THE extremes of child poverty in the Teignmouth area are highlighted by new statistics just published.

An area of the resort has the second highest ranking in Teignbridge, but an adjoining village has the lowest.

A Teignmouth west ward councillor, however, stressed that things were improving.

Figures based on incomes and released by the Child Poverty Action Group, a coalition of 150 charities and organisations, reveal that west Teignmouth is rated at 31.5 per cent after housing costs have been taken into consideration, and 20.29 per cent before housing costs.

But Bishopsteignton only has 12.18 per cent, and 7.38 per cent respectively.

East Teignmouth is ranked at 22.11 per cent and 14.01 per cent; Teignmouth Central at 19.06 per cent and 11.98 per cent; Teignmouth North at 17.78 per cent and 11.20 per cent, and Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead at 17.55 per cent and 11.08 per cent.

The highest child poverty is in Ashburton and Buckfastleigh, at 32.61 per cent and 21.53 per cent.

West ward councillor David Cox said he was not surprised at the findings, but pointed out the situation was very much better than years ago, thanks to local community groups. ‘Behind the figures there is a strong community spirit and excellent local groups and organisations making a real difference to children’s lives.’

He emphasised the ‘outstanding work’ by the Teignmouth Community School, Mill Lane (formerly Inverteign); the work of the community association based at the Kingsway Meadow Centre, faith groups, sports clubs, Teignmouth Learning Centre and the Hits foodbank.

‘Local people and local organisations are making a real difference to the life chances of children.

‘Mill Lane school helps children make remarkable strides in attainment; unfortunately government cuts to tax credits I fear will leave many families in west Teignmouth worse off,’ he added.