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Celebrate 80 years of liberty in Newton Abbot and help the Mayor light the D-Day Beacon on June 6

No Place Like Home

Celebrating 80 years of liberty in Newton Abbot

Tell the Mayor why you love Newton Abbot and help him light the D-Day 80th anniversary beacon

What does Newton Abbot mean to you?

Why do you love to call it home?

Capture those feelings in a photo, drawing or essay of no more than 100 words and share them with Newton Abbot Town Council.

Mayor Cllr Alex Hall, who takes up office on May 15, will choose the entry he loves most and ask its creator to help him light the D-Day 80th anniversary beacon in Highweek.

Here’s why.

At 6.30am on Tuesday June 6 1944, the Allied liberation of occupied France began.

Operation Neptune, more commonly known as D-Day, was the largest seaborne invasion in world history.

It cost the lives of more than 4,400 troops, the Battle of Normandy that followed claimed another 70,000.

As a whole, World War Two took the lives of perhaps more than 80 million people.

This unimaginable sacrifice provided the foundations for the liberty we still enjoy today.

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Newton Abbot, along with communities the length and breadth of Britain, will commemorate the moment with the lighting of beacons.

The ceremony at Highweek, one of three set to take place at the same time in Newton Abbot, will be led by Cllr Alex Hall.

He said: ‘As we all know, there’s no place like home, and for me that is Newton Abbot.

‘It’s a town that means so much to me and one I will be very privileged to serve as its Mayor.

‘It’s also a community that has, largely, known nothing but peace for a number of generations and that isn’t something we should take for granted.

‘The sacrifices made, not only on D-Day but throughout the Second World War and other conflicts, has allowed us and our town to grow and prosper.

‘Whatever the challenges we face today, they pale into insignificance compared with how life could have been had our forebears not fought to preserve our independence.

‘So I’d like to know why other people are glad to call Newton Abbot home and to remind ourselves of the good fortune we enjoy simply by living here.

‘There’s no place like Newton Abbot, there’s no place like home.

‘Tell me why and, hopefully, you can join me in Highweek on June 6 to light a very special beacon of hope and remembrance.’

Newton Abbot’s three beacons will be near All Saints’ Church at Highweek, the junction of Firestone Lane and Stoneman’s Hill in Wolborough and Shaldon Road in Buckland, south of the Centrax factory

The public are welcome to attend although please be courteous when parking and do not enter private land without permission.

Submit entries by emailing [email protected] or dropping them off at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

The deadline is 5pm Monday May 27, entrants must agree to publicity photographs being published.

Ensure your contact details are clearly marked and state if you want the entry to be returned.

The below image shows then Mayor, Cllr Carol Bunday, at the 2022 Highweek beacon for the Queen’s Jubilee.

For more information please email [email protected] or call 01626 201120.

Success spurs community group’s expansion plans

A Devon ‘making, mending and meeting’ group is hoping to celebrate its first anniversary with a clutch of new helpers as demand for places continues to grow.

The Newton Abbot Community Shed was established in June 2023 and now has more than 50 members.

Initially they met just one morning a week in a former pottery studio in the town’s library but after a grant of £1,000 from Newton Abbot Town Council that has since risen to three times weekly and now a fourth session is on the cards.

There are also plans to find larger premises, launch a repair café and gain charitable status.

Chair Peter Stevens said: ‘A large proportion of our members are very active ‘Shedders’ and many of those are happy and able to work on their projects with little or no assistance.

‘Some members however need additional support and would benefit from one-to-one working with a helper.

‘We’re interested in attracting half a dozen or so volunteers with a bit of time to spare and an interest in people.

‘We don’t necessarily need qualified tradespeople or engineers, just those with patience and a smattering of practical skills they’re willing to share.

‘We’re a group for all men and women aged 18 and above and that’s our only eligibility criterion.

‘Becoming part of the Community Shed is as rewarding for helpers as it is members and we look forward to growing our numbers as the first anniversary approaches.’

In addition to making goods for sale, such as bird boxes and key cabinets, the Shedders have created a ‘pop-up’ bistro table on the stump of a felled tree in the town centre.

They also crafted props for the Town Council’s free Easter family activities and are busy with plans to build Santa a new sleigh in time for his visit at Christmas.

Another project in the pipeline is the restoration of a doll’s house, scratch built on Dartmoor some 60 years ago.

Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘The Newton Abbot Community Shed is clearly going from strength to strength and is a wonderful example of a town supporting its own.

‘I do hope they can attract some additional helpers in time for the first anniversary as that will mean they can achieve their aims, aims that will benefit not only members but Newton Abbot and its surrounding communities as a whole.’

The Community Shed meets each Friday morning and afternoon as well as Saturday mornings. Monday sessions are being planned.

For details visit https://newtonabbotshed.co.uk.

The below image shows left – right: Tim Faulkner (NACS Secretary) Peter Stevens (NACS Chair) Ollie Doughty – the Shedder responsible for designing and painting the tintamarresque boards.

A NEW initiative by Newton Abbot Town Council to promote grass roots arts and cultural projects has got off to a flying start according to the organiser.

Kate Green, Community Outreach Worker with Newton Abbot Museum, set up her stall in Courtenay Street on Wednesday [April 17] to share information about local events and organisations.

Dubbed ‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’, the pop-up gazebo attracted plenty of interest from people ranging from aspiring authors to film-makers and those simply looking for something to do other than stay at home watching television.

Kate’s arrival was announced by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison whose sonorous tones soon had passers by stopping to find out more.

‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’ really started out as an idea that the museum should have a presence in the town centre on market days which is why I’ve brought some items from the collection with me,’ she said.

‘I talk to so many people who say they didn’t realise what events were taking place in the town or that they’re lost for something to do in the evenings or at the weekend, so this is a brand new initiative to fill that gap.

‘We’ll be in Courtenay Street every Wednesday between 11am – 1pm with information about workshops, exhibitions and any other creative or cultural opportunities people tell us about.

‘For example, today we’ve got loads of information about Teign U3A who have 60 different interest groups, Irish ceilidh dancing at The Jolly Farmer, the next performance at the Alexander Theatre, a new local film about cycling, plus leaflets about the museum as amazingly some people still don’t realise we have one in town.

‘Hopefully on future stalls we’ll be joined by members of the arts community who can tell the public all about their projects and in time this will be known as the go-to place for knowing what’s on, all the more important now we have no tourist information office.

‘Already on the first day I’ve talked with lots of people which is great start and I look forward to meeting many more.’

Anyone wanting to join Kate or have information on display at the weekly stall can leave leaflets at the museum or call 01626 201121.

Alternatively email [email protected].

Newton Abbot Museum and its outreach programme are funded by Newton Abbot Town Council, both located at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

The below photo shows Kate and Town Crier Nigel at the stall in Courtenay Street.

For more information please email [email protected]..

Oak trees planted to commemorate 50 years of Newton Abbot Town Council

TWO native oak trees have been planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Newton Abbot Town Council.

On Saturday April 14, Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker was joined by colleagues past and present for the ceremony in Courtenay Park.

Following a proclamation by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison, Cllr Corney-Walker and Deputy Mayor Cllr Alex Hall scattered mulch over the Quercus Robur specimens before heading to Newton’s Place for a civic reception.

The audience was addressed by former Town Clerk, Rod Tuck, who highlighted some of the many extra responsibilities the Council has taken on in its 50-year history.

The current Clerk, Phil Rowe, added to the list including items such as increased street cleaning and the development of Newton’s Place with its museum and community rooms.

Both men’s observations chimed with those in a national news report published in The Guardian. The article quoted Councillor Keith Stevens, chair of the National Association of Local Councils, who said: “England’s parish and town councils are the unsung heroes of local government, stepping up to play a more active role in improving their communities, and increasingly taking on more responsibilities from financially challenged larger local authorities.

‘While their small share of council tax is just 1.9 per cent of overall council tax, they are investing five times more in local communities than they were two and half decades ago, helping tackle some of the biggest challenges our communities face – from health to housing, the climate and cost of living crisis, and supporting younger and older people.”

Cllr Corney-Walker added: ‘Another significant initiative from Newton Abbot Town Council was the creation of our Town Development Manager role.

‘Retailing has changed beyond recognition in recent years and our decision to appoint Sally Henley has meant our town centre is fairing so much better than many other communities.

‘I thank her and all our officers for their tireless work on behalf of our town, and of course all councillors past and present whose time is given willingly with no financial reward in return.’

Newton Abbot Town Council came into being in April1974, at the same time as Teignbridge District Council was formed.

Both came about as as a result of the Local Government Act 1972.

The below image shows the ceremony in Courtenay Park.

Newton Abbot Town Council pledges steps to end biodiversity emergency.

NEWTON Abbot Town Council has pledged to do its bit towards creating a greener future by reviewing working practices and collaborating with environmental groups to safeguard and improve threatened habitats.

In January the authority declared a Biodiversity Emergency in line with the Government’s aim of halting the decline in native plants and wildlife by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The move was made by the Town Council to recognise the need for a healthy environment that can support future prosperity and the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors.

Short term aims could include the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks at council properties and staging community projects such as bird box building or the creation of wildflower meadows.

It has already banned the use of pesticides in weed control and thrown its weight behind a pesticide ‘amnesty’ set to take place in Bradley Barton.

It will work with Devon County Council and Teignbridge Council to consider the potential biodiversity impacts of planning applications and infrastructure proposals, as well as supporting businesses and residents in their bids to green up the parish.

A Working Party has been tasked to consider the Town Council’s action plan and will report back to members in the spring.

Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘We are all becoming ever more aware of the pressure our natural environment is coming under and the need to reverse at least some of the damage caused by human activity.

‘While I recognise that the Town Council has little clout compared to larger authorities and the Government it remains our responsibility to set the tone for Newton Abbot and to show some leadership in this critical manner.

‘We will look at all our working practices, assess their likely environmental impact and take advice on means to improve our performance.

‘We already work with Green Futures Newton Abbot on several initiatives and would welcome the public’s thoughts on other projects we might consider.

‘Even the longest journey starts with a single step and that is one I’m pleased to say we’ve now taken by declaring a biodiversity emergency.

‘We look forward to taking many, many more and having the people and businesses of Newton Abbot right beside us all of the way.’

New Newton Abbot to Ogwell walking, wheeling and cycling route.

An important project to better connect Newton Abbot and its surrounding area is underway, with work to create a safe and convenient route that will enable residents and visitors to walk, wheel or cycle between the town centre and Ogwell.

Once completed, the Ogwell Link project 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, or to the town centre’s facilities.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Devon County Council Proposed works to Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow.

Ogwell to Newton Abbot – National Cycle Network – Proposed works to Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow.

The proposed phase 1 scheme is to provide a section of shared cycleway/footway between the tennis courts in Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow, leading to the pedestrian bridge over the River Lemon. The works will include the construction of shared route within Bakers Park adjacent to the existing tennis courts and improvements to the carriageway construction of Steppes Meadow.

CLICK HERE for further details

CLICK HERE for the map

Newton Abbot Town Council calls for Queen Street plans to be abandoned

NEWTON Abbot Town Council is to make ‘very strong representations’ that formally call for plans to restrict parking and traffic access in Queen Street to be abandoned.

The proposals by Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council would remove much of the on-street parking in Queen Street and prevent most vehicles from travelling further than the junction with Albany Street.

Wider pavements would be installed and other traffic restrictions imposed in nearby streets.

Although the Town Council has already objected to most of the Traffic Regulation Orders that would introduce the changes, on Wednesday February 27 it staged an Extraordinary Meeting attended by 15 members.

Two motions were put by Cllrs Mike Ryan and Alex Hall which stated: ‘(A) That Newton Abbot Town Council do debate the proposals by Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council for ‘enhancements’ to Queen Street, Newton Abbot, in relation to concerns raised by the businesses situated in the area, the loss of car parking and in particular disabled parking, and (B) That Newton Abbot Town Council should consider making very strong representations to the County and District Councils for the scheme to be abandoned in the light of the many concerns expressed by businesses and users of Queen Street.’

Opening the debate Cllr Mike Ryan said: ‘As a council we have been misled from the start. We were never asked beforehand what we would want to do in Queen Street.’

He later added: ‘It’s our town not yours.’

Another opponent, Cllr Janet Bradford, questioned the abilities of Teignbridge District Council saying: ‘Look at Market Walk, destroyed by mismanagement and interference.’

Taking a different position was Cllr Colin Parker who claimed the scheme was in line with long standing aspirations to improve the town.

He siad the Queen Street proposals were ‘the most widely consulted’ Devon County Council had ever undertaken and told the meeting: ‘Public realm improvements would enhance this area, it will be a real asset for the town.’ He added: ‘It would encourage visitors to linger longer’

Cllr Phil Bullivant took a similar stance saying it was in the ‘medium to long term interests’ of the town to bring about the changes.

‘This process is fundamentally about how we drive footfall into the town,’ he said.

Having heard the arguments for and against, members voted 9 – 4 with two abstentions in support of the motions meaning the Town Council will now officially call for the Queen Street plans to be abandoned.

After the meeting Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker, who chaired the debate, said: ‘Members have had their say and the Clerk will draft a letter expressing their wishes.

‘It is up to Teignbridge and Devon whether or not to act on what has been said.’

Job Vacancy – Facilities Maintenance Team Leader

Organisation: Newton Abbot Town Council

Grade: SCP 18 – 23

Salary: £29,269 – £32,076 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week; mostly Monday to Friday with some weekend/Bank Holiday and evening work required for events and to meet service demands.

Term: Permanent (following a successful 6-month probationary period).

Location: Newton Abbot Town Council, Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 1JQ.

Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 28^th February 2024
Interviews to be held week commencing 11^th March 2024

Newton Abbot Town Council is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Facilities Maintenance Team Leader to lead its maintenance team and oversee the management, and maintenance of the council’s property portfolio.

The Facilities Maintenance Team Leader role is a new post and will play a key role in delivering a high standard of service to both visitors and residents.

The post holder will be working within the parish boundaries of Newton Abbot and its localities, providing an enhanced and responsive level of service, resulting in improvement to the environment within Newton Abbot and any other areas as directed by the line manager.

The position requires ‘hands-on’ operational experience combined with a flexible approach to meet the ongoing seasonal demands. The ability to be self-motivated and work unsupervised while leading a small team is a key requirement of the role. The successful applicant will have the physical ability to lift, carry and perform other physical tasks daily. The Facilities Maintenance Supervisor will be expected to lead the team to deliver high standards of work and ensure safe and efficient working practices are adhered to, and to ensure the security, maintenance, and management of the Town Council’s assets.

Requirements:

Proven experience in facilities maintenance, with a minimum of a year in a supervisory or leadership role.
Excellent leadership and team management abilities, with a track record of fostering a positive work environment.
Excellent working knowledge of the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with team members, management, and external partners.
Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to emergencies as needed.

The successful candidate will enjoy a supportive team environment where your leadership skills are valued and recognised and the chance to play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of our facilities and enhancing the council’s success, in addition to 25 days annual leave, and the option to join the local government pension scheme.

For more information and an application pack, please visit our website https://www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk/vacancies/

For an informal chat about the position please contact either Linda McGuirk or Samantha Scott via 01626 201120 or via email [email protected]

Please note – no CVs accepted. Only formal applications will be considered.

Police slam ‘unforgivable’ 99mph in Newton Abbot 30 zone

Speeds of more than 99mph have been recorded in a Newton Abbot street where the limit is 30mph.

The shocking figures were detected in St Marychurch Road, captured on portable equipment, provided by Newton Abbot Town Council with a grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner, after residents expressed concerns about road safety.

It has prompted hope of new permanent speed cameras meaning those who break the rules there could face hefty fines or driving bans.

The VASS – vehicle activated speed signs – were set up in St Marychurch Road between June 1 – July 3 when more than 20,000 vehicles exceeded 35mph and 119 drivers topping 60mph.

Between December 8 – January 2, more than 22,000 drivers ignored the 30mph limit with speeds of 89.05, 89.37 and 99.24mph being detected.

During a Speedwatch session in Ashburton Road on Sunday February 4, Speed Detection Officer Dave Burrows of Devon and Cornwall Police slammed the behaviour.

‘It’s disgraceful, it’s unforgivable,’ he said.

‘That sort of speed, 100mph, you covering nearly 150ft of road surface per second.

‘I’ve spent the last 30 years dealing with serious and fatal road accidents, I’m an experienced collision investigator, and at that speed the occupants of a car or anyone else wouldn’t stand a chance.’

The man responsible for much of Newton Abbot’s Speedwatch activity is former Mayor, Cllr Mike Joyce.

He and his volunteers have spent several years supporting the police.

‘Ninety-nine miles an hour in a 30 zone, that is frightening,’ he said.

‘It scares me to death, to think someone could be doing that speed.

‘But the results of all the statistics we’ve sent to the police is that county highways have said they’re going to recommend installing a static camera there.

‘There’d be no need for this if people abided by the speed limits, they’re there for a reason.

‘I still don’t understand why people don’t get that.

‘But it’s good news that our efforts are being rewarded and the problem taken seriously.

‘We look forward to more success stories elsewhere in town such as Ashburton Road and Torquay Road where residents have also expressed concerns.’

The below image shows Dave Burrows with volunteers Cllr Mike Joyce, Cllr Laura Wood and Deputy Town Clerk Sam Scott.

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