Residents Update: keeping you informed

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The latest information and guidance to support you and our communities

Covid enhanced response update - numbers drop in Teignbridge but death rates rise across Devon

The number of Covid positive cases is falling fairly sharply across Devon, since the area was designated an Enhanced Response Area (ERA) last week.

The drop in case numbers is likely to be partly due to the end of the summer holiday season and the reduced number of visitors to the area.  But with schools returning this week, it is likely that they will go up again in the coming weeks, despite the additional precautions announced by Director of Public Health Steve Brown, in response to the ERA designation

Sadly, the number of deaths across Devon has also increased, with 17 reported across the whole Devon area this week.  There is also an increase in the number of cases in care homes, including people who have been double-vaccinated. 

The current case rates are 354.1 per 100k in Devon.  This compares to 318.4 in England.  Delta is now the dominant variant so there is currently no need for surge testing despite the high numbers.The majority of cases continues to be among those who are not vaccinated  in the aged 10-19 year category. 

Public Health Devon has said it will increase the number of pop up vaccination sites across the county, and we are currently seeking vaccination facilities within the Teignbridge area for the remaining 47% of young people aged 16/17 across Teignbridge who have not yet had their vaccination.

To support the ERA, the government is providing an Advan to cover priority areas across Devon and encouraging people to continue to follow the guidelines below.

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Covid-19 Alert.  Cases are high, please take precautions

Waste recycling lorry

We're sorry - and please bear with us while disruptions continue

Due to the ongoing issues, unfortunately our waste teams are still running behind on a number of recycling rounds, but thanks to a huge effort from all the staff involved, are aiming to get most up to date over the weekend.  

There is now a page on our website which explains the reasons for these delays and what we are doing to minimise the impact, and please keep an eye on Twitter, Facebook and Next Door for updates on our collection rounds.


world suicide prevention day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. It can affect every one of us. Each and every suicide is devastating and has a profound impact on those around them. However, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.

Locally, Devon has seen a rise in reported cases since 2018, with suicide rates in the county – 12 people per 100,000 of the population – higher than the average in England and the South West.

Men aged 45 to 49, and women aged 50 to 54 had the highest suicide rates in England and Wales in 2019, according to the Samaritans.  The rate for men aged 45 to 49 was 25.5 per 100,000 and the rate for women aged 50 – 54 was 7.4 per 100,000.

wspd hopeful

World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action through proven means that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.  This year's theme is 'Creating Hope Through Action’ - a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

Preventing suicide is often possible and we can all play a part. Through action, we can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments - as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide. 

If you or someone close to you is experiencing difficulties you can find support from Samaritans, or through Talkworks, the Devon Partnership Trust mental health service.

There is guidance from Mind about how to talk to someone who is having suicidal thoughts.

You can also visit  the Devon Public Health suicide prevention advice 'It's safe to Talk About Suicide' 


Junior classes are back at Teignbridge Leisure centres

junior football

Our leisure services are now running a full programme of activities for the younger members, following the reopening of centres. 

The centres provide friendly and experienced instructors to induct, guide and develop children's ability to ensure they get the most out of their workout. The programme of exercise classes teach children the exercise basics and build their coordination, confidence, social skills, and more importantly, having fun with the aim to improve and develop a healthy and active lifestyle. Classes are available at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, Broadmeadow Sports Centre and Dawlish Leisure Centre.

For the full list of junior exercise classes, please visit the Teignbridge Leisure website or App

Join our team

Join our dynamic and friendly team!

We are currently looking for enthusiastic candidates to join our friendly and professional leisure team in the following positions:

  • Swimming Teachers.
  • Leisure Assistants.
  • Class Instructors.

These are customer facing roles therefore we are looking for candidates who are customer focused, with a passion for the leisure industry. We want our customers and employees to have the best experience possible.

A genuine smile and an ability to connect with others is a great start. You love dealing with different types of people and are ready to work as part of a team. High levels of energy are vital. You’re efficient at getting things done, but that doesn’t mean you skip on the details. You like to get things right – every time.

If this sound like you, we want to hear from you. 

For all our job vacancies, please view our job portal


Chairman hosts 999 Day flag raising event

emergency services day

Council Chairman Colin Parker led a service yesterday, to raise the National Emergency Services flag and hold a two-minute silence at Old Forde House, to mark Emergency Services Day.

In his speech Cllr Parker paid tribute to the more than 7,500 emergency services personnel who have been killed in the line of duty in the past 200 years.


great big green week

Great big green week comes to Teignbridge

Watch out for Newton Abbot's first electric vehicle roadshow on Saturday 25 September as part of the Great Big Green Week - a nationwide campaign to highlight the need for urgent action on climate and nature ahead of COP26, the United Nations climate talks, later this year in Glasgow.

Taking place between 18-26 September, the Great Big Green Week campaign will see thousands of people across the UK organising local festivals and events. The campaign aims to draw attention to climate change and the destruction of the natural world, while also making a connection with these issues in communities like Newton Abbot, at the same time as showcasing actions to tackle climate change.

The electric vehicle event, organised by Action on Climate in Teignbridge (ACT), in association with ChargeWorks, a local electric vehicle consultancy, runs from 10am until 4pm by the clock tower in Newton Abbot.  Teignbridge Council staff will also be on hand to talk about our commitment to tackle climate change.

Other events across Teignbridge during Great Big Green Week, include ‘The Great Big Green Dawlish Lawn Event' on 18 September. 


Next step in the process for Bradley Lane regeneration

bradley lane map

Plans to redevelop a key brownfield site adjacent to the town centre in Newton Abbot for new homes will move a step closer, when they are considered by Teignbridge Council’s Executive next week (September 16).

The proposal will deliver more than the policy requirements of 20% affordable housing, improve pedestrian and cycle routes into the town centre, Bakers Park and the Bradley estate and potentially a bus link into the town centre.  The proposal will also boost flood resilience in the town centre, and meet the council’s ambition to reduce its carbon emissions targets.


healthy start

Teignbridge families offered a free healthy start!

Families across Teignbridge can sign up to receive a free seasonal fruit and vegetable box this Autumn as part of the national Healthy Start Scheme.

Devon County Council is running a promotional initiative this autumn to raise awareness of the national Healthy Start scheme. Healthy Start provides eligible pregnant women and families with children under four with financial support for fruit and veg, pulses, cows’ milk, and infant formula, as well as free vitamins.

Only about 50% of those eligible in Devon are currently signed up so we're supporting DCC to get as many people as possible get this support in the Teignbridge area. The Healthy Start scheme is also going digital later on in autumn, and people who are eligible will need to apply on the new system, even those who are currently signed up. This means some may lose their support if they are unaware of the changes and the need to re-apply.

The Get a Healthy Start! promotion will provide a FREE seasonal fruit and veg box for those who are eligible for Healthy Start within the Devon County Council area. Boxes can be ordered directly by families and will be delivered in October. The promotional box will contain the following:

  • An essential guide booklet with nutritious recipes, information on Healthy Start and actions to take, and signposting to other resources
  • Fun 10 minute shake-up games for children
  • Breastfeeding support information

More information including eligibility criteria and how to order can be found on the Devon healthy start website. 2500 boxes are available and orders can be taken until 24 September, or until all boxes are allocated.


South West Ambulance Service demand pressures

swahst logo

South West Ambulance Service is currently facing the highest ever demand on its 999 service and has declared a major incident.

Will Warrender, Chief Executive of South Western Ambulance Service, said: “We are currently experiencing unprecedented sustained demand on our 999 service.

“If you need an emergency ambulance because you are seriously injured or unwell, and you believe your life is at risk, call us on 999.

“So we can continue to help those with the most serious conditions, we need everyone’s help – please do not call us for non-life threatening emergencies. Alternative services are available, including 111 who can be contacted by phone or online for medical assistance and advice.

“Our teams are working incredibly hard day and night to be there for those who need us, but we need everyone’s help to enable us to reach patients who need our help as quickly as possible.”

Please support this vital service by only dialling 999 in the event of a life threatening condition and choosing your medical care wisely.


Winter flu vaccination programme delayed

Recent reports suggest that the flu vaccination may be delayed by two weeks because of the shortage of HGV drivers.

Some GPs across Devon are already having to postpone flu jabs as they do yet have supplies, and patients will be contacted direct.


Live in the Newton Abbot area?  Want to walk or cycle more?  Tell us what you need.

cycling

There's still time to tell us what's important to you to enable you to walk or cycle more in and around Newton Abbot.  We're asking local people for their views on the current travel network in the area, where the gaps are, and how we, and Devon County Council, should invest in green travel in the future.

The consultation runs until 1 October, and you can have your say by:

🚲  Completing the online questionnaire - please note this is now the correct link on the Devon County Council and our own website. Paper copies of the questionnaire are available on request.

🚲   Attending one of two webinars taking place at 5pm on 14 and 22 September 

🚲  Joining a virtual ‘drop-in’ event from 4pm to 6pm on 21 September

🚲  emailing the project team: transportplanning@devon.gov.uk


School street scheme adopted by Newton Abbot primary

girl cycling to school

A Teignbridge primary school is one of three across Devon starting the school year with a permanent traffic restriction in place.

Bradley Barton Primary in Newton Abbot has adopted the “School Streets” measures to restrict traffic outside the school during drop off and pick up times.

The primary have been taking part in a scheme trial over the past year, and has found that restricting motor vehicle access outside the school entrance at the start and end of the school day has reduced congestion and pollution, creating a calmer, safer and more pleasant environment and allowing children to travel to and from school in more active ways.

Devon County Council is making the measures permanent following positive feedback to its consultation earlier this year on the School Streets closures, with 86% of parents who responded wanting the measures made permanent.

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