Chagford residents had the opportunity to discuss their concerns about traffic and parking in a recent consultation which attracted 150 parishioners.

The meeting at Endacott House was also attended by 20 people from neighbouring villages.

Problems discussed included congested roads, lack of suitable parking, the potential for some pedestrianised streets and the need for more bike racks in the village.

During the meeting, the possibility of introducing a 20mph speed limit throughout the village received a very positive response, along with residents-only parking on some roads and better signage systems, particularly around the school. A regular shuttle bus service between Chagford and the neighbouring villages was also suggested.

Parish councillor Jill Millar said: ‘A lot of work still needs to be done. It’s going to need a multi-pronged approach and behavioural changes...if people can walk more rather than taking their car into town.’

Parishioners also raised concerns over the number of lorries that pass through the village, particularly from the Forestry Commission which cannot leave Fernworthy without passing through Chagford. No solutions have been suggested yet.

So far, the parish council has agreed to install a single bike rack by Jubilee Hall but will need to take its suggestions for traffic calming measures to the county council which deals with Devon’s roads.

A working group made up of parishioners and councillors will now be looking into the potential solutions and will report their findings in April 2022.