Is your village dying - or thriving?

By WalterShort | Thursday, March 04, 2010, 15:29

First it was in The Western Morning News: "Exodus of young threatens rural life". Then the local BBC website had, "Jobs and homes shortages 'force young from rural areas'". Finally from The Daily Telegraph, "Villages dying as young flee 'broadband desert'"

Sally Horden & Claire Hariades run the inovative Underground Shop in Exbourne

The articles all told of a study by Stuart Burgess, the Rural Advocate that found that 200,000 young people were leaving the countryside every year as a result of a lack of amenities - including broadband provision.

All of which led me to ask, "Is this true of the villages around Okehampton?"

There are certainly examples of thriving communities. The efforts of Exbourne residents have led to the wonderfully-inovative underground shop - and they hold regular markets and social events in the village.

The Northlew web site describes the village as "a lively place to live with many young families and lots going on." And their efforts to get Broadband into the village have been documented here on Okehampton People.

The North Dartmoor villages of South Zeal, Sticklepath, South Tawton and Belstone all have a very active social calendar (although the people of Belstone suffered for their broadband connection!)

Are these typical of West Devon? Or are other villages following the downward slide portrayed by the press? And, most important, are the young people leaving or staying?

What's happening in your village? Is it all doom and gloom, or do you have a vibrant community which keeps young and old happy and fulfilled?

Post your thoughts here - or write a piece about your village (you can include photos), good or bad, rough and smooth.

All you need to do is join (if you havn't already), click on 'Write' and follow, the instructions.