential rate without infrastructure investment.
Getting fair representation for this ward is paramount to building trust and understanding, of how Exeter must evolve, as we move to a more carbon zero world. Isn't it better to cultivate hearts and minds, rather than hammer a round peg into a square hole.
Representing your views is so important for our community and I can do this as I am local and independent.
Photograph courtesy of Exeter City Council.