Local elections 2023: Lib Dem candidate Nick Hookway for Exmouth Littleham

Nick Hookway is standing for election as a Liberal Democrat to represent the Exmouth Littleham ward at East Devon District Council.

He is currently an independent councillor at district level, and became a Liberal Democrat town councillor for Littleham in an uncontested election.

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A recurring theme talking to voters in Littleham is that of the need to protect our natural environment.

Exmouth is blessed with a glorious beach, the Exe Estuary, and a superb seafront as well as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that many residents enjoy.

There are real concerns over the inability of the South West Water's infrastructure to deal with the current level of demand for its services. The use of tankers transporting sewage through Littleham is proof of that.

The Maer must be protected from further sewage overflows and our beaches must not have sewage discharged at them. Hundreds of hours of sewage discharged at Exmouth beach is simply unacceptable and deters residents and visitors from enjoying the beach.

Many residents will share my concerns over the state of the beach. A new beach management plan is now in preparation to suggest effective repair work.

The prospect of further development in Littleham raises a real fear that the sewage system will not cope without considerable investment.

I strongly support the call for a county park in the Maer Valley, which would not only provide a green space for residents to enjoy but also form a natural boundary with the countryside.

I am unhappy at the prospect of further development to the east of Littleham, not only would this impact upon the AONB but there are not enough surgeries or schools to cope.

Since I was elected in 2019, I have striven to repair the damage cause to our seafront by previous administrations whose approach was divisive, wasteful, and secretive. 

Visitors are essential to the economy of the town. The Queen's Drive fun park especially and the whole of the seafront must be accessible to all and provide a range of attractions, both physical and cultural, as well as the necessary facilities.

Last summer a public consultation was held to seek residents' views. Consultants will now suggest improvements which will be displayed to residents in an open and transparent manner, there will be no hidden agendas here!

The health and wellbeing of Littleham residents is important to me. Those residents who suffer from serious health conditions and poor mental health must be listened to and helped, where possible.

I am Exmouth born and bred, I left the district to become a secondary school teacher. I retired back to Exmouth with my late wife, Pauline in 2015. I am now a grandparent. 

SEE ALSO: Full list of Exmouth local elections candidates announced