MORE than 1,000 residents of the Central Devon constituency, which includes Okehampton, have responded to an online survey seeking their views on a range of national issues including local healthcare and education provision and the UK keeping its independent nuclear deterrent.

People who took part listed the local issues that mattered to them most such as potholes and the quality of mobile phone coverage and broadband provision.

The constituency is one of the largest and most rural constituencies in England, covering more than 500 square miles from Hatherleigh and Okehampton across to Silverton and Bradninch and down to Ashburton and Buckfastleigh. It is the only constituency in Devon which covers four local authority areas – West Devon, Mid Devon, East Devon and Teignbridge.

Central Devon’s MP Mel Stride said: ‘Listening to their constituents is something all MPs must do to do their job effectively, which is why I try and use parliamentary recesses, especially over the summer, to get back out on the doorstep.

‘Surveys are another valuable way of listening and I really appreciate so many constituents taking the time to tell me their views. I was encouraged that three times as many residents reported having positive experiences about local healthcare provision as negative ones, but am concerned about the numbers of residents still citing poor access to decent broadband speeds. I will redouble my efforts on this issue.’