New drop kerb and bus stops in Sidbury

Stuart Hughes at the new bus stop in Sidbury. Ref shs 09 18TI 8488. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Brian Beer says it has been a struggle to take his grandson to school as he has to bump his scooter up Fore Street, causing damage to the vehicle.

The Furzehill resident said he called on Devon County Council to do something for nearly 15 months but had no luck until speaking to division member Stuart Hughes after last year’s election.

Cllr Hughes, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highway management, took the issue forward and spent some of his locality funding to have the kerb dropped.

Mr Beer said: “It was nice to have someone listen to you. When you think about it there are all the women with prams and they have to struggle with it as well.

“It certainly makes a big different to me to get in and out.”

Cllr Hughes has also spent locality funding on two bus stop posts at Cotford and says the additional stops will benefit local residents living in the north of the village looking to travel to Sidmouth and Honiton.

He said: “One resident had a hard job getting up onto the kerb to get across the road to the school, it should also benefit the people going to the church.

“It shows really how a little improvement has improved the quality of life and getting round the village for all.”

His next project is to repair railings near the village hall which have been hit by large vehicles turning around by Oak Bridge.

John Hollick, the town council representative for Sidbury, added: “This has all been down to Stuart Hughes, the drop kerb will benefit anyone who in a wheelchair, using a buggy and it also now a disable access into the church. It is a lot easier for anyone going to the shop as well.

“It’s a small thing but it will have a big impact probably more than people realise.”

He also thanked Cllr Hughes for the bus stops for residents around Cotford Close.

Cllr Hollick added: “It will be good and a very shrew move.”