We're still deeply involved in helping our communities at Torcross following the impacts of the winter storms, including reopening Torcross Tank Car Park and public toilets.
Over the past few weeks, our teams have been working hard to support residents and local businesses in the area.
This has included assisting residents with waste removal, clearing storm debris and street cleansing throughout Torcross, deep cleaning and repairing the public toilets at Torcross Tank Car Park, and preparing the car park for reopening.
We’re pleased to say that both the Torcross Tank Car Park and the public toilets there have now reopened.
Find out more here.
The Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Dan Thomas, is urging everyone in the district to take part in the Government consultation on the reorganisation of local government in Devon.
South Hams District Council, along with six of Devon’s other district councils, is supporting the Reimagining Devon proposal, which would see Devon split into three unitary authorities. One would cover Exeter and northern Devon, one would cover Torbay and southern Devon and the final one covers Plymouth, either on its existing boundaries or on a slightly expanded boundary that would include four parishes currently in the South Hams.
The council believes that Reimagining Devon is the most balanced solution for all of Devon, not just those living in the South Hams. It is a plan that would deliver efficient and effective services closer to communities, building on the dependable services already being delivered by Devon’s district councils.
It ensures decision making remains local and offers the best political representation for everyone across the county. It also is the plan that delivers the biggest financial savings, with a robust plan that ensures services provide Devon taxpayers with good value for money. The cost of implementing the Reimagining Devon proposal would be paid back in under three years.
Cllr Dan Thomas said: “The proposals being put forward will change how council services are delivered across Devon from 2028. Residents and businesses have told us how much council services matter to local people; essential services like waste and recycling collections, roads and highways, children’s services, planning, housing, and environmental health, are all delivered by your local authorities, and how that all operates will be changing in the years ahead.
“It may sound dry, but Local Government Reorganisation affects everyone living here. How council services are delivered matters to everybody. We want to ensure that after the reorganisation process is over, the people of Devon are left with the best option possible to ensure fair political representation and a high quality of services that are delivered efficiently and reliably.
“Anyone who cares about their local services and the future should take the opportunity to take part in the consultation and share their views before it closes. You can find out more about the different proposals at www.devonlgr.co.uk.”
Click the thumbnail above to watch our video with Cllr Thomas.
We have taken action to evict a group of people living unlawfully in caravans on land near Totnes.
It follows dozens of complaints from local residents about the encampment and activities of the occupants, including threatening behaviour.
The group set up caravans on land at the junction between Green Lane and Jackmans Lane just outside Totnes without permission. The council has tried all routes available to encourage the group to leave the site over a five year period.
During this time, the council continued to receive dozens of complaints from local residents about anti-social behaviour and intimidation toward other users of the lane.
The council was left with no further choice but to obtain a Section 78 court order on Monday authorising the removal of the caravans from the land and evict those living there. After giving 24 hours’ notice, several caravans remained, so they were removed and securely stored.
The owners will be able to reclaim their property within the next 14 days by contacting the council, providing proof of ownership, and paying any statutory removal and storage charges.
Find out more on our website.
This week, South Hams District Council set out its draft budget proposals for the coming financial year, as we continue to face significant financial pressures affecting rural local authorities across the country.
Our budgets are under strain due to rising costs and significant inflationary pressures, increased demand for services and reduced real‑terms Government funding.
Despite these huge challenges, the council remains committed to protecting essential services, supporting vulnerable residents and investing in the district’s future.
Planned investment in the next financial year includes updating community assets such as toilets, bins and benches, supporting the creation of quality housing that is affordable, enhancing markets across the district and supporting and protecting local nature reserves, woodland and wildlife habitats.
Click here to find out more.
Whether you’re changing your career or just starting out, it all starts with skills. An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and bring new skills and knowledge to your business. National Apprenticeship Week - running from 9 February to 13 February, celebrates how apprenticeships help people to reach their full potential.
We have 17 apprentices working for us at South Hams & West Devon; we're proud to be providing opportunities for apprentices to learn and develop skills that will set them up for their future careers.
We are working in partnership with Business Information Point to deliver an in-depth study of the visitor economy across the district. The aim is simple but powerful: to understand what’s really happening on the ground, identify the biggest barriers facing tourism businesses, and ensure future investment and support genuinely meets local needs.
Join us at our Tourism Business Symposium at Follaton House on 2 March to get your voice heard - click here to find out more.
You can also complete our online survey: click here to take part.
Are you looking for a flexible role in a supportive and open culture? Join the Council! We have a number of exciting roles available for the right person.
Click the button below to see our current vacancies.
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