Out and about

I have had a busy May in the constituency so far. I dropped in to discuss disabled access at a constituency church as I am concerned about the recent budget announcement on the removal of VAT exemptions for alternations to listed buildings. I have agreed to lobby the Chancellor.

I canvassed door to door in Easton and Chagford promoting my two-minute constituency survey (online at http://www.melstridemp.com">www.melstridemp.com – I read every response). I also visited 'The Mess' youth centre in Chagford. Around a hundred young people attended on the opening day — it's funded through donations so if you can help in some way please let me know.  

I visited the Bovey Tracey food market to listen to local residents. I also had a very productive meeting with Park Home residents at New Park to discuss the Government consultation on potential legislative changes to better protect Park Home residents from unscrupulous landlords. If you would like to take part in the consultation please email [email protected]">[email protected]

I also met with the Dartmoor Circle, a group that works on reducing carbon emissions. I held advice surgeries in Bradninch, Silverton, North Tawton and Zeal Monachorum.

I was delighted to visit a wetlands environmental project near Sampford Courtenay and to discuss local conservation issues with Harry Barton head of the Devon Wildlife Trust. I toured and met staff at the Westbank Community Care Centre in Exminster.

I was also pleased this month to open Harding Court, a high quality affordable housing development in Buckfastleigh. My special thanks to the generous resident who showed me around her new home. Whilst in Buckfastleigh I spent time with members of the Buckfastleigh Community Forum to discuss neighbourhood plans, amongst other issues.

Please take a moment to log on to to complete my two-minute constituency survey. Thank you.