A GOVERNMENT grant of almost £173,000 to finance investigations into past mine working activities in Horrabridge has been awarded to West Devon Borough Council. The grant, from English Partnerships, means that work can now begin on identifying properties in Horrabridge that may be affected. The work, which is being supervised by Tavistock-based consultant engineers Frederick Sherrell Ltd, is expected to start in January and will take around three months to complete. The Council has taken the lead in a multi-agency project to investigate mining activities carried out in the area during the 18th and 19th century. The move has been prompted by incidents in the village over the last two years, which include the collapse of old shafts in Pencreber Road and the discovery of an engine shaft in the Copperfields estate. Earlier this year, the borough council took an information road show out to villagers to explain the project and seek help in finding out more local knowledge on mining in Horrabridge. David Banks, the council?s environmental health manager, said: ?We are hopeful that the survey results will confirm that the majority of houses in the village are unaffected by the mine workings. ?As work progresses, the survey results will be shared with the residents of the village and our partners.? The work will involve some heavy machinery and drilling, but Mr Banks said he hoped disruption would be kept to a minimum. Residents living in areas where work is carried out would be given prior warning. The council is working in partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority, Annington Homes Ltd, Horrabridge Parish Council, Copperfields Residents? Association, West Devon Homes and the Environment Agency. The council has also held discussions with other interested organisations, including Devon County Council, Transco, South West Water and Western Power. Cllr Paul Ridgers, chairman of the council?s environment committee, said: ?This is the culmination of 12 months hard work by the borough council and is good news for the people of the village. ?It will further help to secure confidence in Horrabridge as a viable community in West Devon.? Cllr David Cloke, chairman of Horrabridge Parish Council, welcomed the grant: ?I?m particularly pleased as this came about following a request from the parish council. We hope the survey will allay the fears of our villagers.? West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett has been supporting the borough in its drive to receive funding from English Partnerships. He said it was good news that the funding had finally been confirmed ? but he was critical of the time it had taken to agree the grant. ?I am really pleased to have been able to help West Devon ? this has been a major issue in the area,? he said.
