Waste and recycling collections will not take place next weekend to allow our collection crews to celebrate with their friends and family. Full details of the adjusted schedule can be found on our website where you can also find your next collection date.
If you are planning a party we would recommend inviting guests to bring their own crockery, cutlery and glassware to reduce waste and avoid the need for use single use items. In order to reduce food waste, plan to cater for the number attending, distribute any leftovers between guests and remember you can use your freezer to give you more time to eat the leftovers.
If you find you have extra recycling following the weekend, please use our recycling banks and the recycling centre for your additional recycling.
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New Council Chair elected
The official inauguration of our new Chair of the Council took place at this week's Annual Council, as Councillor Colin Parker (pictured rhs) handed over the ceremonial chains to Cllr Charles Nuttall (pictured lhs)
This is the first time in the role for Cllr Nuttall, who is ward councillor for Kenn Valley, and he will be supported by Vice-Chair Cllr Chris Clarance. Cllr Nuttall will announce his consort and chosen charity for his year in office at the next Council meeting.
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Outgoing Chair Cllr Colin Parker said his year in office has been an honour and a privilege, and thanked all the staff and Members who have supported him over the year.
(pictured l-r Cllr Charles Nuttall, Chair; Cllr Chris Clarance, Vice Chair; Cllr Lorraine Evans, outgoing VC; Cllr Colin Parker, outgoing Chair)
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Council tax rebate
We have now finished the Council Tax Energy Rebate payments to direct debit payers. Around 33,000 households have received their payment direct to their bank account.
We are now in the process of writing out to remaining households to invite them to apply for the £150 Rebate. Applicants will be offered two options:
Option 1 – payment to their bank account
Option 2 – payment to their council tax account
The first letters are due to be issued on Monday (30 May). In total, around 13,000 households will be eligible to apply. In order to manage the volume of applications as efficiently as possible we will be distributing the letters over a number of days. We will keep you updated on progress in this weekly newsletter.
Once you receive your letter you will be able to apply using our online application form. You will not be able to proceed with an application until your letter has been issued.
Anyone unable to use online services can contact our Customer Support Centre for assistance.
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Teignbridge leisure centres shortlisted for major energy efficiency award
 A project to decarbonise our three leisure centres has been recognised for its energy efficiency and carbon reduction credentials.
We've been shortlisted for the Large Scale Project at the South West Energy Efficiency Awards later in May, in partnership with Leisure Energy.
A combined carbon emission reduction target of 280 tonnes or 51% has been estimated at Teignmouth Lido, Broadmeadow Sports Centre & Newton Abbot Leisure Centre once all the works are complete
New funding will strengthen Garden Community involvement
Local communities will continue to be closely involved over the next two years in developing the Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton Garden Community programme - thanks to another successful national funding bid to Government.
The award of £414,000 to the project will also help turn into reality the Garden Community vision of ’creating a healthier, happier and greener future.
We've already been recognised by the Local Government Association for the work we've done to engage local communities in developing the garden community programme through using a blend of digital channels – using targeted social media, a quality website, and engaging, interactive zoom workshops for residents and local stakeholders.
This engagement process is shortly to begin the next stage, building on the innovative approach already developed.
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Parent support sessions almost sold out
The final remaining tickets are still available for the hugely popular parenting support webinars aimed at parents and carers of teenagers returning next month (15, 22 and 29 June).
The Let's Talk Teenagers programme, which started out as a pilot project in Teignbridge and South Devon, has been so successful that it's receiving interest from around the UK and overseas. It's fresh approach to open, honest conversations and understanding the issues and challenges that young people face as they're growing up, was so popular on the first 3-session course, that the organisers are running a second, in order to accommodate requests.
The 90 minute sessions cover issues like drugs and alcohol, body image, mental health, social risks and peer pressure. Please visit devon.cc/teenagers to find out more about each session and book your free place.
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RNLI launches Bank Holiday water safety campaign
 The RNLI and HM Coastguard have launched a water safety campaign as figures reveal over 11 million people visited south west beaches last summer. With a recent survey revealing 35 million people are planning to visit UK coastal regions this summer, the charity’s lifesavers are expecting a busy summer ahead.
In a survey commissioned by the RNLI, 86% of the UK adult population (aged 16-64) expect to visit the UK coast or use the beach or sea between now and the end of September, this is up from 75% this time last year. 42% are expected to go three times or more.
Ahead of the Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend and half-term holidays, the RNLI and HM Coastguard are urging everyone to remember that if you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. To do this: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.
There were 277 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2021, across inland and coastal locations, an increase of 23 from the previous year. 40% of people had no intention to enter the water, such as those walking, with causes including slips, trips and falls, being cut off by the tide, or swept in by waves.
For further information on the water safety campaign visit the RNLI website where you can also find out which local beaches are lifeguarded by the RNLI.
Staying healthy over the Jubilee weekend
As the country prepares to celebrate the historic Platinum Jubilee, the NHS in Devon is reminding people where to get help if they need it and to ensure they have enough prescription medication for the double bank holiday.
The NHS expects to experience similar extra pressures to those typically seen over the long bank holiday at Easter, with many GP practices closed on the public holidays and more people out enjoying the outdoors. If people are visiting Devon over half term, they can contact their practice back home for an online consultation and advice during practice opening hours in the run up to the bank holiday.
Pharmacies will be open over the long weekend and you can find opening times for your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website. If you need further care or medication, NHS 111 advisors will direct you to the most appropriate service, book appointments and check opening times for your nearest Minor Injury Unit or Urgent Treatment Centre.
If you need emergency care, NHS 111 advisors will arrange for you to be seen at a local Emergency Department.
 Autumn COVID-19 booster jab advice announced
There is just over a month left of the Spring booster; although people who are eligible will still be able to have their booster after the end of June.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has provided interim advice to government last week on an autumn booster dose.
The boosters are likely to be for more vulnerable adults, alongside frontline social care and health workers, care home residents and people over 65, to maintain their protection over the winter against severe COVID-19. More details will be available nearer the time.
Want to improve walking and cycling access to Dartmoor?
Do you live along or visit the A38 Corridor of the National Park and want to improve the walking and cycling opportunities available in this area? Our Recreation and Access Team would like to hear your thoughts on how we can improve the public rights of way network to help make better connections to green space and the towns along the corridor. Come and talk to us and share your thoughts and ideas. We will be at the following locations: Bovey Tracey: Tuesday 31st May 10.00 – 13.00 Fore Street Co-op Ivybridge: Wednesday 1st June 09.30 – 14.00 outside the Watermark Centre Buckfastleigh Festival of Nature: Saturday 4th June 14.00 – 17.00 River Dart Country Park Picnic in the Park: Sunday 5th June 10.00 – 16.00
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And finally....
We're taking a break next week for the Jubilee weekend so there will be no residents' newsletter, but in the meantime we wish all our residents, businesses and communities a relaxing and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.
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