Town Councillor David Munge shares his personal ideas on how we could improve Honiton

A few weeks ago, Nub News asked the residents of Honiton for ideas on how the town could be improved and we received many great ideas.

Here, Cllr David Munge shares his own ideas on how the issues raised in the article could be addressed.

[H2] Lack of activities for young people [H2]

Several responders raised the issue that there are not many activities in Honiton for young people.

David told Nub News: "This has always been an issue. Pool tables in a café depends on the owner of the café, and it would be difficult to see how such a pool table would generate enough revenue to excite an owner.

David pointed out that the Youth Centre is open at the CUB building and it is run as a charity, so volunteers are welcome to help run it.

"The Honiton Community Spaces (in the CUB building) at Allhallows is a great space, and has a youth club, with lots to do, in and outside."

Honiton Community Spaces have acquired the building with the help of East Devon District Council (EDDC).

David suggests contacting CUB and seeing what else could be done for young people.

He added: "Of course, at Allhallows you also have the Gym, Swimming, and Rugby Club, plus the Skate Park."

You can contact Honiton Community Spaces on [email protected], or have a look at their Facebook page.

[H2] Litter and lack of floral displays in Honiton [H2]

David said: "The new councillors of Honiton Town Council are reviewing all the town's upgrade requirements, so hopefully the floral area at New Street will get some long-awaited attention."

Rob Waldron believes that Honiton needs more recycling and litter bins, and David agrees: "What a great job Rob has done in setting up Honiton Litter Pickers.

"The new budget, agreed by Honiton Town Council, is organising, with EDDC, a large sum of money to add litter bins, and other street furniture, including more strategically placed benches. So, watch this space!"

[H2] Recycling [H2]

David responded: "Honiton Town Council has set up a Climate Change Working Group, and you do not have to be a councillor to join. Recycling is part of the group's activities.

"I would like to run an event this year engaging more people with recycling, reuse, and a repair café. However, we need volunteers to pick up these matters to help the town."

[H2] Lack of affordable shops [H2]

David told Nub News: "I talk to lots of people, and mostly, if they are from out of town, the reason they come to Honiton is because of all the great individual shops.

"The shopping scene in the whole country has changed. Approximately 50 per cent of shopping is done on-line, and Honiton is adapting to this situation.

"However, to add to the current mix of shops, how great it is to see new and slightly up market shops, such as 'Fig & Ivy', or '4 You from Me' succeeding.

"I might suggest that a Primark, or a Peacock's would not add to making Honiton a special, unique shopping experience."

[H2] Expensive parking [H2]

David replied: "Parking is always a big discussion point. The revenue brought into EDDC by parking is significant, and such revenues help to pay for other things.

"Some people like the situation in High Street, when you can park, without paying, nip into the bank, or have a quick shop, and off you go. Do you want parking meters in the High Street? I suggest not?"

[H2] Honiton Market [H2]

David told Nub News: "Honiton Market has been neglected for a long time, and Covid-19 has not helped.

"However, the new councillors at Honiton Town Council have set up a working group to regenerate the Market, and I know they have themed markets on the 'to do list', so watch this space."

[H2] The Queen's Jubilee [H2]

David replied: "The Queen's Jubilee is a big event and the new town councillors have set up a working group to make this a very special time.

"We need volunteers so get in touch with Honiton Town Council if you are interested."

These are David's Munge's ideas and responses and they are not Honiton Town Council Policy.