Friday 12 May 2023
 Have Your Say on how the region adapts to climate change
We’re asking people across the region to give their views on a regional strategy that will help ensure that that Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can make the changes needed to cope with the worst effects of climate change.
To effectively respond to the climate crises, it's vital that strategies are put in place to deal with the cause of rising greenhouse gases and its impact on our communities.
The Climate Adaptation Strategy for Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly will help communities and organisations across the South West better understand the risks their area might face in the future as a result of climate change.
It will also help them to adapt and make the changes needed to cope with the worst effects of climate change, thereby improving their preparedness and resilience and ensuring community safety.
Residents have until Friday 30 June to view the strategy and take part in the consultation.
There's a free webinar on Tuesday 16 May from 5pm until 6pm to explain the strategy in detail and will include a question and answer session. You can sign up through the Eventbrite website.
If you would like to fill out a paper copy of the consultation, please email environmentalpolicy@devon.gov.uk or call 0345 1551015.
 Training shows care providers what it’s like to live with dementia
Care providers in Devon have been learning more about what it’s like to live with dementia.
We've organised a free virtual dementia experience, delivered by Training2Care, and funded by the Health and Social Care Skills Accelerator Programme, and the European Social Fund.
It simulates the senses so people can understand what those who live with dementia feel and experience in their daily lives.
We hope that it will help people who work in care homes and domiciliary care to recognise the challenges faced by people with dementia, consider their approach and provide simple solutions to make their lives better.
A care provider who attended one of the training sessions, said:
“I found the training amazing. It opened my mind and gave me a lot to take back and change to make a difference to those we care for. Thank you."
To find out more about dementia, please visit the NHS website.
Despite the wet weather, street parties and volunteering events took place right across Devon last weekend, celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May.
Part of our work at the council is to support the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, and his office. David is the King's representative in our county, and as such represented Devon in the Coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May, and subsequently in local events, including a special celebration service at Exeter Cathedral the following day.
It's the Devon County Show next week, (Thursday 18, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 May), and exhibitors are making final preparations in anticipation of the thousands of people expected to arrive over the three days at Westpoint, near Exeter.
We have a stand at the show, and this year we're making 'children and families' the theme, as part of our commitment for Devon to be the best place to grow for children and young people.
We've got a wide selection of exhibitors on our stand this year, with activities, competitions, support and advice for young people and their families and carers.
And we'd like to invite you and your families to come along and see us. You'll find us at Stand 325 on Road 8.
We're also involved with the Farmwise stand, helping to connect children with the sources of their food. The Farmwise stand promises a wide range of activities for children and adults to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in.
You can read more about us at the Devon County Show in the story on our news page.
Getting there
Due to damage caused by torrential rain earlier this week, there are temporary traffic lights on the A3052 through Newton Poppleford and delays are expected. You can read more in our new story. For other information about travelling to the County Show ground, visit the County Show website.
 Clean-up ongoing after flash floods
The exceptionally heavy rain on Tuesday this week caused damage to roads and properties in various locations, and we and our partner agencies have been busy since with the clean up and other related work.
Parts of Exeter and East Devon, including Tipton St John, Metcombe and Newton Poppleford, were hardest hit by the torrential downpours.
Our teams have been busy clearing silt, mud and debris and as water levels go down, bridges and structures are being inspected for any potential damage.
We’re also working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the impact of the flooding on communities and properties that have sustained damage from floodwater.
Please sign up for flood warnings and if you’re travelling on Devon’s roads, please keep your speed down, take extra care and drive according to conditions.
If you have experienced flooding near you contact the Environment Agency’s 24 hour Floodline on 0345 988 1188.
Drug treatment providers are warning young people that Ketamine can damage their health.
The warning follows a 53 per cent increase in the number of young adults reporting Ketamine use to adult drug and alcohol treatment service, 'Together', since August 2022.
The latest figures also suggest a higher percentage of people in Devon are using Ketamine, compared to the national average. And that the drug is most commonly being used by people under the age of 25.
As a Class B drug, possession and supply of Ketamine is illegal, and public health experts and Devon and Cornwall Police are warning of the significant dangers and potentially long term damage to the body, from taking it.
In our story on our news page, we describe the affects that the drug has on the brain and body, as well as guidance to anyone who has used the drug.
At this time of year we celebrate Exeter Pride, and although this year's festival has been cancelled due to not having enough volunteers, we at the Council decided to go ahead and fly the rainbow flag over County Hall.
"It's a great honour to be raising the rainbow flag over County Hall again, showing support and solidarity for our LGBT+ community, said our Chairman," Councillor Ian Hall.
You can read more about this in the story on our news page.
 New bus services launched with improvement plan funding
A new bus service has been launched between Seaton and Exeter. The X30 Exeter Express Service is a Monday to Friday link from the Seaton area to Skypark, Exeter Science Park, The Met Office, Exeter Business Park and Exeter College Technology Centre. It also provides a faster journey from Honiton to these locations, running directly through the A30 and a direct link from Colyford and Colyton to Exeter.
The funding awarded by the Department for Transport to our Bus Service Improvement Plan also means the 85 service has had its route extended to connect more local communities in Devon. Operating between Barnstaple, Bideford and Holsworthy, and now Tavistock through Launceston, it provides a new link from North Devon and Torridge to Tavistock for services to Plymouth, as well as Monday to Saturday links between Holsworthy, Launceston and Tavistock.
Both services are operated by Stagecoach South West and the £2 single fare cap will apply to single journeys on both services until the end of June 2023, giving opportunities for travel to work, college, or days out at a bargain price. The full range of Stagecoach Megarider Gold and Explorer tickets are also available on these services. Visit the Stagecoach website for further details, or for more information on bus travel in Devon visit the Travel Devon website.
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