Monthly Archives: March 2021

Find a bin or take it home campaign

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Devon’s residents and visitors are being urged to ‘find a bin or take it home’ in a new county-wide anti-littering campaign.

As lockdown eases and the warmer months beckon, the multi-agency partnership Clean Devon wants to encourage everyone to take more responsibility for their rubbish whilst enjoying the beautiful moors, beaches, wildlife, countryside, towns and villages.

Littering is an increasing burden on society, both financially and environmentally and the partnership aims to improve the issue through preventing, detecting and deterring this type of behaviour in Devon.

Principal Waste Manager from Devon County Council and Clean Devon Co-ordinator, Annette Dentith, says: “One of our key priorities is to protect and enhance Devon’s wonderful environment. Local authorities do their best to keep bins emptied however with increased visitors over the warmer months we must take responsibility for our own rubbish. If bins are full, bring your own bag and dispose of it when you return home. Please don’t leave it next to an already full bin as this contributes to littering and is considered fly-tipping for which you could be fined. It’s really important we protect our beautiful county, not only for ourselves but for future generations.”

Ann Maidment, Regional Director for the Country Land & Business Association in the South West says: “Whilst out enjoying what Devon has to offer, we would urge the public to not leave their litter behind but to also stick to footpaths, bridleways and respect other users of the rights of way.

“The spirit of the Countryside Code is generally adhered to by the majority of people, but there are a few worrying trends that are either based on anti-social behaviour or a lack of awareness of the working countryside.

“Accessing the fresh air and getting close to nature have widely researched health and wellbeing benefits, but visitors need to act responsibly in order to protect our natural environment and its inhabitants. Take home your memories and your litter.”

For additional advice and facts please visit Clean Devon’s website. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the Clean Devon campaign which is due to be launched on social media by the end of this week. Promotional material will also be distributed to businesses in Devon with the aim to reach visitors and encourage the same respectful behaviour towards our environment.

Waste and recycling over Easter

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The Easter bank holiday weekend is fast approaching and North Devon Council is reminding residents to check when to put their waste and recycling out for collection.

There will be no waste or recycling collections on Good Friday (2 April). Collections due that day will be made on Saturday 3 April instead.

All waste and recycling collections in the week commencing Monday 5 April will take place one day later that week (running from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 April).

Lots of homes will have more cardboard and foil than usual, thanks to a visit from the Easter bunny. Residents are being asked to dispose of this additional waste by recycling the packaging; flatten cardboard Easter egg boxes and put them in your brown bags, and scrunch up foil before putting it in your recycling box. Any plastic boxes (except black plastic) can also be recycled.

The council is also urging residents to continue separating their recycling into the correct bags and boxes to help the crews work faster and more efficiently. If you need reminding of what goes where you can find can visit the councils helpful webpage. 

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden says: “Waste and recycling collections usually change over a bank holiday, but if you’re in any doubt about your collection dates you can check the North Devon Council website at any time.

“Please display your bins and recycling containers at the kerbside by 7am on the day of your collection to avoid them being missed by our crews.”

Stay up to date with council news by subscribing to their e-bulletins and follow them on social media for regular updates on a range of topics; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

You can check when your collections are due on the council’s website.

How North Devon Council are helping the homeless

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Homelessness service in North Devon introduces bespoke GP clinic

The partnership service aimed at helping North Devon’s homeless population has been enhanced with the addition of General Practitioner (GP) services.

The Enhanced Outreach team – made up of staff from a number of partner organisations and a homelessness charity – has employed a GP to provide a bespoke clinic one day a week for homeless people in North Devon.

Staff from North Devon Council, Devon Partnership Trust, the Freedom Community Alliance charity and Northern Devon Healthcare Trust currently make up the Enhanced Outreach team, which works to help the district’s rough sleepers. The main aim of the service is to support individuals who want to come off the streets into accommodation. 

The GP clinic will take place in the newly adapted treatment room at the Freedom Centre, Barnstaple. This is being provided through the Barnstaple Primary Care Network and is a very welcome addition to the services already provided; this includes shower facilities and provision for mobile phone charging for those who prefer to stay on the streets or have not yet been found suitable accommodation. 

Manager of the Barnstaple Primary Care Network, Sharon Bates says: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the team to enable us to bring GP care out of our practices and be more accessible. By doing this we hope to improve the health of individuals who may other wise of not sought help and advice.”

General Practitioner at the new clinic,  Dr Nigel Moody says: “Access to primary health care is fundamental to improving health outcomes for any patient group. It is particularly important in the homeless population whom the traditional model of General Practice has not been served well. Hopefully the new clinic, provided by me and two other GPs, will show the value of practices working together to improve our community’s health and wellbeing.” 

Service Lead for Housing, Vulnerable Persons and Community Safety at North Devon Council, Natasha Rowland says: “We are thrilled to welcome the GP clinic to the range of services we already offer to our homeless community. This valuable addition will enhance our offer to some of the most vulnerable members of our community and assist in our plight to get every individual the help they need.”

Chief Executive from Freedom Community Alliance, Philip Noall says: “We are delighted to be hosting this new service which has been in planning and development for many months. The new facilities are fantastic and a great addition the existing services on offer through the Freedom Centre. We see this as a great opportunity to reduce some of the health inequalities faced by some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”   

Residents are asked to use the Street Link website to report a rough sleeper they are concerned about.  

Anyone who believes they are at risk of becoming homeless should get in touch with North Devon Council as soon as possible on 01271 388870 or email customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk.

 

Minutes for February Meeting

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HEANTON PUNCHARDON PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Parish Council Meeting 16 February 2021

Virtual Meeting using Microsoft Teams

Present: Cllrs. Mrs J Elliott,  S Crowther,  D Holt,  J Turner

Apologies:. Cllrs M France, L Gilkes.   Cllr Mrs C Chugg

Cllr France said he has no suitable equipment for a virtual meeting and this was accepted by Members. Cllr Gilkes gave no reason for absence and therefore the six-month rule applied and he automatically ceased to be a Councillor.

 In Attendance: Cllr Mrs A Davis.         M J Measures (Clerk to the Council).

Discloseable  Interests: Cllr Crowther, Minute 897

Chairman’s Discretion: Local Plan.

  1.                                                                               Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 18 August 2020 and Monthly Bulletins for October, November, December 2020 and January 2021

The Minutes and Bulletins were agreed as true records. The Clerk was thanked for keeping Members informed with the monthly Bulletins.

  1. Police Report:

Copies of the monthly Reports have been sent to Members

 

  1. Reports from County and District Councillors.

Cllr Mrs Chugg. No report. A copy of the report from Cllr Mrs Davis was sent to all Councillors and included Barnstaple Town Centre award of £6.5m; NDC Budget; Covid 19 information. A copy of the report is attached to the Minutes

 896: Correspondence.

Copies have been sent to all Councillors

 

  1. Finance Matters.

The following invoices were agreed for payment: £2160.42 Glasdon UK Ltd.

(purchase of two Civenor Road Signs); £552.00 Dan Perrin Landscapes (installation of two Chivenor Road Signs); £26.00 BeCleanSolar (bus shelters).

The Clerk reported that the balance at 16 February is £3533.37 (this includes the £826 grant from DCC for Chivenor Notice board). Cllr Crowther and the Clerk have both contacted Bovis Homes and had no reply.

CPRE Membership. Cllr Crowther declared a prejudicial interest and the matter was left until the next financial year.

  1. Planning Matters

72594 – The Cottage 49 Wrafton  EX33 2DE. Listed building application for replacement and renovation of walls and to install drainage                          Recommend : Approval

72882 – 6 Orchard Road Wrafton. Extension to dwelling         Recommend : Approval

 

  1. Parish Council Website and Facebook.

The Council considered the purposes of a dedicated Parish website and Facebook. Cllr Holt asked if we needed both and the Clerk informed Members that the website will carry statutory information eg. Agendas, Minutes, Accounts.

Cllr Turned has already obtained a quote of £499.98 for setting up and registering a website. The Clerk informed Members that he has completed DCC grant forms for this amount for Cllr Mrs Chugg to approve before sending to DCC

Members thanked Cllr Turner for his help in setting up the website and Facebook

 

  1. Resignation/Co-option of Councillors

Members expressed their disappointment that Cllr Anne Melhuish found it necessary to resign and thanked her for her input. Members also voiced their disappointment that Cllr Gilkes had automatically ceased to be a Councillor as a result of non-attendance under the six-month rule. Members thanked him for his long service as a Councillor. It was agreed to advertise the vacancies for Councillor on Facebook and Parish noticeboards.

 

  1. Chivenor Road Signs

The Clerk reported that the signs have been delivered and that the contractor has said they will be put up this week.

 

  1. Heanton Hill Lane/Chivenor Cross

A copy of the report by Cllr Crowther where he thanked everyone for their supprt to make Heanton Hill Lane a designated one-way southbound/downhill lane, had been sent to all Councillors. (copy attached to the Minutes). Cllr Crowther also reported on his attendance at the NDC Planning Committee where he addressed the Committee regarding application 71660 for 59 dwellings and was pleased with the decision to REFUSE the application.

 

  1. Section 106

The recent Environment Agency clearance of the dead ash trees at Velator pond  was discussed. It was pointed out that there is £12,000 of S106 money allocated to an upgrade project at Velator pond and Cllr Mrs Davis has some funds for tree planting, Cllr Holt reported that Velator pond is part of a large plan for Caen/Velator Wetlands being developed by the Wetlands Working Group of which he is a member. It was agreed that Cllr Holt will contact the EA to enquire about their short-term planns for the site and whether the Council could help.

  1. Chairman’s Discretion. Neighbourhood Plan

Cllr Crowther reported on the reference to the Neighbourhood Plan project during the BDC Planning Committee meeting on 10 February when discussing application no 71660. It was agreed that the project should now be progressed further, in alignment with the Braunton NP project team, led by Sue Prosper.

Cllr Crowther agreed to take the plan forward and asked all Councillors to consider key strategy pillars which they feel could be included.

The meeting closed at 19.57

Lateral flow testing in the community

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Do you know how to get tested for Coronavirus locally? If you are showing symptoms you will need to arrange for an NHS test but if you have no symptoms and work or volunteer with the public you can turn up for a free lateral flow test at the old Civic centre in Barnstaple. Follow the link to find out more, its quick and easy and there are no queues whenever I have gone past. Then you’ll KNOW you aren’t about to pass covid on.

Spring into action, reduce your carbon footprint, and win prizes!

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Devon’s first “Lifestyle Spring Clean week” kicks off on Friday 12 March.

The project is a collaboration between North Devon, Torridge, West Devon and South Hams Councils working in partnership with local environmental company, Carbon Savvy and several environmental charities across Devon.

Participants in the event are invited to take an online lifestyle survey and pick one action to improve their quality of life and reduce their carbon footprint. By posting a photo of their action on social media, tagging @CarbonSavvyUK and using the hashtag #LifestyleSpringClean they can enter the prize draw to win one of several eco prizes on offer. 

Devon-based company, The Bike Shed have also come on board to offer a brand new electric bicycle from Specialized worth £2,400 as one of the regional prizes for Devon residents.

Carbon Savvy will be posting videos every day to help and inspire audiences to take one of the actions. During the week there will be themed days on the subjects of:

  • food
  • transport
  • heating
  • holidays
  • shopping

The activities and prize draw have been created by North Devon community enterprise Carbon Savvy, who have also launched two carbon footprint calculators and two quality of life calculators that allows users to track their results and see them improve over time on their website. 

Lead Member for Climate Change at North Devon Council, Cllr Caroline Leaver, says: “There is a real feel-good factor knowing you are doing something positive to make a difference, that anyone can take part and everyone stands to benefit. There is no planet B, this is the one we have got, this is the one we live on, we have to do what we can to protect this planet. If you haven’t done it yet, I urge you to try the Carbon Savvy calculator, and we look forward to seeing the results at the end of the week.”

The action week runs from 12 March through to 21 March. For more information and to take part visit www.carbonsavvy.uk/lifestyle-spring-clean/

Agenda for Tuesday 16th March

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Heanton Punchardon Parish Council

 

Parish Council Meeting, Tuesday 16 March 2021 at 19.00

This is a virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams

                                    Members of the public are invited to attend.                         

 

            Councillors: Mrs J Elliott, S Crowther, M France, D Holt, J Turner

            are summoned to attend.

       

             AGENDA            

             Apologies.  Disclosable Interests.  Notification of Chairman’s Discretion.

 

  1.   Minutes of the Meeting 16 February 2021

 

  1.   Police Report

 

  1.   Reports from County and District Councillors

 

  1.   Correspondence received to date

 

  1.   Finance Matters
  2. a) Payment of Invoices
  3. b) Statement of Accounts at 16 March 2021
  4. c) Appointment of Internal Auditor
  5. d) Appointment of Bus Shelter Cleaning Contractor
  6.   e) Appointment of Countryside Contractor

 

  1. Planning Matters, including applications received to date:                        

                 72485 – 18 Orchard Road Wrafton. Demolition of existing garage together with           single storey rear extension and two story side extension.

                  73007 – 4 Dunns Close Wrafton.Extension to dwelling

 

  1. On-going Matters            a) Parish Council Website/Facebook  b) Co-option of Councillors      c) Chivenor Locality Road Signs

                

  1.   Velator Wetland

 

  1. Chairman’s Discretion

 

 

                                                                                                M J Measures MInstAM,MMS

                                                                                                      Clerk to the Council

                                                                                                           11 March 2021

 

 

                                                                                               

 

 

Your school needs Volunteers

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Your school needs Volunteers – Can you help?
As the schools are getting set to return on March 8th, we’re working with the sector to recruit volunteers to help with a Covid-19 testing programme for returning children.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Braunton, Chulmleigh, Cullompton, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Great Torrington, Newton Abbot, Crediton, Sidmouth, South Molton, Teignmouth, Ilfracombe, Tiverton and Uffculme.
There are a couple of different roles available that will be assigned to volunteers at the schools on the day. Volunteers will be supervised throughout.
A more detailed role description, a short training guide and application form can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
The application form allows you to choose the school nearest to you.

Litter picking at Velator pond, March 8th

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Litter picking at Velator pond this Sunday, March 8th if you fancy a bit of fresh air and helping the community. meet at Quay café at 11am, just for an hour or so but can make quite a difference! Thanks to everyone who has helped out so far, hope to see a few of you there.