Back to Business in 2010

Things have been quieter than usual at the start of the New Year: The severe winter weather took everyone by surprise and many rural roads throughout Devon were either blocked or treacherous with black ice. Despite all the difficulties, our Council refuse collectors managed to get through to collect rubbish, and the postmen and women got through to deliver (you've guessed it) all the New Year bills! The snowy landscapes across the moorland areas were spectactular and children were more than pleased to have some extra holiday time as many schools were closed because school buses could not get through. Motorists were not too pleased when faced with spending many hours trapped on Haldon Hill. Cars had to be abandoned and the police worked hard to get people, including babies and children, to emergency centres for a hot drink and something to eat. One of those centres was Chudleigh Town Hall in our District and I know that local people there would have made everyone warm and comfortable in no time. Local Authorities throughout the country were rapidly running out of salt and grit to treat the icy roads, but no-one was blaming the grit lorry drivers who turned out in appalling conditions to keep the roads open. We should be more prepared but conditions like this do not come along to sunny Devon very often.