Keeping residents up to date

Teignbridge District Council sent this bulletin at 26-06-2020 04:18 PM BST

Information and support as we come further out of lockdown

26 June 2020

Don't take unnecessary risk when out and about

In just over a week’s time (Saturday 4 July) – and not before - the Government will be further easing lockdown restrictions. Two metre social distancing remains the best way that we can all help control the virus.

After a major incident was declared in Bournemouth, England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty made it clear that Coronavirus cases will rise unless we follow the scientific advice.

Local people have mostly followed the rules over recent months, contributing to keeping infection numbers comparatively low in Teignbridge.

But our beaches have this week been pretty packed with sun-lovers putting themselves and others at risk by ignoring social distancing and leaving behind picnic remnants and other rubbish – 99 wheelie bins of rubbish was removed from Teignmouth beach alone yesterday evening.

Whether at our beaches and coastal areas or on the moors, in our parks and green spaces or just walking through our towns and villages, please keep yourself and others safe.

Covid-19 is not a threat from the past - it remains real today so please do not throw away all the sacrifices made over the past few months by acting as if it has disappeared.

Play your part in controlling the virus by following medical and scientific advice and reduce the risk to yourself, family and friends by socially distancing, washing your hands frequently and staying at home if you develop coronavirus symptoms and get tested. If heading out to enjoy the weather and roads are congested think twice about continuing your journey and keep yourself safe by not going to places where you will be in close contact with others.

And if you take a picnic or bbq with you when enjoying the sunshine, please take it home with you and don’t leave it littering the beach or open space where it can cause injury to other residents, visitors and our hardworking staff.

Managing Director Phil Shears and
Council Leader, Cllr Gordon Hook

Council-run leisure facilities

As more parts of the economy are allowed to operate from 4 July, some residents have been asking when we will be reopening play parks, Shaldon Golf Course, The Lido and parts of our leisure centres where permitted sports can be played.

Many of our leisure staff have been furloughed due to the closure of centres so we need to liaise with them on returning to work. Before we can do that we need clear guidance from the government as to what measures we need to take to enable facilities like play parks to open and a timetable for reopening indoor gyms, swimming pools and other water facilities.

We are awaiting further guidance from the Government which will enable us to make decisions on the parts of our leisure services that may be able to operate and from when. We will only open if we believe we can keep our staff and customers safe and that we can do so economically.

Go cashless when paying for car parking

As more people begin to use public car parks, we want to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus as much as possible and so we are asking everyone to go cashless if they can when paying for parking.

Payments can be made at no additional cost by contactless debit/credit cards, Apple Pay or GPay. Many people find the telephone service RingGo useful (although there is a 20p charge) or the RingGo parking app. This is the only payment method which avoids touching the machines.

Parking for NHS (and other essential) staff continues to be free and details of our car parks are on our website.

Newton Abbot Multi storey Car Park

Unfortunately we have been unable to open our multi-story car park in Newton Abbot, but have been working out how best to manage this car park safely, especially the stairwells and the lift. Car park usage in Newton Abbot shows that there are plenty of spaces elsewhere, including the nearby Halcyon Road which has disabled parking.

As demand increases we aim to resolve the COVID safety issues in time to open it on 6 July, operating 9am – 5am Monday to Saturday.

Hit by Covid- 19 and desperately need cash?

Some residents may face increasing financial hardship as we come out of lockdown with future job market uncertainty and many businesses struggling to survive

Our Covid-19 Hardship Fund may be able to help people who, as a result of the pandemic, cannot pay for things like utility or essential mobile phone bills, transport costs or the purchase of white goods or other essential items.

To get support you must have been:

Living in Teignbridge for three months prior to the application
Financially affected by the COVID19 pandemic
Unable to receive funding from other sources
Without savings or have less than £500 disposable income

Payments will normally be up to £200 other than in exceptional circumstances and will be paid directly to the creditors providing the goods or service.

Full details and application process on our website
Anyone who does not have internet access can call us on 01626 215 512.

Thousands of pounds paid out to support small businesses

The first phase of our discretionary grants scheme to help small businesses has just ended, and resulted in around £668,000 being paid out around £668,000 to local small businesses.

There is still around £1,300,000 left to be allocated in the next two tranches, so if you know of a local business that needs some financial help but doesn't qualify under the range of COVID-related support schemes, you can point them in the direction of our discretionary grants fund.

Those unsuccessful and who meet the criteria will be automatically considered for the next tranche and new applications can still be made via our website .

Have you commented yet on Newton Abbot's town centre regeneration plans?

Today is the last opportunity to comment on the plans to regenerate Newton Abbot town centre. The plans, which cover Market Quarter, Queen Street pedestrian and National Cycle Network Route will be updated in light of feedback and submitted to to the Government by the end of July. If you haven't already, please take this opportunity to comment and shape the town's future.

Lifeguard cover on beaches

Good news if you want to head to one of our picturesque beaches for a swim this weekend.

The RNLI has restarted its lifeguard patrols at both Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth beaches and will be fully operational operational by the weekend.

And if the sun continues to shine over the weekend please take extra care. Enjoy the sunshine but protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat. Carry water when out and about or when travelling. Think of those who may feel the heat more acutely than others and follow the latest Covid-19 advice.

Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day and while no physical events scheduled, you can show your support on social media or by marking the occasion at home.

The Lord Lieutenant has posted information including details of a virtual Plymouth celebration

Following the Prime Minster's announcement the Government has updated some of its guidance for staying alert and being safe.

Click on the images below for more information about each