Honiton, Axminster, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth have all had to ride the ups and downs of the economy (well, more recently, the downs).
We know for sure that each town has its areas where there is hardship and need.
Hence, I was very disappointed to hear last week the Government announce it was investing £1.5bn across 75 so-called "neighbourhoods" across the country, only one of which is in the South West.
The South West region was the lowest recipient of such funding of any region in the country.
Many businesses and organisations in market towns across East Devon understandably feel abandoned by successive governments.
As a champion of our market towns since my election in 2022, I visited the Honiton maker of the lace jabot and cuffs with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
The Speaker then wore them at King Charles’ coronation the following year.
All our market towns have something unique and special about them.
Axminster has long been synonymous with the finest carpet-making in the world.
At the Axminster Heritage Centre, visitors can witness an original 18th-century loom.
Ottery St Mary has its famous Tar Barrels festival, where town-born residents run through the streets carrying flaming barrels.
The ritual is believed to have its origins in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot.
Seaton’s role as a coastal trading hub was instrumental in its designation as a market town.
Although its Victorian railway no longer operates, we can still experience its legacy by riding the Seaton Tramway, which runs along one of the old track beds.
Sidmouth blossomed into a fashionable seaside resort in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The town hosts the Sidmouth Folk Festival, one of the UK's largest celebrations of traditional music, dance, and storytelling.
The festival showcases traditions that have been passed down for generations.
It is incumbent upon us to preserve and celebrate these treasures.
Support from the central government would be a lifeline to prevent them from being hollowed out and enable us to spruce up our town centres.
For example, it is disappointing that the Co‐operative supermarket is closing down this week.
It will leave many elderly residents without the convenience of a nearby food hall for their essential shopping needs.
I am asking ministers to look again at their funding decision that appears almost to have forgotten about the South West region entirely.
Our towns are surviving, but we need them to thrive.
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