Hemyock

The famous kissing gate on Station Road in Hemyock is to stay in the village, the parish council has reassured residents.

Back in December Mid Devon District Council said it would be replacing the gate with a more modern and accessible barrier system.

Due to its historic and unique construction, the gate proved to be impassable for mums with buggies or prams.

After the parish council requested alternative ideas for the gate, it was bombarded with phone calls from residents wanting to save the gate.

Chairman of the parish council Heather Stallard told the County Gazette: "It's getting totally out of control, we have had about ten people phone up worried about it and even an offer from another village wanting to take the gate off us.

"We were never intending to get rid of the gate."

"What we have discovered is that if we move it back a bit people will be able to go round it if they choose."

"A new barrier can also be put in."