Introduction by Stuart Barker, chairman
There can be very few people who have not heard by now of Buckfastleigh 2000. We came into
existence following a public meeting held at the beginning of 1995. At that time it was a general
opinion that "something needed to be done" to regenerate our town, to ensure that over the years
ahead we developed a new community spirit and energy that would bring benefits to as many people
as possible.
How best to achieve the ambitions and aims of a town the size of Buckfastleigh had been a
problem, where would the money come from and how could we ensure that the future was brighter
thart the past? Money seemed a natural starting point. Everyone knew of Lottery money, Millennium
funding Euro ean grants, Rural aid, Regeneration Trusts, Government handouts etc. etc. The
trouble was none of these sources was prepared to just say "here's the cash - get on with it" All
of them wanted to know what the community wanted - so did we.
How were we going to achieve that? After all, everyone you asked knew what rieeded doing but how
could we demonstrate what the community wanted to potential sources of aid. The answer was very
simple - the best ideas nearly always are - we will ask everyone! Everyone could identify the
issues that concerned them, tell us their ideas. We could then recommend solutions to some
problems, and propose an action plan and strategy to take the town forward.
We consulted widely to identify issues and involved all the local authorities and councils so
that no-one could say that they hadn't had an opportunity to be heard. Sponsorship was available
for the cost of the questionnaire from Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council,
Dartmoor National Park, Buckfastleigh Town Council, Community Council of Devon and local
businesses. I would like to thank those members of the group who have stuck by this awesome task
and seen it through to a successful conclusion, thanks also to Hannah Reynolds of the Community
Council of Devon for her patience and putting us back on the right track when we strayed. Roger
Courtier of Teignbridge District Council and Phil Markham of Dartmoor National Park have attended
most meetings despite the evening start. Their professional guidance and help has been invaluable
- their commitment to finding solutions to our problems could not have been greater if they had
lived here! The final 'thank you' is to Doff Pollard who came to the original public meeting and
cajoled us into action. When our previous efforts in 1994 had foundered she provided the
proverbial kick that we needed.
The obvious question is what happens now. Because there is community backing for the
recommendations made we can now apply for funding from the many sources available - we will have
satisfied the first criteria. In the report you will find a suggested strategy to ensure that the
different communities within the town can work together to attract maximum support.
In answer to those who have asked what the survey cost - it was around £3000 - because of the
sponsorship we were able to attract, the cost to the town via the Town Council was £150. The fact
that we were able to achieve so much for a small amount of money is because of the people who
have given a considerable amount of time and effort freely.
Finally, I believe that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results if they work together
with some give and take. Your answers show that most people care about our town and want it to
prosper. Today is only the start, with your support and encouragement for a few changes that do
not alter the character of this unique area we can all look forward to a better future.
The members of Buckfastleigh 2000 who have produced the survey and report are:-