AN event to showcase projects for young people in West Devon and recognise the leadership and vision shown by one of the borough?s stalwarts of community service was attended by more than 70 guests last week. That man was West Devon mayor Cllr Peter Hill ? the event took place less than a week before his death at the age of 69. Tavistock Youth Café was the venue for the celebration of what has been achieved in West Devon for children and young people, particularly by the Safer West Devon Community Safety Partnership. Around £225,000 has been invested by the partnership under the dedicated leadership of Cllr Hill. The day was also an occasion to celebrate his 35 years as a local magistrate. Among the successful projects achieved are the ?Getting There? rural transport scheme which helps young people get to and from jobs and training, the youth café, a rural outreach project and a youth inclusion and support programme. Two wooden benches made by inmates of Dartmoor Prison were presented at the event ? one funded by contributions from the community safety partnership (CSP), West Devon Homes and personal contributions, and one donated by the Prison Resettlement Unit. The presentations were in appreciation of Mr Hill?s leadership and vision as chair of the CSP, his strong links with Dartmoor Prison and devoted service to the community. The benches were made in African hardwood and are designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions of Dartmoor. Guests at the celebration included many young people and individuals from the voluntary and statutory sector and representatives from the Home Office Crime and Drugs Team at Bristol and Plymouth. Cllr Hill was presented with an engraved decanter in recognition of his long service as a magistrate by chairman of the Central Devon Magistrates Bench Mary Seaton and Andrew Mimmack, clerk to the justices for the Central and Northern Magistrates Court. David Johnson, 19, former chairman of the youth café steering group said: ?Peter?s contribution to the Tavistock youth café project has been a major factor in turning the dream of the youth council into reality. ?He listened to our needs, took our project seriously and has always been available to offer advice and guidance when needed.? Deputy regional crime and drugs manager for the Government Office South West Anne Geary said Cllr Hill had always been very positive, energetic and enthusiastic about making West Devon communities even better places to live and grow up in. She described him as ?an excellent ambassador and persuasive advocate at regional level for West Devon? who had many friends within the Government Office who valued the knowledge, experience and vision he brought to the community safety arena.
