We've now received the final version of a report written by a review team of independent local government members and officers on behalf of the Local Government Association, who visited us earlier this year.

We invited the team in to give us an independent view of how we're performing, what we're doing well, and what we could be doing better. We felt this would give us a clear idea on where we'd need to focus our efforts to improve the lives of our residents and communities.

A summary and response to the report is on our news page.

Since the review was carried out, we've already been addressing some of the early recommendations made, particularly around community engagement and developing our corporate strategy. A conference for town and parish councils took place last week and engagement workshops on our new One Teignbridge strategy will begin next week, and we're involving residents, businesses and community leaders. If you'd like to get involved - find out more on our website.

We are also looking at ways we can enable closer collaboration between officers and members, to improve the way decisions are made.

We're now working on an action plan which will detail what we plan to do and when, and we'll be sharing this with all our partners and residents once this is complete.

Work will begin on Tuesday 2 April to provide phase 1 of a new route connecting Newton Abbot and Ogwell which adds to the growing network of safe and sustainable travel routes across the area.

Once phase 2 is also delivered (subject to further funding), this will create a safe and convenient walking, cycling and wheeling route through Bakers Park (pictured), Beverley Way and Bunting Close into Ogwell, increasing opportunities for families to be active, enjoy nature and reduce their car journeys to school or work, or to the town centre’s facilities. The project also includes road improvements at Steppes Meadow, which will benefit all road users. 

These works will mean the temporary closure of Bakers Park car park and Steppes Meadow for four to six weeks, depending on weather. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Nearby off-street parking can be found at Bradley Lane and Venture Court, both accessed via Bradley Lane or see our interactive car parks map for more information.

Work to remove three groynes (16-18) from the seafront at Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve will take place next week.

The three are being removed for safety reasons and the contractors appointed by the Environment Agency have been given access to the rail track tomorrow night (Sat 23)  to crane equipment over the railway as the bridge is too small to enable them to take equipment under the line.

The work to remove the groynes is expected to be completed before the Easter bank holiday weekend and the contractors will do all they can to minimise any disruption to visitors to that part of the beach.

One of our cleansing team took Devon's media channels by storm this week, when her social media posts took off!

Shaldon cleansing operative Dawn Kiff has enjoyed near celebrity status since she started sharing photos and videos of her feathered friends accompanying her on her rounds.

And the family of robins, whom she's named Robby and Rosie, now look out for her for their morning treats, and will sit on her head and hand, and even sing to her. 

Did you know a typical detached Victorian house loses up to 40% of its heat through uninsulated walls?

Find out how to retrofit your home with energy efficient methods to reduce your bills, create a comfortable, healthy home and lower carbon emissions.

Energy Saving Devon has launched a FREE retrofit guide to help – download it today!

Owning a property is an asset but it also comes with its fair share of expenses. From essential upgrades like roof repairs, new electrics, and boiler replacements to bathroom and kitchen renovations, the need for financing can be a significant challenge.  You may even want to reduce your carbon emissions by installing solar panels and batteries or investing in other renewable energy measures.

Did you know that we offer a loan scheme ranging from £1,000 up to £20,000 with a 4% fixed interest rate, regardless of the amount you borrow or the loan term? This initiative aims to provide homeowners with accessible financing solutions for essential property improvements and renewable energy measures.

We work closely with Lendology CIC, who understand the challenges homeowners face when funding property repairs and adaptations. As a B Corp, social enterprise and council-funded lender, Lendology CIC disrupt traditional lending practices by providing accessible financing solutions with decisions made by people, for people.

Find out more at www.lendology.org.uk or phone 01823 461099 for an informal discussion with Lendology.

Notices for the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections on May 2 have now been published by Plymouth City Council.

Tracey Lee, the Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council, has been appointed as the Devon and Cornwall Police Area Returning Officer (PARO) for the P&CC election.

Tracey Lee will have overall responsibility for co-ordinating and running the election across the Devon and Cornwall police area.

Local Returning Officers (LROs) at local authority level will have responsibility for overseeing arrangements in their areas.

Both PARO and LROs are independent officers, appointed from both central and local government.

In the Devon and Cornwall Police area, there are 12 local authorities.

The Electoral Commission is responsible for providing guidance and setting out the process of the election.

The hidden wildlife of Dawlish’s Langdon Hospital is being captured on camera for patients and the public to see.

Two special wildlife cameras have been installed in the hospital’s grounds and the first video footage is expected any day. The first still images of a badger, fox and rabbit have just been shared. The hospital has extensive grounds and is a haven for wildlife.

The special cameras have been funded by the DPT Charity. Patients from the hospital, run by Devon Partnership NHS Trust, have been involved in setting-up the cameras and are already helping another project by planting hedgerow trees. Both projects help to bring patients closer to nature and provide a connection to the outside world. As a secure mental health hospital, many patients do not have the freedom to experience nature in the same way that most of us take for granted.  The hedgerow project is also increasing biodiversity on the hospital grounds.

The DPT Charity funds projects that go beyond what the NHS can pay for. These projects enhance what can be offered and make a real difference for patients and staff. The video footage will be shared on the DPT YouTube channel.

The stories of the River Dart’s angling community are being shared for the first time in a new exhibition. 

Dartmoor’s National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown is hosting the exhibition focusing on stories, histories, memories and archival material from the Dart Angling Association (DAA). 

A Portrait of Place: The River Dart Anglers is a collaborative research project between the University of Plymouth and the DAA. The exhibition highlights the anglers’ longstanding relationship with the Dart, their unique cultural heritage and how they are helping to protect the iconic river’s wildlife and habitats. 

It runs from Wednesday 20 March until Wednesday 24 July during centre opening hours. It is free to attend.