Latest news and information to support residents and communities

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The latest information and guidance to support you and our communities

28 August 2020

man on roof by solar panel

Cut energy costs to save money and help the planet

A new solar panel buying scheme has been launched to help householders save money and reduce their carbon footprints.

Teignbridge has joined Devon's other districts and Devon County Council to team up with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, to offer homeowners the chance to buy high quality solar photovoltaic (PV) panels more cheaply than if they were buying alone.

Research by the University of Exeter shows that 19 per cent of all Devon’s carbon emissions are created by our homes, with more than half of those by grid-supplied electricity. Installing solar panels will reduce the amount of grid-supplied electricity needed for things like hot water, with a transfer to more eco-friendly solar energy.

By launching ‘Solar Together Devon’ under the Climate Emergency (DCE) umbrella, local people can take a positive step to help tackle harmful emissions.

Sign  up for Solar Together

 Register for free and with no obligation to install panels.

Once registered, you will be contacted in the autumn with a recommendation specifically tailored to your needs, and if you accept this, details will be confirmed with a technical survey and a date set for installation.

More info


coronavirus

Increased Devon COVID cases show importance of vigilence

The number of coronavirus cases has increased in some parts of Devon this week.  The national test track and trace programme identified a number of new cases resulting from an infected group of Devon residents returning home from abroad.

Compared to the rest of the country our rates remain low but it is important that we remain vigilant, especially when travelling and take all reasonable measures to protect ourselves from the risk of infection.

Find out more


sustainable garden

Has getting outdoors improved your wellbeing?  Tell us your story

The combination of comfort eating and lack of exercise throughout lockdown, and the resulting weight gain and impact on mental health, has been much debated by health experts in recent weeks.

The Government has launched its obesity strategy to help people tackle the nation's collective excess weight.

But across Teignbridge parks and green spaces we have continued to see lots of people being active, exploring new locations and reconnecting with nature.

Residents have told us that exercising in the fresh air has improved their wellbeing, made them feel more positive and helped them overcome social distancing concerns.

If you’ve found getting out and about across Teignbridge a great way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, we’d love to hear from you. Send your stories to us about how beneficial getting outdoors has been and do include any pictures or video that illustrate your positive experiences.

With your agreement we may use them to help encourage others to follow your lead and highlight how much enjoyment there is in exploring the great outdoors and getting more active.


Teignbridge activity trail start

Looking for something to do over bank holiday?

Staying at home over bank holiday weekend gives you a great opportunity to rediscover and explore some of our fantastic open spaces.

Here are just some the places that are well worth a visit:

If you are planning a staycation trip elsewhere in the country, take a look at the latest Government blog giving tips on how to stay safe.

Coming soon

And watch out in September for details of our great ‘‘Connecting Actively to Nature’ projects which are aimed at helping people who are inactive and over 55 to get more active. There will be gentle activity along Teignmouth promenade, and around Hackney Marshes Nature Reserve, strength and balance sessions in Bovey Tracey, and outdoor circuits in Ilsington.

Shalden golf course

Fantastic views and great fun

Shaldon Approach Golf is open, so if you fancy having a bank holiday round, just book in to play.

The facility boasts an 18 hole golf course overlooking Teignmouth and the Teign Estuary.  Last clubs hired three hours before dusk.

Give us your views

We're always on the lookout for feedback so if you can spare a few minutes to complete our Green Spaces user survey that would be great


RNLI lifeguards on the beach

Enjoy the beach but make sure you stay safe

If you're heading to the coast this weekend don't get caught out by unpredictable sea or weather conditions.

If you are going near to the water’s edge then keep an eye on the tides. The RNLI lifeguards patrol Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth North beaches but others don’t have the same protection. If you see a red flag at a lifeguarded beach, do not enter the water, as it is unsafe for any water activities. If there are no flags, there are no lifeguards.

Details of beaches where there is lifeguard cover are on the RNLI website and have a look at their advice for keeping  yourself, friends and family safe when at the beach.

beach littering

stacked bins by garage door

Bank holiday changes to waste and recycling collections 

Please remember that with the bank holiday on Monday, collections will take place a day later than normal next week. For more information please check our website.

From next week we will be able to collect textiles from the kerbside again. Textiles can be put out for collection in a standard sized carrier bag (not black bag) alongside your recycling. We have limited space on our lorries for textiles - if we do not collect your textiles one week please try again the next.


NHS advice to call 111 if not sure what to do to get help

NHS bank holiday services

Doctors in Devon are advising patients which services will be operating over the bank holiday weekend for residents and visitors with urgent health needs.

 

Six steps to seeing your GP

As we head into the autumn patients will continue to get a face-to-face appointment at their local practice if their GP thinks they need one, and they should only go to hospital A&E departments in an emergency.

With the danger of COVID-19 still very much present in Devon, GP practices have measures in place to protect patients and staff by reducing unnecessary contact and travel. They are reminding local people to follow these simple six steps when contacting their surgery.

Six steps to seeing your GP

Back to school guidance

Devon County Council's back to school special

Devon County Council has produced a special 'Back to School' issue of its Connectme covering everything you need to know for September's return of all pupils to school.

It stresses the benefits of children returning to school and the importance of doing so for their social, emotional and academic development.

Connectme has helpful information to help you and your child prepare for September, including what safety measures will be in place, changes to school transport and how to support your child's mental health.

Take a look


Marking Ashura safely

Shia Muslims will this weekend be marking Ashura, a period of mourning on the 10th day of the start of the Islamic calendar and which marks the martyrdom of Hussein in 680 AD at Karbala in modern-day Iraq.  Please follow the government guidelines for safe worship.

Advice re Ashura

NHS consultation gets underway on Tuesday

An eight week consultation on the shape of future health and care services in Teignmouth and Dawlish gets underway on Tuesday 1 September.

A consultation document is being delivered by Devon Clinical Commissioning Group to every home in the Teignmouth, Dawlish, Shaldon and Bishopsteignton areas. To avoid the risk associated with public meetings and to save people travelling, live meetings will be held online on the following dates and times

  • Friday 11 September 2020, 14:30 – 16:00
  • Thursday 17 September 2020, 10:30 – 12:00
  • Wednesday 23 September 2020, 18:00 – 19:30
  • Tuesday 29 September 2020, 15:00 – 16:30
  • Monday 5 October 2020, 11:30 – 13:00
  • Saturday 17 October 2020, 11:00 – 12:30

You can sign up to attend a meeting, ask to receive regular updates or find out more about the proposals on the CCG website.


respect those who can't wear face coverings

Latest government advice to control the virus

To protect yourself and others, when you leave home you must:

  • wash hands - keep washing your hands regularly
  • cover face - wear a face covering over your nose and mouth in enclosed spaces
  • make space - stay at least a metre away from people not in your household

If you are feeling unwell, get a test and do not leave home for at least 10 days.

The government has updated its Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do

Click an image below for more information.


Let's get back to the things we love
every mind
Face coverings