Squirrels, floods and a new councillor for Teignbridge
Our Elections Team and its band of poll clerks, supervisors, counters and other support staff were out in force yesterday (Thursday 2 May) running polling stations across Teignbridge.
The overnight storms caused damage across the district, and some polling station staff had to wade to their stations at Dawlish Warren, as floods blocked the entry to the station.
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The Police and Crime Commission election, as well as the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh by-election, and the Teignmouth Neighbourhood Plan referendum, all took place yesterday.
12,716 voters turned out at the 93 stations across Teignbridge, which along with 10,243 postal voters meant just under 23,000 (21.4%) people voted.
But one visitor to a polling station in Teignmouth had to be turned away because they didn't have the right ID. This squirrel surprised voters and polling staff at the Bittern Park Polling Station when he and his mate appeared on the kitchen windowsill of the polling station.
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Preparations for Queen Street enhancement work get underway next week
Preparations for the major enhancement work in Queen Street, Newton Abbot are underway next week as the next preliminary phase includes discussions with traders and businesses affected, to minimise disruption throughout the work and provide a customised delivery management plan for businesses.
A dedicated local Liaison Officer will visit businesses in the street from next week to discuss the work and any concerns; and put plans in place to support them throughout the duration of the scheme.
The scheme includes a major resurfacing programme for the roads and pavements to replace tired and damaged surfaces, and widen the pavements to create more space for shoppers and visitors. The completed work will make the area safer for pedestrians and have more public seating, new trees and greenery.
The plan is part of a wider garden communities programme, to revitalise and enhance Newton Abbot, boost the local economy, encourage more visitors and local people into the town centre, and increase the time they spend there.
Construction is expected to start later this month and be completed by the end of November, and will progress in seven phases, starting at Queen Street’s western end (Courtenay Street) and finishing at its eastern end (The Avenue).
Here are some of the things you can expect when the work starts:
- During the day, pedestrians will always be able to access Queen Street. Visitors will be able to walk along Queen Street as usual to visit shops and businesses. Occasionally pavements will be closed in the evening for safety reasons, but clear signs will help everyone navigate the area.
- Devon County Council is working with bus operators to minimise disruption to local bus services.
- Queen Street will stay open for visiting vehicles, just as it is now, during most of the construction phases.
- We’re working with DCC to keep as much parking as possible available throughout the work.
- We're offering discounted parking on the top two levels of the Sherborne Road Multi-Story Car Park
- Blue badge holders can still park on Queen Street and use the blue badge holder bays on Victoria Place and nearby car parks.
- Signage at The Avenue junction and other gateway areas will promote Queen Street as open for business, and scheme information boards will provide visitors and residents with further details about the ongoing works.
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First stage of Ogwell Link nears completion
The first phase of works to create a safe and convenient walking, cycling and wheeling route between Newton Abbot and Ogwell is well underway and due to be completed on time (weather dependent), within the next two weeks.
These works include a new section of road and fencing beside the tennis courts in Bakers Park, which is now complete, and road improvements at Steppes Meadow.
Steppes Meadow road works are well underway, including the sub-base layer replacement for a much improved condition.
Subject to further funding and approvals, phase two will include:
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extending the walking, wheeling and cycling route to Beverley Way;
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creating a formal road crossing to link over Totnes Road into Bradley Road; and,
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creating a link into Ogwell via an off-road path into Buntings Close.
Once both phases are complete, the new route will increase opportunities for families to be active, enjoy nature and reduce their car journeys by walking or riding a bicycle to school or work, and provide better access to the town centre’s facilities.
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One Teignbridge on the road
 Our staff have been out and about in the district talking to residents and businesses to get feedback on our council strategy. We’ve met with towns and parish councils and community leaders who are all keen to work more collaboratively with us in the future.
We’ve also been talking to our younger residents through local schools, and we’ve been finding out about the issues and aspirations of our communities through a series of residents' workshops across the district including Bovey Tracey, Exminster, Dawlish and Newton Abbot, Moretonhampstead, Teignmouth, Chudleigh and Ashburton.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in these discussions and given their time and valuable feedback, which will help shape our council strategy and the way we work empower local decision making in the future.
Leisure Centre Bank Holiday openings
Our leisure centres have adjusted opening hours for the May Bank holidays:
- Newton Abbot Leisure Centre: 6.15am - 1pm
- Dawlish Leisure Centre: 6.30am - 1pm
- Broadmeadow Sports Centre: 7am - 1pm
- Teignmouth Lido: Normal Opening
Rest assured, our centres are committed to providing exceptional service and convenience, even during holidays. They have several Class Instructors offering a great range of classes across our three centres. All exercise classes and pool programmes are available on our app.
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Have a buggy bank holiday
Join our Countryside Ranger at Dawlish Countryside Park this Bank Holiday and build yourself a bug hotel to help provide the many amazing creatures in the park with a place to live.
The event takes place on Sunday (5 May) from 12-3pm - meet by the BBQ tables at Dawlish Countryside Park.
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Anyone for tennis coaching?
Waggy Walk at the Ridgetop
Join Devon Loves Dogs and friends for a social, guided dog walk on Tuesday 7 May at Ridgetop Park, Exminster. Learn about local wildlife and how the site is cared for while your dog enjoys the sights and sniffs.
Walk starts at 10am from Trood Lane car park, Exminster. Maximum of 2 dogs per person
Walks are free - to book your place visit devonlovesdogs.co.uk/news-events.
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 We're recruiting for the following posts: Finance Systems Manager; Coastal Process Scientist; Civil Enforcement Officer; Revenue and Benefits Officer; HR and OD Business Partner; Waste Project Officer; Senior Estates and Development Surveyor; Solicitor (Planning); plus leisure vacancies: Class Instructor; Outdoor Pool Supervisor; Lifeguards and Outdoor Pool Lifeguard; Swimming Teachers; Sports Coaches; Resort Attendant.
Full details of all vacancies and closing dates for applying are on our jobs portal or follow us on LinkedIn.
  Dartmoor National Park is holding a Rainforest Discovery Day on Saturday 18 May, at Yarner Wood.
Suitable for families with children aged between 5-12 years old, the day of discovery is a great way for would-be woodland protectors to engage with wildlife and get closer to nature.
Events include wildlife walks, storytelling sessions, river dipping, self-guided trails and art and craft sessions.
Formal submission for devolution for Devon and Torbay
Devon County Council and Torbay Council have formally submitted their proposal for a Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (CCA) to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
It follows agreement by both councils for the formation of a Devon and Torbay CCA that, if agreed by the Secretary of State, would oversee a raft of new decision-making powers and funding devolved to Devon and Torbay from Whitehall.
More information about the results of the consultation, the proposal for the Devon and Torbay CCA and the devolution deal is available on the website.
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Further industrial action on railways
ASLEF (train drivers) union have announced new industrial action at the start of May, as part of a rolling programme of strikes across operators.
ASLEF members will be on strike at GWR (as well CrossCountry, Chiltern Railways, West Midlands Trains and other operators) on Wednesday 8 May. On this day many parts of the network will have no service, and where they are running, services will start late and finish much earlier than usual.
Any customers that do travel should check before doing so at www.gwr.com/check. There may also be alterations to services on the evening of Tuesday 7 May and morning Thursday 9 May.
Journey planners will be updated as soon as possible, and customers made aware though traditional and social media, station and on-board announcements, and station posters. Anybody who has already bought a ticket for travel on Wednesday 8 May will be able to claim a full refund. For full information please visit www.gwr.com/strike.
ASLEF have also announced action short of a strike effective from Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May. While GWR plans to run as full a service as possible (Wednesday 8 May excepted), there may be short notice alterations and cancellations because this industrial action will mean only a very limited number of spare drivers are available.
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