As Covid-19 legal restrictions are lifted, Devon’s Director of Public Health Steve Brown has urged people to be cautious as we move out of Plan B.
“Case rates are still high and it is important that people understand that this announcement is not one of ‘freedom day’, but a reverting back to plan A,” he said.
“Omicron is by no means a mild virus, and the symptoms to those who are unvaccinated or who have underlying health concerns can be extremely serious if not life threatening.
“So while the Prime Minister is indicating light towards the end of the tunnel, my advice is that we are not yet out of the woods. We must stay vigilant and alert to risk that is still around us."
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 Under the changes announced by the Prime Minister earlier this week:
- The government is no longer asking people to work from home
- Wearing face coverings is no longer advised for staff and pupils in secondary school and college classrooms
- From 27 January: Face coverings will no longer be advised for staff and pupils in communal areas of secondary schools, nor for staff in communal areas of primaries.
- From 27 January: Venues and events will no longer be required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass
- From 27 January: There is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering.
The government is suggesting that you continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.
Water classifications unchanged
The new bathing water classifications have been published based on monitoring data collected by the Environment Agency between May and September last year.
And the good news is that there has been no change in the quality of our beaches from the previous year, with all being classed as “excellent” other than Dawlish Town which remains good.
As measured at our wave buoy off Dawlish, water temperature is currently a chilly 9.5oC, so if you are sea swimming from our excellent beaches this winter be prepared for that initial sharp intake of breath!
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Busy tree planting week ahead
 Our Green Spaces team has organised the planting of more than 1,700 native trees next week.
This is in line with our five year Tree Strategy - The right tree in the right place which was agreed last November and included a commitment to more tree planting.
Trees will be planted at three sites:
- Sandringham Park, Newton Abbot - 450 trees to be planted building on the recent plantation of over 1,000 young trees over the last two years
- Dawlish Leisure Centre - 750 trees being planted following the plantation of over 1,000 young trees over the last two years
- Eagle Farm, Kingsteignton 500 young trees being planted to create a new plantation.
The trees have been donated by the Devon Woodland Trust and the species mix includes: Alder, Blackthorn, Birch, Grey Willow, Hawthorn, Oak, Rowan, Bird Cherry, Wild Cherry, and Whitebeam. Volunteer groups have been contacted and invited to help.
16 individual larger trees have been donated by Idverde (our main Grounds Maintenance Contractor) in support of our Climate and Ecological Emergency. These will be planted across Teignbridge’s parks.
The Friends of Eastcliff Park will be planting 80 whips to create a new hedge this week and planting of new scrub and copses will take place at Ridgetop Park this tree planting season.
Local Plan consultation closes Monday
Our extended 10 week consultation on the latest stage in the local plan review closes at noon on Monday (24 January).
Please take a look at the proposals and let us have your views on possible renewable energy sites as well as site options for small new housing development and for a new gypsy and travellers’ site.
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Tuesday deadline for budget survey
Noon on Tuesday is the deadline for you to tell us whether or not you agree with our budget priorities. Please also tell us how satisfied you are with council services and Teignbridge as a place to live. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete.
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Calling all parents living or working in Devon
Whether you use childcare or not, Devon County Council wants to hear your views in its 2022 parents child care survey.
It only takes a few minutes to complete and your answers will help their early years and childcare team to plan and make sure that there is enough childcare for you to work or train.
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Launch of Devon’s £9.3m Community Renewal Fund programme
Devon County Council’s successful bid on behalf of the Team Devon partnership to the Community Renewal Fund was announced by the Government in late November, with the £9.3 million funding allocation the largest in the UK for a single area.
The investment will support 13 innovative projects over the next six months, including a range of employment and training, environmental and community investment across Devon through to mid-2022.
South West Energy Hub’s Green Homes Grant scheme
Residents can benefit from free energy efficiency improvements worth up to £10,000 from the Green Homes Grant scheme, hosted by the West of England Combined Authority, working with E.ON and Happy Energy Solutions.
The range of energy saving schemes which could attract financial support are:
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- Loft Insulation
- Underfloor Insulation
- High Retention Storage Heaters
- Air Source Heat Pump alongside Smart Meter Heating Controls
- Solar PV Panels (Photovoltaics)
Owner-occupiers do not need to pay towards the costs of the work, subject to survey.
Tenants of rented properties can also access grants of up to £5,000 for energy efficiency upgrades but their landlord will be expected to contribute at least one third towards the cost of works.
To be eligible for the grants residents must receive benefits or have a household income below £30,000 per annum and the EPC for the property must be rated D, E, F or G.
If you’re struggling to keep your home warm and you think you might be eligible, you can submit an application online.
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Beachcomber on the market
Marketing of the former Beachcomber Restaurant in Teignmouth, which has been closed for some time, is now underway through specialist property agents Bettesworths, acting on our behalf.
Cllr Richard Keeling, Executive Member for Corporate Resources said he was delighted that this prime seafront site was now on the market. “By relocating the toilets and making the whole building available for let, we believe we have created the flexibility which will appeal to prospective tenants.
“Our aim is to let the building as quickly as possible and we are excited about the opportunities it can offer. Its reopening will benefit residents from the town and surrounding areas as well as boosting the tourist economy.”
The marketing particulars and drone footage to support the marketing of the property are now available, and rental bids for the new 20 year lease must be submitted to Bettesworths by 2pm on 16 March.
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Formal opening of Coach Road 3G all-weather pitch
Managing Director Phil Shears and Executive Member for Sport, Recreation and Culture Cllr John Nutley attended the official opening of the 3G artificial all weather football pitch at Coach Road, Newton Abbot.
The project was part funded through a £100k community development (CiL) funding by Teignbridge Council, to provide a state of the art facility that meets local need, and can be used by the whole community, from children aged three to senior level who play walking football.
Devon County FA, which runs the pitch, will be developing a programme of activity over the next two years to increase the number of people who access the facilities for education and training.
Cllr Nutley said: “It is a fantastic facility that can be enjoyed by all. Coach Road is the home of football in Devon, they have worked hard to deliver a premier grassroots football facility in Devon which provides the local community of Newton Abbot daily access to a state of the art facility. Teignbridge was a funding partner on their application to the Football Foundation and gave 100k from Section 106 contributions.”
Online health services consultation
As part of the NHS X Rural Digital Health Inequalities project, Devon Communities Together are looking to speak to people about their experiences of online GP and hospital consultations.
The feedback will help health professionals in Devon to improve these services and the consultation is focused mainly on older patients and people who have experience of chronic respiratory disease; COPD; early cancer diagnosis (screening and early referral); gastroenterology; maternity; mental health conditions and MSK (painful bone and joint conditions).
There will be two focus group sessions, via Zoom, on Friday 28 January 11.30am-12.30pm or Monday 31 January 1.30-2.30pm. Participants will get a chance to share their thoughts about online consultations and find out how they can get help with these.
If you want to be involved email Laura Dixon, text or call her on 07943 861420.
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Growth Hub service for all
 Thrive, a new business support programme has been launched by the Heart of the South West Growth Hub offering a range of business training and support services for the self-employed and small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
Thrive will offer a free diagnostic and training service, with up to 12 hours of tailor-made support that will enable businesses to improve and grow. Enrolled businesses will be able to access 1-2-1 support, webinars and specialist support around topics such as digital skills, finance, marketing, HR, business planning and more.
Sign up to our business brief newsletter for more information and support for your businesses.
Holocaust Memorial Day 2022
Every year 27 January marks Holocaust Memorial Day, reminding us of the unparalleled horrors of the six million Jews murdered in the World War ll, as well as subsequent genocides in for example Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The Holocaust Memorial Trust will be streaming an online ceremony, running from 7-8 pm and it is asking households across the UK to light candles and place them in their windows to remember those who were murdered and as a stand against prejudice and hatred.
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Weekday GWR Sleeper service stopped by Parsons Tunnel work
Starting on Monday for eight weeks, Network Rail will be working overnight to construct a 209m rockfall shelter extension north of Parsons Tunnel, to improve the safety of the railway line between Dawlish and Holcombe as part of its £37.4m resilience project.
The shelter is designed to protect the railway line from rocks falling from the cliff face above.
Ground conditions mean that all piling must be done by a specialist piling rig from the track resulting in GWR’s Night Riviera Sleeper service between London and Penzance being suspended from Monday to Thursday, but the service will continue to operate as advertised on Friday and Sundays.
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