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The latest information and guidance to support you and our communities

Completion of first council housing in 25 years

video capture of new council housing in drake road

The keys to the first council houses to be built by Teignbridge in 25 years were handed over to their new tenants this week.

The two houses in Drake Road have been built on the land that was formerly a row of old garages on the Buckland Estate.  Billed as ‘wheelchair adaptable’, the energy efficient houses come with wider doors, large hallway, staircase and wheelchair ramps as well as fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, secure gardens, outdoor lighting and parking.

Cllr Martin Wrigley

The road adjacent to the new homes also offers a number of car spaces which will be allocated to local residents, to offset the loss of the garages.

Councillor Martin Wrigley, Teignbridge Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said:  “I’m delighted to be handing over the keys to the first residents of our council house scheme, and to see these houses is amazing.  They will make a massive difference to people’s lives. 

“The project team that has built these properties – made up of Teignbridge officers and external partners - have done a fantastic job, and I’d like to thank them all."

You can hear what the tenants think of their new homes in this video and more information is on our website.


Forde House

Forde House remains closed to visitors

During the pandemic our Forde House offices have been closed for face to face visits and many staff have been working from home.

Although legal restrictions were lifted on Monday, cases still remain high in the region and we will be continuing to take sensible control measures as part of our responsibility to protect visitors and staff.

In line with government guidance to return to offices gradually our offices at Forde House will remain closed until further notice and we will continue to offer support online, via our website or by phone on 01626 361101.


PSPO notice

Should we continue with our dog control powers?

Teignbridge’s dog control Public Spaces Protection Order is under review with councillors needing to decide whether it should be renewed before it expires in March.

Over the next six weeks, the council is asking residents for their views on the PSPO and whether they want to see it retained and what changes should be made to it.

We will also ask our partners for their views, including Town and Parish Councils, the Police, Teign Housing, Dartmoor National Park, the Forestry Commission, the Kennel Club, Guide Dogs Association, RSPCA, Keep Britain Tidy and a number of tourism and trader organisations.

The PSPO was introduced to address irresponsible dog ownership and to help keep the district clean, giving us powers to fine owners if their dog is out of control or if they don’t pick up after it.

Before we renew the PSPO we need to consider if removing it would have a detrimental impact on residents' quality of life and if it is not renewed, whether dog fouling and control problems would not only continue but get worse.

This is always a controversial topic with strong views held by those who own dogs and those who don’t, so please take part in this survey so we can get the widest possible feedback.


Hazledown Thank you NHS

Local primary school pays tribute to NHS with a song

Year Four children at Hazeldown Primary School in Teignmouth have written and performed a beautifully uplifting song to thank the NHS for everything they've done during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kit Hardee, Assistant Headteacher at Hazeldown Primary School, worked on the song with the children. "We pride ourselves on giving our pupils a real purpose for their learning. As part of their music topic in Year Four, the children had to cover the curriculum objectives of writing and performing music.

"We asked them to think about what was important to them and what impact they wanted their song to have. They all agreed that they wanted to thank NHS staff for what they've done during the pandemic.

"The children worked in groups to gather ideas for the lyrics and I worked alongside them to help the song take shape. It was then recorded and produced by local music producer, Dan Sheldon.

"The children have been incredibly inspired by the process and are so proud that their song is being enjoyed and celebrated by so many NHS workers!"

Well done to everyone involved - have a watch on the school's YouTube channel.

Children from Year 4 Hazledon singing their thank you NHS song

Steve Brown, Devon’s Director of Public Health (Designate)

Continue to look out for each other

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon is urging everyone to keep doing their bit to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Devon and to continue looking out for each other, particularly the most vulnerable, as we have done throughout the pandemic. He said:

“With most legal COVID-19 restrictions lifting this week, I want to say a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone in Devon for all they have done to so far to keep each other safe.

“I want us to continue to be careful because positive cases in Devon are still rising, in fact at the moment we’ve got the highest rate of COVID-19 we’ve seen during the whole pandemic".


Lets' stop the virus spreading.  This summer I pledge to....wear a face mask to protect myself and others #NotTooMuchToMask

 

#NotTooMuchToMask

With the lifting of  most Covid legal restrictions, the NHS Confederation is running a  #NotTooMuchToMask campaign, focused on the sensible choices we can all make to keep ourselves and others safe.

The campaign is calling on people to make a pledge to:

  • Wear a face mask unless exempt
  • Keep indoor spaces well ventilated and meet outdoors where possible
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Get tested and self-isolate when required
  • Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage others to do so.

The campaign encourages us all to act responsibly and to think of those who may still be vulnerable to COVID-19.

Until everyone who can be vaccinated has received their second dose and infection levels have greatly reduced, we need to remain vigilant and alert to the fact that this pandemic is not yet over.


Over 18s?  It's your turn

Making it easier to get a jab

The Government has developed an online postcode checker to make it makes it easy for people to find their nearest walk-in centre where people can attend for a jab without an appointment or without being registered to a GP

Don't forget there must be an eight week gap between the first and second jabs.


Accessing a NHS COVID Pass

With the lifting of legal restrictions, some venues may require people to demonstrate their Covid-19 status and this can be done by requesting a NHS COVID Pass through the NHS App (not the NHS Covid-19 app)

To support businesses using the COVID Pass a new NHS COVID Pass Verifier App launched this weekend designed to support venues, businesses and those most at risk who would like to verify a person’s COVID-19 status.

The Government says it provides a fast, secure and easy way of allowing people to demonstrate that their COVID pass is valid, giving staff confidence in the legitimacy of what is being presented to them.

NHS App

small development surrounded by green space

Just over two weeks to give your views on the Local Plan

Consultation on the Local Plan site options will close at noon on 9 August.

We’ve had a huge amount of feedback already but want more people to respond to give us their views on the best sites for meeting our housing, employment and education needs.  We’re also asking landowners for sites which could accommodate gypsies and travellers as these must be included in the Local Plan.

As we move towards the end of consultation we continue to focus each week on different aspects.  This week’s feature looks at how sites were selected and why some of these include green space.

If you want a recap on how the site options have been selected and the issues around the approach, the different features are all on our website along with the consultation papers and sites, a handy ‘Need to Know’ guide and the feedback survey which enables you to comment on the different site options.

Paper copies of the consultation materials are available in town and parish council offices, at Forde House and in local libraries.


Teignbridge leisure pay no joining fee

No Joining Fee at Teignbridge Leisure

It's never too late to change old habits and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

After the 18 months we've all had. now that restrictions are lifting we can start to look forward by getting our wellbeing back on track. One 30 minute swim, gym workout, or exercise class can instantly boost your mood, giving you a sense of achievement and feeling of wellbeing.  

Leisure staff dedicate time to help, support and guide people getting into a fitness routine.  To help people develop healthier lifestyles there's no joining Fee for our Jam Packed Adult and Junior and Aquasize packages if you sign up before midnight on 1 August. See how we can support your journey – sign up today


Exeter bus station lay out

Plan for change as new Exeter bus station opens

Bus travellers to Exeter will need to get accustomed to new surroundings when the new bus station opens on Sunday with a family fun day.

Located at the heart of the city centre, next to the St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Centre, the new glass fronted station is one of the top 25% of UK new non-domestic buildings for sustainability and includes a wide range of passenger improvements.

The majority of out-of-town services will be departing from the new bus station in Exeter and Stagecoach has produced a useful summary of the new station and from where buses will depart.

So if you're travelling to or from the new station look out for the changes and plan your journey in advance.


World Drowning Prevention Day 25 July Anyone can drown, no one should

First World Drowning Prevention Day   

The inaugural World Drowning Prevention Day takes place on Sunday, highlighting the impact of drowning on families and communities and steps which could be taken to improve water safety.

An estimated 236,000 people drown every year with more than 90% of deaths occurring in rivers, lakes, wells and domestic water storage vessels. Drowning is also a leading cause of death for children and young people below 24.

Actions to prevent drowning include controlling access to water; safe areas away from water for children to play; teaching swimming, water safety, safe rescue skills and resuscitation training

Take a look at this video on the RNLI website highlighting the importance of World Drowning Prevention Day.


Please think before calling 999.  Is it a life-threatening emergency?

Get the right treatment and help ease pressure on NHS

South Western Ambulance Service is asking people to call 999 only in a genuine, life-threatening emergency, following its busiest week on record when it responded to one incident every 26 seconds

Life-threatening emergencies where 999 should be called include:

  • Chest pain / breathing difficulties / heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Severe bleeding
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe burns or scalds
  • Serious head injuries
  • Major trauma such as a road traffic accident or a fall from height.

Choose the right service to get the best advice

Across the NHS, all parts of the service are under increased pressure as it copes with increasing coronavirus infections, staff having to isolate, and health problems related to the hot weather as it tries to catch up with the backlog of care.

Please visit your local pharmacy for advice on minor ailments which can be treated by over-the-counter medicines and leave Emergency Departments free to deal with urgent cases and GPs to support those who need help most.

The NHS website provides a wide range of advice for non-urgent cases and advice for treating childhood symptoms is available by the highly popular and well respected HANDi App

If medical support is still needed, then call 111 or go online and you will be put in touch with the best service to meet your needs.

Click or call 111first.Feeling ill or injured but it's not life threatening? Not sure where to turn?  Call 111 first or visit111.nhs.uk.

Shake up your summer! 10 minute shake up events for kids taking place in your area.  Disney images

Shake Up Your Summer!

Public Health England, supported by Sport England, has teamed up with Disney to help get kids active throughout the holidays by playing 10 Minute Shake Up games.

The games are inspired by some of their favourite characters from Disney Frozen,  Pixar Toy Story and, excitingly for the first time ever, Marvel! 1

The 10 Minute Shake Up campaign aims to inspire children to build confidence in being active, develop new and longer-term physical skills and, most importantly, have fun!

There are 16 fun, new Disney-themed games on the 10 Minute Shake Up website to add to the 100 plus games already available. The Disney sports quiz has also been updated and relaunched on the website to help parents find sports and activities their kids might enjoy.


#CoverUpMate cancer campaign

#CoverUpMate

The past few days of hot weather has reinforced the importance of staying cool and protecting yourself from the sun.

The NHS is encouraging people who work outdoors, such as farmers, builders, gardeners and people doing sport, to stay safe in the sun and help reduce the incidence of skin cancer.

As more of us are holidaying in the UK, the focus of the new #CoverUpMate campaign is on reminding people that it is important to wear sunscreen even in the UK, despite the typical British weather.

Over the past ten years Cancer Research statistics show that the rate of melanoma skin cancer among men in the UK has increased by almost 50% and 30% for women.

Although temperatures are dropping, the NHS website provides a range of guidance for coping in hot weather and the RSPCA has published a reminder of how to care for your dog in hot weather.


Devon Climate Emergency illustration

How do we tackle climate change?

Participants in the Devon Climate Assembly, which focused on transport, energy and land use to identify how we can best meet climate change challenges, have given positive feedback on their experiences

The Assembly consists of a representative sample of 70 Devon citizens from different social backgrounds, including young people over the age of 16, focusing on concerns raised in the recent draft carbon plan consultation.

A range of issues has been considered at the Assembly including how we can create a Devon where people and nature thrive, through measures such as warmer, more efficient homes, healthier and more active lifestyles, changing workplaces and emerging industries and ways to enhance wildlife in our urban and rural areas. 

Listen to any of the Assembly’s presentations and discussions on Devon Climate Emergency website. 

In finalising the Devon Carbon Plan, recommendations made by the Assembly will be considered by the Devon Climate Emergency partnership which includes all Devon’s local authorities.


Evidence shows that people who have been vaccinated against covod-19 are less likely to pass the virus on to others

Latest Government Covid-19 advice

The Government says Coronavirus remains a serious health risk and that it is  important to stay cautious and help protect yourself and others. It advises:

  • Meet up outside or if you’re indoors open windows or doors if you have visitors
  • If you think you might have COVID-19 symptoms, take a PCR test and stay home
  • Wear face coverings in crowded places to help protect others
  • Check in with the NHS COVID-19 app when you’re out
  • Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap
  • Get vaccinated if you are 18 or over.
It's still a legal requirement to self isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace

Updated specific Government guidance:


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