Newton Abbot: you have until Friday 27 June to give us your views on our plans to redevelop Market Hall, Market Square and the old Alexandra cinema to include a new eating quarter, a state of the art cinema, a remodelled entertainment and events venue and a high quality market space. Let us also know what you think about the proposed pedestrian improvements in the Queen Street area, cycling improvements for better links to shopping facilities and increased parking at Cricketfield.

Local Plan: this is a chance for you to influence the way development will take place in the coming decades. Let us know what you think about the proposed tougher policies to help fight climate change and provide stronger support for our environment. Do you support the requirement for developers to provide more genuinely affordable homes and to meet the challenge of our growing elderly population as well as the policies to raise the standards of design to create quality places where residents can enjoy healthy, happy lives? Give us your views before consultation closes on 13 July.

The more people who respond the more ideas we will have to shape plans that reflect the needs of our communities.

Mobile testing in Newton Abbot If you think you have symptoms of Covid-19 it is essential that you are tested as soon as possible to reduce the risk of the Coronavirus spreading. As part of the government's expanding testing regime a mobile Testing Centre is currently operating from the Cattle Market car park in Newton Abbot from 10am - 4pm - until Tuesday (23 June). Full details about testing are on the government website and people can also apply for a test on the website. People who do not have internet access and think they should be tested can ring 119.

Temporary road closure A section of the A382 into Newton Abbot will be closed for two weeks from Monday 22 June. Devon County Council say the road will be completely closed between Greycoat Lane/Staplehill Road and Whitehill Cross, as part of the ongoing upgrade of the link between Newton Abbot and the A38 at Drumbridges roundabout. The closure will enable two culverts to be installed under the road. The road will be closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although access will be maintained for residents only. We are contributing £5.1 million to the A382 upgrades, which will bring safety and congestion benefits as well as a new dedicated route for walking and cycling.

Scams Awareness Fortnight We are in the middle of the Citizens Advice Bureau Scams Awareness Fortnight which runs until 28 June. It aims to raise awareness of scams that have emerged during the pandemic and to provide advice on how to protect yourself and others against them.  They are providing helpful information on recognising these scams and how to avoid them, which can be shared with friends and family.

Don't be fooled by this council tax scam This is one example of a current scam where where people receive an email appearing to come from GOV.UK advising that they are entitled to a rebate and asking the recipient to respond giving credit card details. Should a Teignbridge council tax payer’s account go into credit, we will send you a credit bill with details and the money is refunded. We would not ask for details of credit card or debit card in order to facilitate the refund.

Leave only footprints

We've had reports of beaches being left strewn with broken glass, cans and other waste, particularly after large gatherings of people.  We've installed more bins across the resort areas, and our refuse collection staff have increased the frequency of their rounds, but we'd ask people to make sure they take their rubbish home with them or put it in the bins provided.   We'd also like to say a massive thanks to the amazing local residents - particularly the Back Beach Crew in Teignbridge, who have been out helping our staff clear up some of the mess.

Domestic abuse support for older people Domestic abuse can happen within any family, regardless of age or gender. A new toolkit has been produced by South Devon Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum (SDSVDA) in partnership with Splitz to support those later in life who may be in abusive relationships. Older people who are in unhappy relationships, with either a partner, family member or friend, often find it more difficult to seek help. The coronavirus lockdown restrictions have increased this sense of isolation for many, making it even harder for them to access support. If you are being abused, or if you have any concerns that an older person you know may be at risk of abuse, please use the toolkit to seek help. Help is also available on the Victim Care website and or look at the Devon and Cornwall Police dedicated web page. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Planning duty free telephone service suspended

Our planning team has had to suspend indefinitely its free telephone duty service, which gave verbal advice to residents on the need for planning permission, due to a lack of capacity. 

Enquiries can still be made digitally and here are some ways you can get information and/or advice.

If you want to know whether planning permission is needed then our website has a range of information.  If you don't have access to the internet we would recommend  you seek the assistance of a planning agent who will be needed should you decide to submit an application. 

Our planning portal provides a range of information if you are seeking pre-application advice for projects where planning permission is required.

Anyone commenting on current planning applications should do so in writing and submitted online.

Calls about current planning applications will continue to be dealt with by the appropriate case officer.

Enforcement complaints can be submitted online.

A week of celebrations will begin on Monday when flags will be flown across buildings across the country - including Forde House - in tribute to our armed forces.  The week's focus culminates on Armed Forces Day on Saturday 26 June and provides everyone with the opportunity to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. 

The government's COVID-19 recovery strategy has been updated and to help control the virus the government says you must:

• stay at home as much as possible
• work from home if you can
• limit contact with other people
• keep your distance if you go out (2 metres apart where possible)
• wash your hands regularly
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

The latest guidance is here:

• Guidance for contacts of people with possible or confirmed coronavirus infection who do not live with the person
• Meeting people outside your household
• Guidance on Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport
• Updated social distancing guidelines
• Accessing green spaces
• How to wear and make a cloth face covering
• People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they are able to maintain strict social distancing.
• Guidance on safe use of places of worship
• FAQs: what you can and can't do