East Devon agrees to consider Colyford's bid for independence

Colyford's request to break away from Colyton and set up its own parish council will be considered by East Devon District Council.

Colyford Residents' Association recently launched a petition to see the village separate from neighbouring Colyton. They requirted 187 signatures for East Devon District Council to launch a Community Governance Review but it is thought one third of the village's population signed the petition.

The district council has agreed to review the way local decisions are made in the village.

Speaking ahead of a vote by the district council's cabinet, Ian Priestly, chairman of the residents' association, said: "Colyford is now one of the largest settlements in East Devon without its own parish council. We have our own sense of identity, a deep sense of pride and a history dating back over 800 years.

"We have different issues, different aims and a different demographic make-up to that of Colyton. Colyton is expanding fast and we believe that by creating our own parish council it would be advantageous to the current council by reducing their workloads so they can focus on their own unique needs.

"Times have moved on and Colyford would like to transition from its historic 100-year-old arrangement with Colyton and grasp its own initiatives to make a positive difference."

Mr Priestly said Colyford was well-prepared to handle the next stages of the process, with a steering group of residents from all walks of life ready to help EDDC with its community governance review.

Councillor Paul Hayward (Democratic Alliance Group, Yarty) said: "The fact that Colyton and Colyford could be ripped asunder actually doesn't mean they'll be at each other's throats, it actually means it gives an opportunity for two separate communities to coexist very happily and work together for the mutual benefit of all their residents."

Councillor Jack Rowland (Democratic Alliance Group, Seaton) added: "I fully understand the reasons for this request and I totally support it."

EDDC's Cabinet voted unanimously in favour of carrying out the review, which is needed before plans for a new parish council at Colyford can be created.

The review, which is set to cost about £5,000, will be concluded within 12 months of its terms of reference being published – one of the first stages of a community governance review.