JOB DESCRIPTION AND FURTHER DETAILS OF THE POSTS ...

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OTHER FACILITIES / GENERAL INFORMATION
Appendix C
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THE DISTRICT
This covers the North Quarter of Devon and a small portion of North Cornwall with nearly 50 miles of
coastline from Lynton to Bude. Most of the land mass is rural with the administrative centre being
Barnstaple.
The population of approximately 170,000 is scattered throughout the district with concentrations in
Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe and the small market towns of South Molton, Holsworthy, Bude and
Torrington. During the summer months the population increases considerably due to an influx of holiday
makers.
The main areas of employment are agriculture and tourism, the latter having a large seasonal element.
There is an increasing amount of light industry in all the main centres of population. There is a large
retirement population which adds to the burden on medical services.
The North Devon District Hospital is situated on the outskirts of the town of Barnstaple. There are good
sports and recreational facilities in the area catering for most water sports, golf, fishing, etc and there is a
well equipped leisure centre. There is an active Doctors Mess on site with access to tennis courts, a pool
table and satellite television. Adequate parking is available.
The nearest beach, where water sports are very popular, can be reached within fifteen minutes. Outdoor
recreational opportunities are superb including surfing, sailing, rock climbing, walking, mountain biking and
horse riding. More cultural pastimes can be found in the two theatres, museums and a range of local arts
and crafts. There are also good restaurants and an active nightlife.
The road communications have been improved by the introduction of a single carriageway link-road from
Bideford to the M5 at Tiverton. There is a branch railway line from Exeter to Barnstaple which runs a regular
service.
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