Innovation and communicationstechnology

To the question: "Are there any examples of innovation you would like given more publicity?" there was not one positive return. It is hard to believe that "We don't do innovation" in the Exe Valley! There are small business parks in Bampton, Silverton, Halberton and Sampford Peverell, and, of course, the larger scale operations in Burlescombe, but if we are to reduce commuting then there must be more space made available within the rural areas. Halberton in particular is very positive in its Parish Plan about this need. Misapprehensions that "Planning restrictions" will prevent employment opportunities in the countryside should be countered, although recent precedents at Junction 27 are not a good omen. On the whole, though, most parishes feel that the DCC and MDDC do a reasonably good job for business. Broadband access seems to be almost universally available now but mobile phone coverage is very poor with large areas with no signal. This impacts negatively on business opportunity, and needs to be tackled urgently.