A New Year message from the Mayor

Happy New Year everyone.

I hope your Christmas break was everything you wanted it to be and that you’re ready for 2026 and the opportunities and challenges it will surely bring.

The coming year is an important one for Newton Abbot.

Firstly, the major remodelling of our Market Hall and Market Walk, a development led by Teignbridge District Council, should be completed and with it will come a new chapter in our town’s long history.

We’re hopeful the site will become a focus for activity in the town centre with its offering of a food hall, stalls and entertainment.

Your Town Council had little say in the project’s design but we’re right behind the idea of making it work for everyone, so here’s to seeing the job finished as soon as possible.

We’re also keen to discover what else Teignbridge has in store for the town with a ‘Masterplan’ that promises to breathe new life into areas such as the livestock market.

Again, we’ve not had that much input so far but it will be a collaborative project so you can rest assured that we’ll be speaking up loud and clear for residents and businesses to ensure the scheme delivers for Newton Abbot.

Another big unknown is how the Government will decide to rearrange Local Government in Devon.

There are several options on the table, all of which could see our District Council scrapped and replaced with authorities that cover a much larger geographical area.

Critics argue there could be a loss of local accountability with decision-making powers shifted miles away from the places they affect.

Supporters argue it could save money and streamline the system.

The only view your Town Council has is that we will seek every opportunity to bring control of local matters as close to home as possible.

That could mean taking on facilities such as parks and public toilets, perhaps we’ll end up carrying out more services such as street cleaning.

That could be wonderful - but it will come at a price that might see our share of the precept rising more than some people would like.

We don’t have a crystal ball however so we’ve no choice but to wait and see what the Prime Minister and his Cabinet chooses to do.

On a much more positive and certain note is the new extension we have planned for Newton Abbot Museum.

Our team is working hard behind the scenes to get the plans finalised and you’ll soon start to see work taking place in Newfoundland Way Car Park.

There will be some temporary disruption and loss of parking spaces, for which we apologise, but we’re confident that the new store will not only look amazing but increase even further the ways in which residents can get involved in the museum’s activities.

And finally, Newton Abbot Town Council has even greater aspirations to improve community facilities with a major scheme in the pipeline.

It’s too early yet to reveal the details but watch this space - we’ve got skin in the game and will show our hand as soon the time is right.

Come on 2026, let’s se what you’ve got!

Cllr Colin Parker

Mayor.