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The latest information and guidance to support you and our communities

Over 18?  Don't miss your vaccine!

Get your second dose sooner

Double vaccinated people have a 50-60% reduced risk of infection compared to those who are unvaccinated -- according to the results of one of the country’s largest studies into COVID-19 infections.

And with the latest data showing that infections are highest in those aged 20 to 29 and second highest in those aged 10 to 19 little wonder that more attention is being focused on boosting vaccinations amongst the young.

About two-thirds of young adults aged 18 to 29 have received one dose of the vaccine but with more young people suffering from Covid, the Government wants to increase take-up

Earlier this week the new chief executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard said that one in five people being admitted to hospital in England with COVID-19 is aged between 18 and 34 and that about 1,000 young adults were currently "really unwell" in hospital

The Government is stepping up its efforts to persuade more young people to get the jab.  Club-goers, university students and all young adults are being encouraged to get both doses without delay so they can get back to enjoying the things they have missed.

Don't miss out on your Covid jabs x2

From 16 August double vaccinated people will not need to self-isolate following close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and from September the Government says that to enter nightclubs and other large-scale events people will need to have two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Vaccines are saving lives, protecting people, and allowing us to regain some of the freedoms we’ve missed over the last 18 months – from visiting family abroad to dancing on a night out”.

Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England and NHS Improvement South West Medical Director, said: “It’s imperative everyone accesses their free vaccination. A huge amount of work has taken place in the South West to ensure you can access yours easily at vaccination centres, pharmacies, your GP and walk in centres.

“If you’re over 18 years old you’re entitled to it we urge you to come forward as soon as possible and get it done. It’s the only way to ensure you, your loved and our communities are protected.”

Grab a jab!

You can book your vaccination appointment today, using the online booking system, calling NHS 119 or attending a walk-in clinic.


housebuilding image

Last chance for planning feedback

Noon on Monday (9 August) is your last opportunity to influence which sites for housing and employment will be included in our updated Local Plan.

More than 2,000 people have already responded to the consultation which has been running for almost eight weeks. 

Executive Member for Planning, Cllr Gary Taylor said:  “I’d like to thank everyone who has responded so far, giving us not only their views but also valuable local information about the site options.

“I hope that in these last few days before the consultation closes, many more people will take the opportunity to look at the site options and to comment on them.  The more views we receive, the better informed the Local Plan will be.  Through completing the survey, everyone can make a difference.”

Most age groups are well represented in the feedback we have received so far but we are keen to hear from more 18 - 25 year olds given the likely impact of the Local Plan on them over the next 20 years.  If you know of someone in this age bracket please encourage them to get involved.

Cllr Taylor added:  “While some of the sites options proposed may be found unsuitable, it is important we do identify a sufficient number of viable sites to ensure that the growing needs of local residents and their families - homes, infrastructure, facilities and employment - can all be met over the next 20 years.”

As well as taking into account the range of views received in the consultation, we also have to ensure we meet the government's requirement to build 751 houses per year in the district and to provide a sufficient land supply to meet this number.

You can give your views on the site options at  teignbridge.gov.uk/localplanreview until noon on Monday and if you are responding by post, then please make sure your comments arrive before the deadline.


Trees shield people from ultra-violet rays, trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 per cent

Positive backing for tree strategy

Thank you to everyone who sent us feedback on our recently published Tree Strategy 2021-26: the right tree in the right place

Most respondents overwhelmingly backed the strategy in the survey that closed this week. Ninety-five percent of the 363 people who responded agreed that we should be investing in trees and planting more with 189 suggesting where more trees could be planted.

As well as promoting tree planting, most people wanted to see existing trees protected and managed, more trees in urban spaces and on verges and a focus on planting native trees.

More than 200 comments were submitted and once we have analysed these we will publish a summary of comments and how we plan to address them.


Be kind park with others in mind

Don't be a selfish parker...

Devon County Council is encouraging people to be careful about where they park over the summer months.

They are running a social media campaign #SelfishParking especially around the tourist hotspots asking people to plan ahead and to park with others in mind.

The campaign is stressing that it is not okay to obstruct the pavement, block someone’s driveway, park where lines and signs say not to, take up more than one space or park in designated bays where they are not eligible to park.


Don't lose your voice at future elections

Make sure you are registered to vote

We have sent e-mails, letters and texts to residents across the district asking them to check that our register of people entitled to vote in local or national elections is accurate.

You have until 12 August to respond before being sent a reminder.

A choice of different automated response options enable you to confirm the information we hold is correct or to advise us of any changes.  As part of the updating process, postal or proxy vote applications can be made at the same time.

The telephone and SMS response options can only be used to confirm that all the information we currently hold is correct and residents are encouraged to respond by:

  • Visiting the response website
  • Calling 0800 197 9871 and enter part 1 and part 2 of your security code
  • Texting NO CHANGE followed by your security code to 80212.

If you have moved house in the past year and you can register your new address online.

Once the canvass is completed, a revised Electoral Register will be published later in the year.

Further information about this process is on our website.


Speak up to stop rural crime.  Crinminal gangs exploit our local wildlife, environment and communities.  Your voice can make a difference

New campaign to combat rural crime

Crimestoppers this week launched a four week social media campaign to highlight rural crime, the problems it causes and to stop it by encourage more reporting.

The charity believes that rural communities are often aware of criminal activity, but for a variety of reasons may not want to talk to the police.

The campaign is focusing on rural residents, who may feel unsafe in their own homes; farm owners, who have to foot the bill for criminal damage; business owners, who want to help deter crime and visitors, who can be our eyes and ears to report what they see.

The charity is encouraging people to call 0800 556 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org to report crimes anonymously.


Community funding deadline

Groups seeking to take ownership of assets at risk of being lost to the community have until 13 August to apply for funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

Funds could be available to take over facilities such as post office buildings, pubs, shops, sporting and leisure facilities.  Applications should demonstrate a strong vision for the long-term future of the asset, its purpose and potential in community life, and a plan for how the asset can thrive under community ownership.


Britain's biggest free to watch spectator event visits Devon

Tour of Britain Devon Stage

The UK’s leading professional cycling race, The Tour of Britain is in Devon next month.

Over the past ten Devon stages, the race has brought in more than £41m to the Devon economy and showcased the county to a global media audience.

This year the county will host Stage Two of the 2021 Tour of Britain on Monday 6 September with a 185 kilometre (115 mile) route between Sherford and Exeter passing through Torcross at 12.40 and Moretonhampstead at 14.57.

Businesses and residents across Teignbridge will have the opportunity to come out and enjoy this spectacular cycling event as well as taking part in cycling related themes and events to mark the occasion.  

Win a pair of VIP tickets to the stage final by heading over to the DevonToB instagram page.


Are you a #OneStepGreener ambassador

Call for #OneStepGreener Ambassadors

In the run-up to COP26 (UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties), the Government wants to work with 26 #OneStepGreener Ambassadors – citizens who are going above and beyond for the climate.

You can apply or nominate someone to be a #OneStepGreener Ambassador. The Government says that the Ambassadors will become the voice of the UK public on climate change and will work closely with the government in the lead up to COP26.


Remember to open windows to help blow the virus away.  Let's keep life moving

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