Residents' update: keeping you informed

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The latest information and guidance to support you and our communities

Are you and your family up to date with your Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations?

Boost your immunity this winter with the flu vacicne  + Covid-19 booster.  Get vaccinated. Get boosted. Get protected.

With winter just around the corner and the usual bugs starting to circulate, yesterday’s news that Covid cases were at levels last seen in July underlines the importance of staying alert and doing what we can to prevent its spread.

On top of coping with Covid-19, there are fears that we could face a significant flu surge with colder weather bringing greater transmission and darker nights increasing social contact indoors where there is less ventilation. Don’t forget our immunity is lower because we were socially isolated for much of last year.

Devon NHS is reminding everyone that getting their COVID and flu vaccinations gives them the best possible protection against these deadly illnesses, protecting not only themselves but also friends, families and work colleagues.

12-15 year olds can now receive their Covid-19 vaccines

As part of efforts to boost the proportion of the population vaccinated, changes have been made to make it easier to be jabbed.

Young people aged 12 to 15 can now book a jab at a vaccination centre as an alternative to being vaccinated at school. 

The nearest centres to Teignbridge are Home Park, Plymouth, PL2 3DQ; Greendale Vaccination Centre, Exeter EX5 1EW; and the English Riviera Centre, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ.

A range of guidance has been published for parents and children and young people and a new website, Everything Covid, has been set up to engage young people.

The Covid-19 vaccine protects you and those around you.  Don't delay in getting your vaccine when it is offered to you

Those eligible for a COVID-19 booster now don’t need to wait to be contacted by the NHS and can book an appointment online,  providing six months and one week have passed since they received their second Covid jab. Information about the booster has been published.

The changes come as pressures increase on the NHS and health experts are warning the combined effect of flu and Covid 19 has the potential to lead to serious illness or even hospitalisation.   In this video, Dr Amir Khan, Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Karan Ranj explain why it is essential to be vaccinated and if you are over 50, the importance of taking up your free flu vaccination as well as your Covid-19 booster.

Three cliniciansHM Government.  Let's keep life moving.  Fresh air, testing, face coverings, App, Handwashing gov.uk/coronavirus

Council leader statement on the late Sir David Amess, MP

“This last week has been one of shock, disbelief and reflection, as we come to terms with the tragic death of Southend on Sea MP, Sir David Amess. I met him once many years ago. He was always a passionate and committed local MP. 

"I’m sure we all send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at what is for them and so many, an extraordinarily difficult time.

"This senseless killing, and those of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, bring into sharp focus some of the weighty problems we are experiencing as a society.  As politicians, we are well used to rigorous debate, challenge, scrutiny and opposition of our views.  There is, however, no political, cultural or religious divide that cannot be bridged through peaceful means.  

"We all have a role to play in creating safe environments and challenging behaviour that threatens people, and we should all feel free to go about our daily lives and business without fear of attack.”

Cllr Alan Connett


Image of Newton Abbot

Consultation to launch on Newton Abbot community speed scheme 

From Monday (25 October) everyone who visits, lives or works in Newton Abbot are being asked to give their views on a 20 miles-per-hour speed limit.

An online consultation will be available through a link on the new Newton Abbot 20 website (not live till Monday).  Additionally, ‘paper’ surveys are available at Newton’s Place and in Newton Abbot Library.

The survey consists of 25 questions including an interactive map which depicts the initial ideas for the scope of the scheme. The map will give respondents an opportunity to leave their suggestions regarding the extents and boundaries of the speed scheme. On the paper version the public are asked to write their comments in the comments section.

In addition to the interactive map, questions will include asking people’s attitudes towards a 20mph speed limit outside publicly accessible buildings such as schools, nurseries, and GP surgeries.

Other questions will ask if respondents believe a 20mph speed limit would make them feel safer when cycling or walking and if speeding is an issue in the town.

The consultation survey, which people will be able to access from Monday through the new Newton Abbot 20 website runs until Thursday November 25.


Wild about Teignbridge webinar recording

Working together to protect wildlife in Teignbridge 

Representatives of district, town and parish councils came together last week in a ‘Wild about Teignbridge’ webinar workshop aimed at safeguarding wildlife in local areas. 

Organised jointly by Teignbridge District Council and Action on Climate in Teignbridge, local wildlife wardens and council officers joined the webinar for a wide ranging, lively discussion highlighting the many examples of good work being undertaken across the district and what else could be done 

The four main presentations (select a link to see each) covered a Connecting to Nature Project, the Wildlife Warden SchemeDawlish Countryside Park and Ridge Top Park SANGS and the Wild about Devon Project  

As well as sharing information and ideas the prime objective was to create links between the Town and Parish Councils and Action on Climate in Teignbridge and in particular the wild life wardens – who can offer town and parish councils help and advice. 


Lighting columns

Lighting columns to be removed from Teignmouth seafront

Testing has identified safety concerns over 10 lighting columns in Teignmouth resulting in them having to be removed over the coming days.

Devon is liaising with Teignmouth Town Council and us over their removal and will be working to replace them as soon as possible.


Adoption week 2021 logo

Understanding the adoption process

Running until Sunday 23 October, this annual event aims to increase understanding of today’s adoption process, providing an honest and inclusive portrayal of what it is like to adopt.

Devon County Council has produced a ‘Let's talk about adoption’ update which contains an animated video featuring the voices of six people whose lives have been changed as a result of adoption.

Family homes are being sought for nearly 60 children in the South West so if you are interested in finding out more you can get in touch with your local adoption agency Adopt South West or Families for Children.


Want to get out and about - autumnal activities you might enjoy

With clocks going back next week, Halloween and Guy Fawkes night fast approaching, our green spaces team has a range of fun activity to enjoy.

  • Homeyards is running a Get Ready for Halloween event tomorrow (23 October) for children who will be able to enjoy making lanterns and masks; taking part in a scavenger hunt and even planting their own bulbs!
  • At Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve next Thursday (28 October) visitors can join in a hunt for autumn treasure boxes
  • Dawlish Countryside Park is hosting a Spooky Arts & Crafts drop-in on 31 October

From November, a new 60 minute Teignmouth Walk This Way wellbeing walk will be held on Tuesdays starting at.10.30.  Participants should meet at Teignmouth Lighthouse TQ14 8BN. Contact Chrissie Drew for more information about this and all our free walks in the district.

Posters promoting different autumnal activities

sparkler being held

Staying safe with fireworks

With bonfire night not far away, national safety guidance has been published on how to use fireworks responsibly.

Fireworks should be bought from licenced in-store and online retailers and not from unknown retailers on social media sites.  It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks and people planning to use fireworks are urged the Firework Code.

Further information is on our website.


Solar panels in a field

Grants for businesses with projects to drive green growth

Devon’s Economy Enterprise and Skills service has launched its Green Innovation Fund as part of its economic recovery programme.

The £900,000 funding pot has been set up to support clean growth in Devon and is open to ideas from local businesses across a range of sectors

Grants from around £25,000 to £200,000 are available for the most innovative projects which align with the Devon Climate Plan and can demonstrate economic benefits, generating new jobs, apprenticeships, training opportunities, or business creation as well as measurable environmental benefits, such as carbon savings.

More information is on Devon's website and expressions of interest are initially being sought before Monday 8 November.


Self Assessment deadline countdown begins

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding Self Assessment customers that on Sunday 24 October, they have one week left to submit paper tax returns and 100 days to go for online tax returns.

The Self Assessment tax return deadlines for 2020/21 tax year are 31 October 2021 for paper returns and 31 January 2022 if customers complete their tax return online

If customers submit their completed tax return now, they do not have to pay any tax owed until 31 January 2022. Anyone who is worried about how to pay their bill can access support on GOV.UK.


Countryside image

Free advice and business skills development to help farmers 

It’s not too late for farmers and landowners to register to attend an information workshop aimed at helping them prepare for the Agricultural Transition period which runs up to the end of 2027 as the government phases out EU funded Direct Payments and introduces a new system.

Funded by Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund and operated by Devon Business Information Point,  those who attend the workshops but need some further support, will be offered one-to-one support to provide business analysis, financial diagnostics and the opportunity to develop a bespoke action plan.

More information is on Devon's website and anyone who wants to find out more about the programme in the Heart of the South West should contact farmingresilience@devon.gov.uk.

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