A PLEDGE to try and help rural communities hit by the deep crisis in agriculture came from a West Devon councillor last week.
Noel Cartwright, who represents Sampford Courtenay, successfully moved a resolution expressing 'deep regret at the acute and desperate crisis in farming' at the South West branch meeting of the Local Government Association.
Cllr Cartwright said he was 'delighted' the association is to ask its Rural Commission to develop a 'rural economy' charter, which members will follow and 'promote energetically' through Government and the European Union.
The charter was originally the brainchild of Cllr Dick Eberlie, Conservative group leader on West Devon Borough council.
The West Devon charter includes ideals and aims such as supporting and promoting farmers' markets, encouraging licensed slaughterhouses in strategic locations and in mobile units and recognising the role of farmers in conservation of rural landscapes.
David Incoll, borough chief executive, said: 'All other authorities would, of course, be free to develop their own charters. This is not prescriptive but an area in which we will all work together.'