As a new year dawns, it’s time to set some resolutions to make the most of a fresh chapter. We asked a few locals to share what they’ll be focusing on over the coming 12 months.

After a whirlwind few months since being elected as the new MP for Newton Abbot, Martin Wrigley is excited to tackle 2025. ‘I plan to visit more local organisations across the constituency and to get more time in front of local residents,’ he said.

On more international matters, Martin is keen to work towards a more harmonious world. ‘I want 2025 to be peaceful, to see an end to the Middle East conflicts and fair resolution for Ukraine.’

Health is another priority. ‘I want access to GPs and dentists back on track and to start to make our crucial services work again.’

Kingsteignton Mayor, Councillor Ron Peart plans ‘to speak to more people who live alone and help in any way I can even if it is just a kind word and a chat’.

Teignmouth historian Viv Wilson MBE is also keen to support local people. She is hoping for ‘fresh resolve by the decision makers to respond to the opinions and preferences expressed by our community’.

In Bovey Tracey, town councillor and chair of Bovey Larder Corin Burton wants to build on ‘the green shoots of a more cohesive community in the town’. This includes plans to push at least one large project through for the benefit of Bovey and Heathfield. ‘The town council is better engaged with residents and community groups and the business community is starting to work well together,’ he noted. He also hopes to continue to cement Bovey Larder’s place at the heart of the community.

Fostering deeper connections is also a priority for Newton Abbot Chamber of Commerce chair Mark Amphlett. He hopes ‘to strengthen local business connections and create more opportunities for collaboration, networking and shared success so Newton Abbot can continue to become a thriving hub for innovation and growth that benefits everyone in our community’.

Ashburton Chamber of Trade chair Mark Burley intends to provide more support to ‘our fantastic independent shops’ so they can ‘get through difficult economic times’. On a personal note, his focus is ‘to give up procrastinating and lose weight’.

Not everyone is a habitual resolution maker. Councillor Rosie Dawson, chair of Teignbridge District Council, doesn’t usually make New Year’s resolutions but is keen to spend more time in nature. ‘I love the parks and woodland we have access to and how incredibly relaxing it is to take a more mindful walk. With Council, work, family and dogs, life is very busy so setting aside some time will be so beneficial.’

Having fun and enjoying the river is a priority for Stuart Reynolds from Friends of the River Teign. After establishing the group in the autumn, Stuart is keen to build on the ‘groundswell of public opinion’ to turn around ‘the decline in the health of our rivers’. ‘There is a real willingness among local bodies, such as the Harbour Commission and Teignbridge District Council, to tackle some of the most pressing issues and we will support their positive efforts to improve things in 2025.’ On a personal note, Stuart hopes to ‘have more family time.’