A visit to the Civic Centre to deliver my filled-in election expenses to the returning officer (and no, we don’t get them reimbursed as some people seem to think). Then on to a meeting at the Barnstaple Hotel to learn about, and discuss, mooted changes to the way health care is delivered in North Devon – more about this on myCommunity Hospital page later. Whilst walking from the Civic Centre to the Barnstaple Hotel I decided to go to the top of Barnstaple Castle, something I’d never done before. Two thirds of the way up I encountered barrier tape strung across the path. It would appear that people on mountain bikes have been using the old castle as a course and have caused extensive damage. I presume that’s why the tape was there.  However, why not put a notice at the bottom if the path is closed?