Cross border co-operation encouraged by Axminster MP at public meeting

Axminster's MP Richard Foord encouraged co-operation across the county border of Devon and Dorset, when he hosted a public meeting in Uplyme on Saturday.

Mr Foord, who is MP for the Tiverton & Honiton constituency, which includes Axminster and Uplyme, hosted the meeting at the village hall alongside Edward Morello, the party's parliamentary candidate for the West Dorset constituency, including neighbouring Lyme Regis.

Residents expressed concerns about the appalling levels of sewage being discharged into the River Lim, the lack of affordable housing, jobs and parking in Lyme Regis, and the sad state of the local bus services.

Mr Foord stressed that nearly all the issues raised were cross-county border issues, saying that it was "incredibly important that East Devon and West Dorset work together".

Addressing the sewage issue directly, Mr Foord commented: "I recently took part in a debate at Westminster about the performance of South West Water and pointed out to the chief executive and others who were present for the debate that they need to clean up their act. 

"Last year, the equivalent of 65 days worth of non-stop untreated sewage had been released into Lyme Bay, which is wholly unacceptable." 

Among the audience, there was widespread support for policies to address the pollution of the Lim, including fining the bosses of the water companies responsible.

Many residents also bemoaned the lack of parking in Lyme Regis, which coupled with the cuts to local bus services, meant many were put off going into the centre of town.

One resident suggested the introduction of a permanent year-round park and ride scheme, which both Mr Foord and Mr Morello agreed warranted investigation.  

Mr Morello commented: "It is difficult to balance the desire for a sustainable local economy with the environmental imperative to reduce car use.

"However, we must recognise that Lyme Regis is a major tourist destination for visitors to West Dorset and East Devon, and that trade is vital to the town.

"Better bus links to the local area and even possibly a park-and-ride would help us address some of those concerns."

Mr Foord added: "As a keen bus user myself, I know that nothing is more likely to force you back into your car than buses that don't turn up or don't go to where you need them to.

"I raised this exact problem with the managing director of Stagecoach South West when I met with him the other week."

 Residents were also introduced to Susan Westerman, the Liberal Democrat candidate standing for the Trinity ward in the East Devon District Council election on May 4. She will be going up against Conservative candidate Andrew Turner.

The meeting also heard that the Liberal Democrat candidate for Lyme Regis for next year's Dorset Council elections would be announced very soon.  

Following the public meeting in Uplyme, Mr Morello hosted a drinks reception for residents at the Royal Lion Hotel in Lyme Regis, followed by a private dinner for invited guests.