THE Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, has issued the following New Year message to the people of Crediton.

It reads: 

IT has been another difficult year for some people in Crediton.

For those who have the lowest incomes, inflation means their budgets are continually stretched.

This town is good at helping out, with the Food Bank at the Congregational Church and the community larder and community fridge at the library.

All last year, donations of groceries and money were made by people from all around the town.

The Food Bank supports local households with supplies that help them to get through those bad times that can affect any family when circumstances combine to mean that they are in real need.

The community larder and fridge at the library take food donated by businesses which is close to expiry, preventing waste and offering nutritious supplies to anyone who can use it.

Many people would agree that in the 21st century, no family in Crediton should be poorly fed and these are community projects that aim to ensure that doesn’t happen.

We are fortunate that the town is constantly generating projects and activities that involve every aspect of community life: sports, arts, activities for young people and older people.

Without these, life in Crediton would certainly be less interesting but also less healthy, with a reduced sense of well-being.

People who move to Crediton often stay for years and some never leave.  We are fortunate to have a friendly, active town to live in.  

We are also fortunate that we do not face the crises that people face elsewhere.

Families have welcomed Ukrainians and offered them safe homes while their country moves towards the third year of war.

Our climate is changing and becoming less predictable but we have not faced the cyclones and wild fires that have devastated other populations.  

Nevertheless, as a town we need to carry on doing the best we can for our environment and the nature around us.

I am always astonished to hear that the UK continues to be one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

It’s a challenge to fight the decline but it’s good to have something to aim for and everyone can play a part and all of us can make a difference.

The key will be working together, often the best approach for solving complex problems.

I send to everyone living, staying or working in Crediton my best wishes for a happy and heathy New Year and success in 2024.