THERE was praise for the outgoing Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, at the Crediton Town Council End of Term Reception held at the Boniface Centre on Friday, May 17.

Crediton Town Clerk Rachel Avery said that Cllr Brookes-Hocking had been “kind, supportive and hard working” and on behalf of the council staff, Mrs Brookes-Hocking was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, fourth left, with from left, Crediton Town Council staff, Jo Davey, projects officer, Emily Armitage, receptionist, Town Clerk Rachel Avery and from fifth left, Emma Anderson, Assistant Clerk and right, Cath Kelly, Lead Youth Worker. AQ 4312
The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, fourth left, with from left, Crediton Town Council staff, Jo Davey, projects officer, Emily Armitage, receptionist, Town Clerk Rachel Avery and from fifth left, Emma Anderson, Assistant Clerk and right, Cath Kelly, Lead Youth Worker. AQ 4312 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

During the evening Cllr Brookes-Hocking gave a short presentation to the 70 guests on the work of the council during the last three years as part of the formal Annual Town Meeting.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, with, from left, Inspector Mark Arthurs, Cllr Guy Cochran and right, Cllr Steve Huxtable. AQ 4318
The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, with, from left, Inspector Mark Arthurs, Cllr Guy Cochran and right, Cllr Steve Huxtable. AQ 4318 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She spoke about the Neighbourhood Plan which she said was approved in September 2022 and already needed review.

After that she spoke about the Youth Provision offered in the town by the Town Council following the withdrawal of the Devon County Council service.

Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 4321
Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 4321 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Another success she spoke about was the Celebration of Youth and other Town events such as Christmas in Crediton and the Jubilee in 2022 and Coronation in 2023, plus forthcoming special Town events such as the Crediton Food and Drink Festival, Boniface Bash and D-Day 80th Anniversary commemorations.

During the Mayoral Term Review. AQ 2975
During the Mayoral Term Review. AQ 2975 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She thanked all those who volunteered for the betterment of the town, those who looked after wildlife areas, floral areas, kept the town tidy, street cleaned or helped in the town in any way.

She spoke of the win of a Silver Gilt Award in the Britain in Bloom competition and said that the council was pleased it partnership worked with many organisations and groups in the town.

Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 4308
Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 4308 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Land Use in the future and planning considerations with regard to the environment and affordable housing and so much more were also discussed with a view considering the climate emergency.

She commented on the Town Council organised meeting which looked at these issues and which was so well attended.

The Mayor of Crediton with guests and councillors at the End of Term Reception and Town Clerk Rachel Avery, second left. AQ 4310
The Mayor of Crediton with guests and councillors at the End of Term Reception and Town Clerk Rachel Avery, second left. AQ 4310 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Successes she spoke about included the Community Larder and Community Fridge.

Mrs Brookes-Hocking said that the Town Council had agreed to give Community Grants amounting to 10 per cent of its budget to “amazing” community groups and projects.

She said that this currently stood at about £42,000, advising that grant applications were welcome.

A new aspect which was proving a success was the Crediton Cluster Group of councils which included meetings with other parishes to discuss aspects which affected the wider Crediton area.

These included councils at Sandford, Colebrooke, Newton St Cyres, Bow and Crediton Hamlets Parish Council.

“We are working to make things better for this area,” she explained.

The Mayor of Crediton and Town Clerk Rachel Avery, right, with the Mayor’s guest, Biddy Coghill. AQ 4303
The Mayor of Crediton and Town Clerk Rachel Avery, right, with the Mayor’s guest, Biddy Coghill. AQ 4303 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 2997
Guests at the Mayor’s End of Term Reception. AQ 2997 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She spoke of the Town Council’s Strategic Plan which, in particular, included for the future:

• Refurbishment of Old Landscore School

• Five-year strategy for Crediton Youth Service

• Review of Crediton Neighbourhood Plan

• Contribute to the new Mid Devon local plan (Plan Mid Devon)

• Support MDDC with Crediton Masterplan ambitions

• Continue discussions of devolution of assets from principal councils.

She thanked all those who helped in the community in any way.

Town Council staff at the End of Term Reception. AQ 4307
Town Council staff at the End of Term Reception. AQ 4307 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Mrs Brookes-Hocking confirmed that she was standing down as Mayor and Chairman at the end of her three-year term but would continue as a councillor.

A question and answer session followed after which a buffet supper was enjoyed.