Press Cuttings Archive Form

DR 15 Newspaper article about the Parishes

'Tug of war’ for a hamlet

THE “tug-of-war” between Witheridge and East Worlington for the hamlet of Drayford looks like going Witheridge’s way.

“The majority of people will vote to remain with Witheridge,” forecast Mr. Winston Stoneman, a Drayford resident, at a meeting of the Witheridge parish council.

I think things will stay as they are.

Drayford, at present in Witheridge's parish, has been wooed by the council at East Worlington since notification of a parish boundary review from North Devon District Council.

But Witheridge has not been keen to Iet go.

There have been talks between the “rival” councils and between councillors and the residents of Drayford.

And now the Drayford have been asked for their say by the dlstrict tcouncil.

According to Mr. Stoneman, they will plump forWitheridge — and that suits Witheridge fine.

It would be a case of change for change’s sake if Drayford decided to cut its historical link with Witheridge and ‘“move in” with East Worlington, said Mr. W. J. Stoddard, the Witheridge council chairman.

There was no advantage to be gained for any switch, for with both East Worlington and Witheridge lying in the North Devon district there would be little, if any, difference in rates.