Linda is working with the Conservative Association to help disadvantaged families in our community and is part of the initiative to get refurbished laptops to local school children in need. Linda was re-elected as County Councillor for Bideford East division in May 2021.
Linda says, (read more)
”I have lived in the area since 1976, have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. I have been a county councillor since May 2017. Parts of my division are areas of some of the highest social deprivation in the country. I want to see the children from those families really reach their full potential. One of the committees that I am on is Children's scrutiny, which oversees all of Devon county councils children’s services. Our laptop initiative is just one way to level up the playing field.
I also want to improve the lot of people with mobility disabilities and those who are visually impaired.
This might be by raising awareness or by getting dropped kerbs and tactile slabs installed.
My rural parishes can often feel forgotten , as we are a long way from County Hall. I have been pleased to be able to action various highways improvements, and to sort out issues with drains and gullies. I have also been able to support local schools and village halls through my locality fund. “
November 2020
Here is a photo of some of the tactile slabs I have had put along Bideford Quay.
When Bideford Longbridge was renovated, I was contacted by a gentleman who is registered blind. He was anxious that with parts of the bridge having barriers , his guide dog would not know the route to take him to his weekly pub quiz. I called for him and escorted him to the quiz. From that meeting I asked him to walk with me around the town to show me what obstacles he faced. He did not ever walk along the Quay, because there was no kerb to warn his guide dog that he would be walking across the entrance and exit to the Manor Car park , by HSBC. I am pleased to say the tactile slabs were installed in June, using my Aids to Movement budget. The other side of the road, by the car park next to the Lundy building, will have tactile slabs installed in March.
I have also been around the town with another gentleman who is visually impaired who pointed out the dangers A boards can pose. I was able to lead a group of Town councillors , together with a representative from the RNIB. We wore special goggles to experience the difficulties that blind and Visually impaired folk face. I called into several businesses, and hi-lighted Devon County Councils policy , that all A boards should be positioned next to the building.
It was really inspiring to see how folk with visual impairments cope, and I was glad that I could make a small difference to help them get around Bideford. “
I am proud I have managed to get many things done since I was elected, and hope to welcome a further opportunity to continue the work after May 2021 County Councillor elections.”
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