Central Devon MP meets Bovey Tracey residents to discuss healthcare and housing issues

Sir Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, has spent time in Bovey Tracey meeting with local health professionals and residents to hear about issues affecting the community.

The MP visited Riverside Surgery in Bovey Tracey, where he met Practice Manager Victoria Sheppard and members of the GP team to learn more about the work being done to support patients and maintain high standards of care.

During the visit, Sir Mel was shown how the surgery is continuing to improve access for patients and strengthen the services it provides, despite ongoing pressures on primary care. 

The discussion focused on the practice’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare for local people.

Sir Mel said: “It was extremely valuable to visit Riverside Surgery today and hear about the dedication of the team and the work they are doing for their patients. I am grateful for their continued commitment to the community and will support them in any way I can.”

Practice Manager Victoria Sheppard said the team welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with their local MP. 

“We were pleased to welcome Sir Mel to the surgery and to share the positive work happening across our practice,” she said. 

ABOVE: Sir Mel at Riverside GP Practice

“We appreciate his ongoing engagement and support for our staff and patients.”

Later the same day, Sir Mel met with residents at New Park, a long-established park home community in Bovey Tracey. 

The visit gave residents the opportunity to speak directly to their MP about issues affecting people living on the site.

Residents raised concerns about commission fees charged when park homes are sold, and the impact these costs can have on affordability and flexibility for homeowners. 

The discussion also covered the wider realities of living in a regulated park home environment.

Sir Mel said the meeting was a valuable chance to hear directly from residents. 

“It was extremely helpful to meet residents at New Park and hear their views on the issues affecting park homeowners,” he said. 

ABOVE: Mel with New Park residents

“I am grateful to everyone who took the time to explain their concerns, and I will be looking into a number of the issues raised.”

Local resident Peter Mallaband said the visit was welcomed by the community. 

“We really appreciated Mel coming to meet us and listening to our concerns,” he said. “It means a great deal to residents to be able to speak directly with our MP.”

Sir Mel said he would continue to engage with local residents, community groups and healthcare providers across the area to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns raised at a national level.