Monday will see the start of a phased reopening of Household Waste Recycling Centres by Devon County Council for essential use only. (link)

The government has defined ‘essential use’ as waste that ‘cannot be stored without causing a risk of injury, health or harm to the resident or other members of their household.’

When the Brunel Road centre in Newton Abbot opens as part of this process on Monday, access will only be by an alternative entrance on Minerva Way to prevent likely queues blocking access to the Council’s bulking station and to help manage the traffic.
Residents are urged to travel to recycling centres only if their waste presents a hazard and cannot be legally and responsibly disposed of in other ways. 

More info

Most of us would probably agree that a strong, sustainable and resilient economy is essential for the future prosperity of Teignbridge. This requires job-creating businesses supported by modern infrastructure and a quality labour force with the skills employers want.

So how can we best achieve this goal and deliver a vibrant local economy?

This is one of the key elements of the draft local plan - and we want to hear your views.

Do you agree that we should be fostering a supportive business development culture by enabling new business properties to be built; converting existing buildings to allow business use; enabling businesses to expand their presence; and safeguarding sites already earmarked for business use?

Given our mixed town and country environment, how can we support existing rural businesses to flourish while keeping the countryside attractive, biodiversity safeguarded and vehicle travel capped?

One aspect of an enabling, modern infrastructure is ensuring business, home workers and our population as a whole can access a reliable digital network, offering high speed, fixed and mobile connections. The draft plan suggests that all new homes and business premises must have access to a choice of fixed and mobile internet services, with full fibre connection to each building.

Alongside the need for online business and social interactions, how do we maintain local character, support tourism and enable our town centres to include the cafes, restaurants, bars, leisure and entertainment venues that appeal to both local people and visitors?

These are just some of the elements set out in the economic chapter of our local plan, but we'd like to know what you think. Please take part in our consultation and influence plans that will shape  the wellbeing and prosperity of generations to come.

Most dog owners act responsibly, keep their pets under control, clear up after them and take any mess home or dispose of it in bins provided.

But anyone walking down country lanes, in parks or on beaches will know there are exceptions. Finding piles of dog mess can ruin a pleasant walk and our staff are getting more and more complaints about bad dog owning behaviour.

Responsibility rests with local pet owners as government coronavirus travel advice is keeping tourists away. Whether or not you support dog bans on local beaches or restrictions on where dogs can be exercised off leads, it is important that we look after our open spaces and obey the law. Maintaining the highest level of hygiene is even more important than normal. Where dog owners do not follow the rules, our staff can issue £100 fixed penalty notices to offenders.

Our team will also follow up reports of persistent offending but to do this, we need sufficient details to identify offenders.

Please report with as much detail as possible a breach of the Public Space Protection Order.