The Torridge District Council External Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 10 September 2025 to review the action list and forward plan, and to receive updates from Torridge Voluntary Services and Next Steps Education.

Torridge Voluntary Services Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update presentation from Torridge Voluntary Services (TTVS).

Next Steps Education Presentation

The committee was scheduled to receive a presentation from Sarah Logan of Next Steps Education.

Action List

The committee was scheduled to review the action list, which included updates on:

• Provision following the closure of the Link Centre in Holsworthy. Councillor Claire Hodson, Deputy Leader of the Council, had been tasked with speaking to the Leader for Torridge District Council (TDC) regarding what provision is in place following the closure, and what options are being considered for the building.
• Feedback from Bideford Children's Centre in relation to childcare provision and the impact of the reported childcare crisis locally. Councillor Annie Brenton, Deputy Group Leader, was assigned to follow this up.
• A breakdown of funding from Citizen's Advice and what would be required to provide a face-to-face service in Holsworthy. The Chief Executive of Citizen's Advice was assigned to this action.
• Providing buses in the evenings for Torrington. Councillor Cottle Hunkin was assigned to contact bus companies and Devon County Council (DCC) in relation to this issue, which was raised by The Plough.
• Exploring open space art projects and building murals in the local area. Councillor Cottle Hunkin was assigned to this action.
• Filling the committee's vacancies for non-elected members. All councillors were asked to contact the Chair with any suggestions for possible candidates.

Forward Plan

The committee was scheduled to review the forward plan, which listed items for future meetings, including:

• An update from a TDC officer supporting those experiencing domestic abuse.
• A review of the forward plan.
• Family Centres DCC TTVS.
• Broadband delivery - DCC (TBC).
• Joint Community Safety Partnership Update.

The forward plan also contained suggestions from the committee for 2025-26:

• Joint Community Safety Partnership Update - Statutory Duty, held in partnership with North Devon District Council.
• North Devon Plus.
• The Globe Hotel.
• Coastguard / RNLI¹.
• Bideford Hospital site [https://www.google.com/maps/search/Bideford+Hospital+Torridge+District+Council/].
• South West Water and Highways.
• Food Banks – Vanessa Sanderson, ETW Community Food Pantry.
• Libraries – New CEO Libraries Unlimited.
• Broadband delivery – Matt Barrow, DCC.
• Town Centres Funded by TDC & date last attended External O&S.