Axminster councillor working on cross-border issues with Dorset colleague

Axminster councillor Ian Hall has met with his new counterpart from Lyme Regis for the first time in a bid to improve cross-border co-operation.

Conservative Cllr Hall, who represents neighbouring Axminster on both East Devon District Council and Devon County Council, as well as serving in the non-political role of chair of the county council, met with newly elected Dorset councillor Belinda Bawden, a Green Party member representing Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

Among the issues discussed in the first of what is hoped to be a regular meeting, the pair discussed the withdrawal of Stagecoach's 9A bus between Seaton and Lyme Regis, and how they could maintain and build upon sustainable travel which helps give residents continued climate friendly options for travel to work, appointments and for shopping.

They also covered potential support from Dorset Council for the proposed pedestrian safety improvements around Crogg Lane in Uplyme.

Cllr Bawden commented: "I was delighted to meet Cllr Ian Hall. We discussed a wide range of issues which we felt would benefit from more cross-border collaboration between both our town and county councils.

"We agreed to do all we could to ensure the bus service replacing the Stagecoach 9A bus service between Lyme and Seaton was as good, if not better, than the existing service by asking our respective councils for support and showing them how valued the service is for our residents and visitors.

"As we reduce our dependence on cars and fossil fuels, good quality affordable public transport must be a council priority. Central government should, in my opinion, support our local authorities to enable this.

"In the meantime, Cllr Hall and I will continue discussions on how we can best work together to ensure our residents and visitors enjoy the best services and quality of life we can provide."

Cllr Hall added: "What is absolutely clear is that we will both be trying our best to ensure that we here in the Axminster division, which is in the far east of Devon, and that the Lyme and Charmouth division, being in the far west of Dorset, is at the forefront of our thinking and to whenever necessary to shine a bright light on our cross-boarder needs.

"It became very apparent that a good working relationship had formed incredibly quickly and I personally will look forward to meeting with Belinda on a quarterly basis."

Cllr Hall said he hoped future discussions would include the climate crisis, cross border bus services and sustainable travel, A35 safety between Morcombelake and Honiton, healthcare services including mental health provision, tourism, the economy and mental health.