RESIDENTS of Abbotskerswell and Wolborough received a cheque for £1,000 from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), on Wednesday last week, to support their efforts to protect the Greater Horseshoe bats.

Abbotskerswell Parish Council and Wolborough Residents’ Association thanked CPRE Devon for their generous donation towards their costs.

A considerable legal bill has been racked up in pursuing a legal challenge against Teignbridge Council.

The local residents and CPRE Devon are fighting for greater protection for these bats with 31 per cent of the endangered species living in the south west.

Pete Finch, chairman of the CPRE Devon Teignbridge District Group and Penny Mills from CPRE Devon presented the cheque to the chairman of the parish council, Cllr Kevin Eales.

Cllr Eales said: ‘The parish council and residents’ association welcome having the support and strength of CPRE Devon behind our two organisations.

‘We have seen some progress in Teignbridge Council’s approach to protecting the Greater Horseshoe bats, but we see this as just a start by Teignbridge in ensuring developers and landowners are made fully responsible for protecting and enhancing this species.’