Pupils help create survey into future of town

Sixth formers have drawn up a survey which asks young residents to share their thoughts on the places they live.

Students from King Edward VI Community College worked with South Hams District Council to create the Young Survey for residents of Totnes and Dartington aged between 16 and 24 years old.

It asked them about how they spent their time, what they thought about housing and the environment and whether they thought there were enough local opportunities for them.

The council's executive member for economic development John Birch said it was important to hear young people's views "because they will be the driving force behind the future of the town".

Birch added: "The future of Totnes should be shaped by the people who live, study and work here, and that must include younger voices."

He said the survey gave young residents "a direct way" to tell the council what mattered to them.

The feedback would help the council identify projects for young residents and draw up a community economic plan (CEP) for Totnes, he added.

Birch said last year's CEP survey heard from 174 businesses which had called for business development support, better access for pedestrians and cyclists across town as well as improved recycling and composting services.

The Young Survey is set to close on Saturday 8 August.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.