?PARTNERSHIP? is very much in fashion as a form of organisation, but it is very refreshing to hear about one that has got up and running as fast as Princetown Partners. Princetown Partners brings together local people and public service officials with the aim of making Princetown a better place to live. Early on it was agreed that rural isolation and remoteness has a serious impact on the quality of life in the village. Its effects range from reduced access to social and leisure facilities to handicaps suffered by local business and the economy in general. Young people in particular suffer from being cut off from the main stream in local towns, not only for recreation, but also for educational and employment opportunities. As a first step the Princetown Fare Car Service which began last November operates between Princetown, Tavistock and Yelverton, very much like a conventional taxi. It runs at regular intervals from 6.30pm every evening and from 10am on Sundays. A weekday morning service is also under consideration. The fare is a heavily subsidised £1.50 per single journey funded by Devon County Council. Fare cars pick up from all addresses in Princetown, and drop off at Bedford Square, the bus station, the hospital in Tavistock and the roundabout bus stop in Yelverton. Users need to join the free Fare Car Travel Club, and trips must be booked by phone four hours in advance. The scheme currently operates on a trial basis, and its future depends on the use that local residents make of it. Through the courtesy of your columns may I therefore invite all who feel that the scheme might help them to get full details either from HMCA in the Wesley Building in Two Bridges Road, Princetown, or by phoning Bernie Taxis on 01822 615777. A free voucher is offered to young people trying the scheme for the first time. West Devon Borough Cllr Rob Williamson Representing Lydford, Princetown and Dartmoor Forest
