This is the page where we express our views on current controversies/plans.

Much ground has been covered by the Widecombe Parish Appraisal Questionnaire and Responses, but there is always more to say.

If you have a view you would like expressed, please email us.

Speed Limits This appears to be a perennial problem. The main sufferers from the speeding cars are the animals, who are not blessed with human road sense (?), but who were here long before the car ever was. So you either restrict the animals or you restrict the cars, especially at night. Fencing the roadside will ruin the 'open' moor for all of us, but has been put forward as a solution. The newest idea is to give the owners of ponies the option to purchase luminous neck bands (for the ponies) to help them to be seen at night. This won't necessarily solve the problem of the 'dazzled' motorist, which caused the death of at least one pony last summer.

I personally do not understand what would be wrong with some strategically placed speed bumps. It would also need some new signs to warn drivers, but it would definitely slow vehicles down (although not just those of visitors, of course)
Cattle Grids One of the main charms of this area is the free movement of livestock along our roads and on the moor. Animals often venture off the moor and walk along our roads, keeping the verges trimmed(!) and holding up the traffic (see above). Cattle, sheep and ponies are a common sight everywhere, including Widecombe village green. We want to keep it that way.

The introduction of additional cattle grids would restrict this movement and for that reason we are against any such proposals.
Litter When walking on Dartmoor, it is surprising how much litter and other discarded items you come across. Please take a bag with you and pick up any rubbish you find. As a walker, please don't drop or hide any rubbish, not even under or behind rocks.

Rubbish is unsightly, potentially dangerous for wildlife, and if it is glass, could cause a fire, as well as injury.

Take all rubbish home, including other peoples, but especially your own!!!
Road Events The moor is a place of tranquility and not a place for motor-cycle or car speed trials or rallies, especially where those events take place along narrow country lanes and with no warning to residents. Permission has to be granted for such events but that does not seem to ensure that local residents are informed. Ban them completely.

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