Parish Council

Council seeks views on extending Ilfracombe Harbour PSPO

North Devon Council is inviting residents and stakeholders to have their say on plans to extend the three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at Ilfracombe Harbour. The original PSPO, introduced on 1 April 2023, has been successful in supporting a fair and safe environment for both visitors and licensed boat trip operators.

The PSPO was initially introduced to address competitive ticket sales during the busy summer months, ensuring that all licensed operators have an equal opportunity to engage with customers without being affected by touting.

If extended, the proposed PSPO will continue to restrict the soliciting of services at Ilfracombe Harbour -whether by word of mouth, leaflets, or other means – unless under the express terms of a licence or with the written permission of the Harbourmaster.

The consultation will run for six weeks from today (Thursday 15 January) until Thursday 26 February. Residents and visitors are encouraged to view the proposals and submit their feedback through the following methods:

  • By post: North Devon Council, PO Box 379, Barnstaple, EX32 2GR
  • Paper copies: Available at the Town Centre Hub in Barnstaple (Green Lanes Shopping Centre), the Ilfracombe Centre, and the Amory Centre, South Molton. Opening hours are listed on the council’s website.

Georgina Carlo-Paat, Ilfracombe Harbour Master, says: “Ilfracombe Harbour offers a fantastic variety of boat trips, from fishing excursions to dolphin watching. Extending the PSPO helps maintain a level playing field for all operators and ensures visitors can choose their trips freely, without pressure. We encourage everyone affected to take part in the consultation.”

All comments must be received by Thursday 26 February 2026 to be considered. Feedback will be considered before any decision is made on extending the PSPO.

To stay up-to-date with council news, please follow the council’s Facebook page and sign up for their email bulletins.

West Down Parish Council (WDPC) – Small Grant Fund

Each year West Down Parish Council allocates an expenditure budget from the annual precept in order to support local groups and organisations.

The Council’s guidelines for grant applications are now available.

This process will ensure access, openness and fairness to the groups and organisations we aim to support.

WDPC grants run within a financial year April – March.

Application forms and our Grant Fund Policy can be obtained by contacting the Clerk, John Barnett, at clerk@westdownparishcouncil.org.uk.

Alternatively, everything can also be downloaded from the Parish Council website at www.westdownparishcouncil.org.uk.

Completed forms for funding the 2026/2027 financial year must be received by the Parish Clerk by Monday 20th October 2025.

Vacancy for West Down Parish Council Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer

West Down Parish Council is recruiting for the forthcoming vacancy of the position of Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer.

This is for 26 hours / month.

Start Date: 1st August 2025 (some flexibility on this).

Pay Grade from National Joint Council agreed SCP scales, depending on qualifications and experience.

Closing date for applications 27th June 2025.

The full advert and application details can be found on our Parish Council website Home Page at www.westdownparishcouncil.org.uk.

New Website for Parish Council

West Down Parish Council now have their own dedicated website – please go to:  www.westdownparishcouncil.org.uk.

Free School Meals

All children in reception, year 1 and year 2 at state schools in England automatically get free school meals.  However, parents and guardians are encouraged to apply for free school meals when they enrol their child in school, as this can help their child’s school to attract additional ‘New starter pupil premium – Education and Families‘ funding to support learning.

From year 3 onwards, children whose parents are getting any of the following are entitled to free school meals:

  • Universal Credit (provided you have an annual net earned income of no more than £7,400, as assessed by earnings from up to three of your most recent assessment periods).
  • Income Support (IS).
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA).
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IRESA).
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit.
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income that does not exceed £16,190).
  • Working Tax Credit run-on (the payment you get for a further 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit).

School children living on their own (16-19 year olds) who receive a qualifying benefit in their own right can also get free school meals.

How to apply:

Apply through the Citizen Portal – Sign in. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply and will result in you getting an instant decision. Alternatively, call the Education Helpline on 0345 155 1019.

School meals – Education and Families

14/2/2025