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Putting residents at the heart of everything we do |
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In this week's edition
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Have your say in Brixham event next Saturday 25 April
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An update on plans to pilot a new countryside car park permit
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Reconnecting with Torquay Pavilion
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This week's news round up
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Let's do great things together
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Events and roadworks around the Bay
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Have your say in Brixham event next Saturday 25 April |
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Our next Residents engagement event will take place in Brixham next weekend, with information about the affordable housing scheme and the current Berry Head consultation.
Dave Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, local ward councillors and representatives from our Housing team will be joining Brixham Town Council and a range of local community groups at the Celebration of Brixham event.
The event takes place at the Scala Hall in Brixham on Saturday 25 April from 10am to 2pm.
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An update on plans to pilot a new countryside car park permit
We've recently published an update about our plans to pilot a new countryside car park permit.
The permit has been proposed in response to feedback from our communities following the closure of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT).
We're aiming to make it easier for residents to enjoy some of Torbay’s treasured green spaces and supporting local businesses in these areas.
An update for former TCCT permit holders
Whilst we consult on plans for the new countryside car park permit, we can confirm that we have extended our previous agreement to honour valid, existing TCCT car park permits in former TCCT car parks until Saturday 2 May 2026 - at no additional cost.
Signage in these car parks is being updated to reflect this.
 Reconnecting with Torquay Pavilion
We're preparing a Listed Building Consent application to support a new community outreach and engagement programme at Torquay Pavilion. This is the latest step in our work to restore this much-loved historic building.
Plans include public site cabins opening over the summer, a new viewing area so people can see inside the Pavilion again, and opportunities to share memories, stories and artwork.
This application is not permission to start restoration works. We are currently awaiting the outcome of the Options Appraisal, which will identify the best future use for the Pavilion and reflect Torbay’s culture and heritage. The findings will be shared this summer.
Once a preferred use is agreed, restoration design will follow. At the same time, we are exploring funding opportunities with partner organisations to secure a positive long‑term future.
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This week's news round up |
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 Changes to the law on private renting
Landlords or agents who break the law under the new Renters’ Rights Act will face increased penalties.
Initial or minor non-compliance will incur a civil penalty of up to £7,000 and serious, persistent or repeat non-compliance a civil penalty of up to £40,000, with the alternative of a criminal prosecution.
The Government is also strengthening rent repayment orders, as an incentive for landlords to comply with the legislation.
We have been given a range of new investigatory powers to make it easier to enforce the reforms contained in the Act and the wider housing law.
We're committed to working with tenants, landlords and letting agents, to improve standards in the private rented sector.
As part of our support for landlords, we work closely with both the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and the South West Landlord Association (SWLA).
Work starts on new street lighting scheme for Torbay
The installation of a Telensa Central Management System (CMS) will transform the way street lighting is monitored, maintained, and controlled across the Bay, reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions.
The contractors will begin the roll-out in Torquay before moving into Brixham and then Paignton.
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Share your views as part of a new management plan for Berry Head
We're working with SWISCo on a new plan which will guide the future management Berry Head National Nature Reserve (NNR) and the Berry Head to Sharkham Point component of the South Hams Special Area of Conservation.
The new plan will support the continued improvement of the site, ensuring it meets the obligations of its special designations and remains a nature-rich area where people and heritage are valued.
As part of this work, we are asking residents, visitors and local businesses why they visit and value Berry Head, and their views on its future management.
Feedback can be submitted via an online survey, or at a drop‑in event at Berry Head Visitor Centre on Tuesday 28 April from 9.30am to 12:30pm.
We will also be adding an evening drop-in session on the same day. More information about this will be available in One Torbay, and the consultation webpage in due course.
 Books to your door with Libraries Unlimited!
Did you know that the libraries in the Bay offer a free Home Library Service residents who are unable to visit the library due to health, mobility, or caring responsibilities?
They offer a wide range of titles, including large print and audiobooks.
To find out more about the delivery service, and the benefits of a Good Neighbours membership, check out the Libraries Unlimited website.
Oldway Mansion Restoration Update
We’re pleased to share the first film in a new video series exploring the ongoing restoration works at Oldway Mansion.
In our opening video, Matt Wills, Conservation Architect at Poynton Bradbury Architects, talks about progress on site and how the project team is approaching the careful conservation of this important historic building.
 Watch out for Winter Fuel Payment scammers
HM Revenue and Customs is warning pensioners to be alert to scams linked to Winter Fuel Payment repayments.
HMRC will never contact you by text message, email or phone to ask for repayment, personal information or bank details. Most repayments happen automatically through tax codes or tax returns.
If you receive a message that seems suspicious, do not click on any links and do not share personal details.
You can report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 60599 and report suspicious emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
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Let's do great things together |
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Town Centres Officer
£28,598 - £31,022 / year
We are seeking exceptional individuals to join our expanding team of Town Centre Officers in addressing a range of antisocial behaviours and maintaining a safe environment for our residents, businesses and visitors.
These roles play a leading part in delivery of our Operation Town Centres, which includes working in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders.
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 Park Yoga at Torre Abbey coming soon!
Looking for a calm and uplifting way to start your Sunday? Join us for free Park Yoga at the South Green at Torre Abbey.
Starting Sunday 3 May, yoga sessions will be taking place on the green from 9:30 to 10:30am.
There's no need to book, just bring a mat and some comfy clothes
Update on the Winner Hill road closure
We are happy to report that we have received formal notification that remedial works are scheduled to commence shortly. Subject to progress and conditions on site, this will allow Winner Hill Road to be fully reopened.
We would like to thank you for your continued patience and understanding,
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