On This Day in Wembury
20 November 1999 — Bus Complaints, Traffic Calming, and Millennium Award
On this day the Western Evening Herald reported several key issues discussed by Wembury Parish Council. Residents had raised strong complaints about the deteriorating No. 48 Wembury bus service, citing lateness, unreliability, and even journeys withdrawn without notice. The council had taken the matter up with the Western Area Traffic Commissioners and First Western National, and correspondence was also to be sent to Devon County Council and Cllr. Keith Baldry. Members of the public at a September meeting had given valuable first-hand testimony.
The council also confirmed that a Traffic Calming Sub-Committee had been formed, chaired by vice-chairman Roger Newnham, with members from across the parish. Efforts continued to press Devon County Council for calming measures along the Down Thomas–Heybrook Bay road.
Finally, the council announced receipt of a £3,000 Millennium “Awards for All” grant, to fund a new edition of the Wembury Footpath Guidebook. This national lottery-supported scheme backed projects connected with heritage, sport, and community life.
Reflection: The issues of late buses and unsafe roads show how deeply transport has always affected village life, while the grant for the footpath guide reflects Wembury’s determination to celebrate and share its rich landscape at the turn of the millennium.
Source: Western Evening Herald, 20 November 1999.
