Local campaigners Mel Stride and Kevin Lake have been successful in their quest to bring about a clean-up of Berrybrook Meadow, in Exminster.

 

Nearby residents had voiced their unhappiness at the amount of rubbish that had collected at the site to Kevin earlier this year. As well as looking untidy, they voiced their concerns that the waste could build up in the brook, and contribute to flooding issues in the event of heavy rain.

 

In response, Kevin contacted the local parish council – which is responsible for one side of the brook - and local property developers Redrow Homes, which had built homes on the others side.

 

After the parish council agreed to clear its side of the brook, Mel and Kevin lobbied the property company to carry out a similar operation on the adjacent bank.

 

And, although they have no requirement to do so, the company generously agreed to clean up the stream and its side of the bank as a goodwill gesture.

 

Kevin, who pledged to clear up the site when he successfully stood for District Council earlier this year, said he was “delighted” with the result.

 

Kevin said: “One of the pledges I made to residents in Berrybrook before my election was that I would do whatever I could to help clear the stream so that the danger of flooding is reduced.

 

“Mel and I led a Community Action day where we cleared the stream some time ago but we could not cut back all the foliage required and I am delighted that Redrow Homes have made such a generous gesture in coming out to sort this.”

 

Mel Stride, who is also the Conservative Prospective MP for Central Devon added: “I would like to give my thanks to Redrow Homes for helping out in this way. It has been a widely appreciated gesture.”

Nick Marsh, Engineering Manager Redrow Homes attended the work and said “Potential flooding is an issue we always take seriously and we were very happy to help Kevin, Mel and local residents on this occasion.”

 

Earlier this year, Mel and Kevin led a group of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to give the Exminster brook a much-needed clear-up.

 

Around half a dozen volunteers, including members of the Central Devon Conservatives ‘Community Action Team’ helped clear the brook at the bottom of Berrybrook Meadow.

 

The team spent an afternoon clearing the brook of rubbish, including a pram, wire fencing and other debris.