43. no-commitment site survey by Sovereign play equipment for 1000 Wednesday 22 April 2015.
|
|
42. Commemorating 800 years of Magna Carter
Sir Peter Luff MP Commons Chair for the Speakers’ Advisory Group for the 2015 Anniversaries has written to all authorities asking us to encourage local communities to organise or attend events in celebration of the signing of Magna Carta 800 years ago, on Sunday June 14th . More information is contained in the attached letter and on the following website: www.liberteas.co.uk. Kind regards, Debbie |
|
41. Young people give up on homeownership. A new survey has revealed that young people in the UK are increasingly giving up the prospect of owning their own home: link: Young people give up on homeownership
40. Neighbourhood Planning Event
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Thank you to those who have already booked on this event taking place on Thursday 23rd April at Bridestowe Village Hall, starting at 6.30 p.m.
The event is being be led by Bere Penninsula Neighbourhood Planning Group who will explain why they chose to develop a plan and share their experiences and learning to date. Council officers will be there to provide information, explain how Neighbourhood Plans link with Our Plan and the support that the Council can provide.
We would encourage any community where future development is being planned as part of Our Plan to send someone along to the event.
If you haven’t yet booked your place please email [email protected] or call 01822 813556
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
IMPORTANT: PLEASE CIRCULATE TO CHAIRMAN AND ALL TOWN/PARISH COUNCILLORS
Thank you to those who have already booked on this event taking place on Thursday 23rd April at Bridestowe Village Hall, starting at 6.30 p.m.
The event is being be led by Bere Penninsula Neighbourhood Planning Group who will explain why they chose to develop a plan and share their experiences and learning to date. Council officers will be there to provide information, explain how Neighbourhood Plans link with Our Plan and the support that the Council can provide.
We would encourage any community where future development is being planned as part of Our Plan to send someone along to the event.
If you haven’t yet booked your place please email [email protected] or call 01822 813556
Debbie Bird, Community Manager
39. Above ground fibre optic cables for Broadband.
Sorry it has taken me a little while to get back to you, but I have now heard back from both our own planners and from BT .
Firstly, regarding any need for planning consent for new poles. In a nutshell, it appears that statutory undertakers such as BT OpenReach, are able to erect new transmission line/poles on any article 1(5) land (includes National Parks) for fixed-line broadband without formal notification/consent up until 30 May 2018. This permitted development right was introduced by government in 2013 as a means to ease roll out of superfast broadband.
The existing practical arrangement where a copper phone line is suspended from a WPD pole stems from a long standing commitment between BT and all power companies around joint user poles. However unfortunately BT and the power companies nationally have been unable to reach a similar agreement for the new fibre products and BT Openreach is unable to attach any fibre product to a joint user pole whatever the size across the whole of the UK. While any new pole stood on private land will still require landowners agreement and a wayleave contribution, managed directly between Openreach and the landowner there is little opportunity for third parties to be involved through the planning process.
More positively, I am able to relay that the overhead fibre cable that has been developed is more stable than copper when exposed to harsh elements and BT are confident in its ability to perform in the Dartmoor environment.
While no doubt we can all recognise that the current set of circumstances are leading to a slightly less than ideal broadband solution for Hexworthy, it does at least offer hope that superfast broadband may indeed reach you! We will continue to work with BT to discuss the possibility of other options that are practical, cost effective and may also offer a better landscape solution. Best wishes
Jo Rumble
Sorry it has taken me a little while to get back to you, but I have now heard back from both our own planners and from BT .
Firstly, regarding any need for planning consent for new poles. In a nutshell, it appears that statutory undertakers such as BT OpenReach, are able to erect new transmission line/poles on any article 1(5) land (includes National Parks) for fixed-line broadband without formal notification/consent up until 30 May 2018. This permitted development right was introduced by government in 2013 as a means to ease roll out of superfast broadband.
The existing practical arrangement where a copper phone line is suspended from a WPD pole stems from a long standing commitment between BT and all power companies around joint user poles. However unfortunately BT and the power companies nationally have been unable to reach a similar agreement for the new fibre products and BT Openreach is unable to attach any fibre product to a joint user pole whatever the size across the whole of the UK. While any new pole stood on private land will still require landowners agreement and a wayleave contribution, managed directly between Openreach and the landowner there is little opportunity for third parties to be involved through the planning process.
More positively, I am able to relay that the overhead fibre cable that has been developed is more stable than copper when exposed to harsh elements and BT are confident in its ability to perform in the Dartmoor environment.
While no doubt we can all recognise that the current set of circumstances are leading to a slightly less than ideal broadband solution for Hexworthy, it does at least offer hope that superfast broadband may indeed reach you! We will continue to work with BT to discuss the possibility of other options that are practical, cost effective and may also offer a better landscape solution. Best wishes
Jo Rumble
38. Election of DALC County Committee 2015 - 2019 Who will you be nominating? The Constitution of the Association requires elections for the County Committee (the executive body of DALC) every four years following local council elections. On this occasion as agreed at the September 2010 AGM representation will be based on one member for every ten member councils within each district or borough, the total being taken to the nearest whole number. One of these places in each district/borough/unitary area will be taken by a councillor from the largest town, which will then take no further part in the election process for the remaining places. West Devon has 5 representatives: 1 from Tavistock and 3 drawn from the Parish Councils.
Last date for nominations - First Post Friday 6th June 2015
Postal Ballot (if required) complete by - First Post Friday 10th July 2015
First meeting of the new County Committee - 10am Monday 7th September 2015
Your Council is invited to nominate any suitable person in your District/Borough/Unitary Council area who must be a parish/town councillor but not necessarily a member of your own Council. Two people from the same council cannot serve on the County Committee – if nominated the one with the fewest votes will be eliminated. Before making any nomination please ensure that your nominee is prepared to stand.
Nominations using this form, duly signed and accompanied by a brief (half page) CV which will be copied with the ballot papers, must be returned to Lesley Smith by first post Friday 6th June 2015. Please post to DALC, First Floor, 3 & 4 Cranmere Court, Lustleigh Close, Matford Business Park, Exeter EX2 8PW or email [email protected].
The County Committee normally meets 3 times a year on a Monday morning in Exeter. It is the executive committee of the Devon Association of Local Councils, with the following functions:
I do hope your councillors will consider standing for this committee which is so important in steering the Association forward.
Yours sincerely
Lesley Smith
Last date for nominations - First Post Friday 6th June 2015
Postal Ballot (if required) complete by - First Post Friday 10th July 2015
First meeting of the new County Committee - 10am Monday 7th September 2015
Your Council is invited to nominate any suitable person in your District/Borough/Unitary Council area who must be a parish/town councillor but not necessarily a member of your own Council. Two people from the same council cannot serve on the County Committee – if nominated the one with the fewest votes will be eliminated. Before making any nomination please ensure that your nominee is prepared to stand.
Nominations using this form, duly signed and accompanied by a brief (half page) CV which will be copied with the ballot papers, must be returned to Lesley Smith by first post Friday 6th June 2015. Please post to DALC, First Floor, 3 & 4 Cranmere Court, Lustleigh Close, Matford Business Park, Exeter EX2 8PW or email [email protected].
The County Committee normally meets 3 times a year on a Monday morning in Exeter. It is the executive committee of the Devon Association of Local Councils, with the following functions:
- Elects Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer of the Association
- Nominates representatives from its number to form the General Purposes Sub Committee which meets three times a year in between County Committee meetings.
- Through its members, represents DALC on other bodies at a strategic level. These representatives are encouraged to feed back to the Association at meetings, through email report or via the Annual Report.
- Acts to respond to consultation papers to give an overview response from the town and parish sector in Devon.
- Debates matters of local concern and interest (that have a more than local relevance).
- Builds up knowledge of its members through meeting together which can help member councils keep abreast of developments and opinions.
- By making contact with member councils at a local level (eg by attending Area Committee meetings or similar local events), helps to build communication between members and the Association in both directions.
- County Committee members are encouraged to make full use of electronic communication eg email so they can be kept fully up to date, and in turn keep in touch with the office and each other. Meeting papers are accessed via the DALC website or via email.
- Travel expenses are paid
I do hope your councillors will consider standing for this committee which is so important in steering the Association forward.
Yours sincerely
Lesley Smith
37. Vodafone Rural Open Sure Signal Newsletter
|
|
36. Latest Rural Opportunities Bulletin
|
|
35. NALC LCR Opinion Survey: NALC are looking for feedback on the recent BBC drama 'Casual Vacancy' based around the 'activities' of a Parish Council. Please use the link below, by 30th April, if you would like to have your say and contribute towards their next magazine issue:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXXX5SJ
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MXXX5SJ
34. New National Minimum Wage rates announced - Published 18/03/2015 From Thursday 1 October 2015, the adult rate of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will rise by 20 pence from £6.50 to £6.70 per hour, as recommended by the Low Pay Commission (LPC) in March 2015 this year. This will increase pay to the Litter Picker.
Further information is on the link below:
www.gov.uk/government/news/new-national-minimum-wage-rates-announced
Further information is on the link below:
www.gov.uk/government/news/new-national-minimum-wage-rates-announced
33. Crimestoppers - a national charity working closely with communities to prevent and reduce crime. Crimestoppers has logged over 1.5 million anonymous calls from the public, which have led to over 128,000 people being arrested and charged with offences; over 1,000 people being charged with murder; £129 million worth of stolen property being recovered and drugs with a street value of £317 million being seized.
Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers is run by volunteers and local campaigns are organised in areas where there is a crime problem who help the police and local communities by producing and distributing leaflets and posters to raise awareness of the particular problem and to seek information. Current limited funds are impacting on the charity so if any parish and town council would like to consider making a small grant to Crimestoppers you can contact Mike Fowkes on [email protected] for more information. Registered Charity 1108687.
Devon and Cornwall Crimestoppers is run by volunteers and local campaigns are organised in areas where there is a crime problem who help the police and local communities by producing and distributing leaflets and posters to raise awareness of the particular problem and to seek information. Current limited funds are impacting on the charity so if any parish and town council would like to consider making a small grant to Crimestoppers you can contact Mike Fowkes on [email protected] for more information. Registered Charity 1108687.
32. Does your council paperwork need a Health Check? If so this scheme, offered by DALC, provides clerks and their councils with a 2 hour personal session with an experienced clerk (Peer Supporter) who will go through a 'Council Health Check Assessment' with the clerk and at the clerks place of work. Following the visit the Peer Supporter will produce a report which will either confirm
- that all the documentation is in order or
- suggestions on areas for improvement
31. Transparency obligations for councils with an annual turnover not exceeding £25,000: For your information a new legal briefing is now available on the link below confirming that the Smaller Authorities (Transparency Requirements) Regulations 2015/494 will come into force on 1st April 2015 making compliance with the code, as issued in December 2014, mandatory.
click here to view the document
click here to view the document
30. Smaller Authorities local audit and accountability framework – government guide to changes from 1st April 2015 The Government has published a new guide on the changes and key requirements of the new local audit and accountability regime for local (parish and town) councils from 1 April 2015.
It sets out the changes in two stages, from April 2015 after the closure of the Audit Commission and from April 2017 with the introduction of the local auditor appointment.
View changes to the smaller authorities' local audit and accountability framework
It sets out the changes in two stages, from April 2015 after the closure of the Audit Commission and from April 2017 with the introduction of the local auditor appointment.
View changes to the smaller authorities' local audit and accountability framework
29. Duchy letter on Beardown Farm Chalet enforcement action.
|
|
28. Cultural provision and participation within Princetown
Dear Nigel Tigwell,
I am writing to introduce myself and my colleague Dr Kerrie Schaefer, who are working on a large, multidisciplinary research project Understanding Everyday Participation - http://www.everydayparticipation.org/
The project is setting out to explore what people value from their participation in formal and informal culture, to paint a broader picture of how people make their lives through culture, leisure and hobbies, and in particular how communities are formed and connected through everyday cultural participation. We are academics at the University of Exeter, working with colleagues at the Universities of Manchester, Warwick and Leicester. The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and is working in liaison with a large number of national bodies including Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, DCMS, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, HLF, Local Government Association, Museums Association, among others.
We are leading a case study of Dartmoor towns and villages, one of the six case study areas in England and Scotland. The project is using a number of research methods including in-depth histories, quantitative and qualitative research and we are undertaking household interviews and research in Princetown, Buckfastleigh, and Moretonhampstead.
We would very much like to talk to you and the Town Council about the project, to have your perspective on cultural provision and participation within Princetown and the surrounding area, and to see if there are elements of our research activity that could be of use to enhance and support your and the Council's work.
Would it be possible for us to arrange a short meeting with you, in person or by phone?
With best wishes,
Jane and Kerrie
Dr Jane Milling
Associate Professor of Drama
Director of Education, Drama
University of Exeter
EX4 4LA
+44 (0)1392 724592
Dear Nigel Tigwell,
I am writing to introduce myself and my colleague Dr Kerrie Schaefer, who are working on a large, multidisciplinary research project Understanding Everyday Participation - http://www.everydayparticipation.org/
The project is setting out to explore what people value from their participation in formal and informal culture, to paint a broader picture of how people make their lives through culture, leisure and hobbies, and in particular how communities are formed and connected through everyday cultural participation. We are academics at the University of Exeter, working with colleagues at the Universities of Manchester, Warwick and Leicester. The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and is working in liaison with a large number of national bodies including Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, DCMS, National Council for Voluntary Organisations, HLF, Local Government Association, Museums Association, among others.
We are leading a case study of Dartmoor towns and villages, one of the six case study areas in England and Scotland. The project is using a number of research methods including in-depth histories, quantitative and qualitative research and we are undertaking household interviews and research in Princetown, Buckfastleigh, and Moretonhampstead.
We would very much like to talk to you and the Town Council about the project, to have your perspective on cultural provision and participation within Princetown and the surrounding area, and to see if there are elements of our research activity that could be of use to enhance and support your and the Council's work.
Would it be possible for us to arrange a short meeting with you, in person or by phone?
With best wishes,
Jane and Kerrie
Dr Jane Milling
Associate Professor of Drama
Director of Education, Drama
University of Exeter
EX4 4LA
+44 (0)1392 724592
27. Nomination of Parish Members to Dartmoor National Park Authority
As you will know the existing Parish Members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority cease to hold office following the elections on 7th May 2015. In order to put forward Parish Members to fill these places as quickly as possible a very tight timetable has been agreed for all National Park nominations with Defra. This is set out below:
Please put this item on your May meeting agendas and make arrangements to deal with the ballot stage at the appropriate time. This is especially important if you will not be holding a meeting at the relevant time, and need to agree delegation to the clerk to return the ballot paper.
Paperwork:
As you will know the existing Parish Members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority cease to hold office following the elections on 7th May 2015. In order to put forward Parish Members to fill these places as quickly as possible a very tight timetable has been agreed for all National Park nominations with Defra. This is set out below:
- Nominations to be returned: by 5pm 28th May 2015
- Ballot Papers to be sent out by: Friday 29th May 2015
- Ballot forms to be returned to DALC by: 14.00 Friday 12th June 2015
Please put this item on your May meeting agendas and make arrangements to deal with the ballot stage at the appropriate time. This is especially important if you will not be holding a meeting at the relevant time, and need to agree delegation to the clerk to return the ballot paper.
Paperwork:
- Consent to Nomination Form
- Member role description
- Guidance notes
- Election timetable
- General Information
26. Rural Growth is all about roads, broadband and mobile phones
In December, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss issued a press release setting out the government’s view that the drivers for rural growth include:
• Improved transport links
• Superfast broadband rollout
• Tacking mobile phone ‘partial not-spots’
• Changes to working practices (the growth of home working)
Rural areas are already home to a quarter of all businesses with knowledge-based industries among the fastest growing sectors. You can view the associated Defra Policy Brief here.
In December, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss issued a press release setting out the government’s view that the drivers for rural growth include:
• Improved transport links
• Superfast broadband rollout
• Tacking mobile phone ‘partial not-spots’
• Changes to working practices (the growth of home working)
Rural areas are already home to a quarter of all businesses with knowledge-based industries among the fastest growing sectors. You can view the associated Defra Policy Brief here.
25. The Power to Change receives £150 million
The Power to Change is an independent charitable trust endowed with £150 million from the Big Lottery Fund to support community businesses across England. Power to Change want to back people to build successful community businesses for the benefit of their local places.
The Power to Change will fund successful community businesses with ambitious and innovative plans to transform local places, and inspire many more people to start, support and grow community businesses.
The Big Lottery Fund announced its decision to make the endowment to the Power to Change in January 2015. Work is now underway to develop a full range of funding and support programmes and activities for community businesses at different stages of development.
In the meantime, Power to Change are looking for the most inspirational existing community businesses through a call for community business champions.
http://www.thepowertochange.org.uk/
The Power to Change is an independent charitable trust endowed with £150 million from the Big Lottery Fund to support community businesses across England. Power to Change want to back people to build successful community businesses for the benefit of their local places.
The Power to Change will fund successful community businesses with ambitious and innovative plans to transform local places, and inspire many more people to start, support and grow community businesses.
The Big Lottery Fund announced its decision to make the endowment to the Power to Change in January 2015. Work is now underway to develop a full range of funding and support programmes and activities for community businesses at different stages of development.
In the meantime, Power to Change are looking for the most inspirational existing community businesses through a call for community business champions.
http://www.thepowertochange.org.uk/
24. More details of £3.5 billion Rural Programme
The new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) was formally agreed by the European Commission last month. Under the programme, the government will be investing at least £3.5bn in rural development schemes until 2020, confirms the latest Defra update.
About £2.1bn will be spent on existing environmental schemes. The remainder of the money will be spent through the new RDPE, which is made up of four elements:
• Countryside Stewardship
• Countryside productivity
• Growth Programme
• LEADER
Under the Growth Programme, £177 million will go to people and business to help them support their local rural economy. Grants will be available for starting up a business, developing a business, tourism, renewable heat and energy projects. From 2016, there will also be grants for broadband investments. These will be linked to Local Broadband Plans developed by local authorities.
The new Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) was formally agreed by the European Commission last month. Under the programme, the government will be investing at least £3.5bn in rural development schemes until 2020, confirms the latest Defra update.
About £2.1bn will be spent on existing environmental schemes. The remainder of the money will be spent through the new RDPE, which is made up of four elements:
• Countryside Stewardship
• Countryside productivity
• Growth Programme
• LEADER
Under the Growth Programme, £177 million will go to people and business to help them support their local rural economy. Grants will be available for starting up a business, developing a business, tourism, renewable heat and energy projects. From 2016, there will also be grants for broadband investments. These will be linked to Local Broadband Plans developed by local authorities.
23. Rural Manifesto for the 2015 General Election
The Rural Services Manifesto has been published and is available via this link. Ahead of the 2015 General Election, the Manifesto makes the rural case across a range of topics, including the economy. Hot topics include broadband and mobile phone network coverage, ensuring LEPs and government funds reach businesses in rural areas and making sure lessons are learned from the Rural Growth Network pilots
The Rural Services Manifesto has been published and is available via this link. Ahead of the 2015 General Election, the Manifesto makes the rural case across a range of topics, including the economy. Hot topics include broadband and mobile phone network coverage, ensuring LEPs and government funds reach businesses in rural areas and making sure lessons are learned from the Rural Growth Network pilots
22. Childcare Business Grants available
The new Childcare Business Grants Scheme has been introduced to boost the provision of childcare in England and to incentivise entrepreneurship. It will encourage and support the starting up of new childcare businesses by providing a flat rate start-up grant of:
• £250 for new childminding businesses setting up in England (those who are looking after one or more children under the age of 8 years, to whom they are not related, on domestic premises, for reward and for a total of more than 2 hours in any day);
• £500 for new childminding businesses, as above, that will provide care for disabled children (applicants will need to demonstrate that they have incurred additional expenditure in setting up their business as a result of this);
• £500 for new nursery, out of school club, or childcare on domestic premises setting up in England.
The government recently announced a £2 million extension for the scheme to cover 2015-16. More information is available via this link.
The new Childcare Business Grants Scheme has been introduced to boost the provision of childcare in England and to incentivise entrepreneurship. It will encourage and support the starting up of new childcare businesses by providing a flat rate start-up grant of:
• £250 for new childminding businesses setting up in England (those who are looking after one or more children under the age of 8 years, to whom they are not related, on domestic premises, for reward and for a total of more than 2 hours in any day);
• £500 for new childminding businesses, as above, that will provide care for disabled children (applicants will need to demonstrate that they have incurred additional expenditure in setting up their business as a result of this);
• £500 for new nursery, out of school club, or childcare on domestic premises setting up in England.
The government recently announced a £2 million extension for the scheme to cover 2015-16. More information is available via this link.
21. First phase of new Countryside Productivity scheme now open
Farmers, woodland owners and forestry contractors can apply for grants under the Countryside Productivity Scheme which opened on 9 March 2015. The Countryside Productivity Scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). It’s administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Farmers, foresters and land managers across the country are being invited to apply for the grants.
This includes small grants, worth up to £35,000 per business, and also large grants worth £35,000 - £1million per business. This money can be used to invest in improved infrastructure and ground-breaking new technology. For more information follow this link.
Farmers, woodland owners and forestry contractors can apply for grants under the Countryside Productivity Scheme which opened on 9 March 2015. The Countryside Productivity Scheme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). It’s administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Farmers, foresters and land managers across the country are being invited to apply for the grants.
This includes small grants, worth up to £35,000 per business, and also large grants worth £35,000 - £1million per business. This money can be used to invest in improved infrastructure and ground-breaking new technology. For more information follow this link.
20. Prince’s Countryside Fund open for business
The Prince’s Countryside Fund is looking to invest £800,000 in initiatives that protect and sustain Britain’s rural communities. Groups and organisations can apply for funding of up to £50,000 from the charity which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2010, the Prince's Countryside Fund has given £5m in grants distributed to 120 projects across the country, directly benefiting 100,000 people. The fund recently reviewed its funding criteria to clarify the sort of initiatives it will support.
Fund manager Helen Aldis said: "We are looking for projects that will have a long-term positive impact on rural communities and enterprise, helping the people who care for our countryside and make it tick".
"It is one of our most valuable national assets and this funding will give much needed support to the remarkable people working to sustain a vibrant rural economy."
You can find out more by following this link.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund is looking to invest £800,000 in initiatives that protect and sustain Britain’s rural communities. Groups and organisations can apply for funding of up to £50,000 from the charity which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year. Since its inception in 2010, the Prince's Countryside Fund has given £5m in grants distributed to 120 projects across the country, directly benefiting 100,000 people. The fund recently reviewed its funding criteria to clarify the sort of initiatives it will support.
Fund manager Helen Aldis said: "We are looking for projects that will have a long-term positive impact on rural communities and enterprise, helping the people who care for our countryside and make it tick".
"It is one of our most valuable national assets and this funding will give much needed support to the remarkable people working to sustain a vibrant rural economy."
You can find out more by following this link.
19. A community-led broadband project is set to roll out superfast connections to part of rural Dorset.
The main Superfast Dorset programme aims to meet the government target of delivering a superfast connection of at least 24 Mbps to 95% of premises in Dorset by the end of 2017. But plans for rolling out this programme did not include Marshwood Vale – an area of small villages and scattered farms with no BT exchange. For local residents, this was a significant constraint upon the area's economy and social wellbeing. The Marshwood Vale Community Broadband Project gathered letters of support from 130 local businesses and residents to show the level of untapped demand for broadband. An application was submitted using actual costs from BT – which exceeded some of Defra's funding criteria for its scheme. But support for the project was so overwhelming that extra funding was instead found from within the main Superfast Broadband Programme and in 2014 the bid was agreed. The contract for the project has recently been signed off. Survey work is expected to start in June 2015 and improvement works will commence later in the year. A full case study about the project can be seen here.
The main Superfast Dorset programme aims to meet the government target of delivering a superfast connection of at least 24 Mbps to 95% of premises in Dorset by the end of 2017. But plans for rolling out this programme did not include Marshwood Vale – an area of small villages and scattered farms with no BT exchange. For local residents, this was a significant constraint upon the area's economy and social wellbeing. The Marshwood Vale Community Broadband Project gathered letters of support from 130 local businesses and residents to show the level of untapped demand for broadband. An application was submitted using actual costs from BT – which exceeded some of Defra's funding criteria for its scheme. But support for the project was so overwhelming that extra funding was instead found from within the main Superfast Broadband Programme and in 2014 the bid was agreed. The contract for the project has recently been signed off. Survey work is expected to start in June 2015 and improvement works will commence later in the year. A full case study about the project can be seen here.
18. LEADER programmes agreed
Following Defra’s announcement on 3 March 2015, LEADER funding is available to local businesses, communities, farmers, foresters and land managers in areas across the country. In summer 2015, applications will be able to be made to Local Action Groups (LAGs) for LEADER funding for projects that create jobs, help businesses to grow, and benefit the rural economy. Further information on LEADER areas and the funds agreed is available via this link.
Following Defra’s announcement on 3 March 2015, LEADER funding is available to local businesses, communities, farmers, foresters and land managers in areas across the country. In summer 2015, applications will be able to be made to Local Action Groups (LAGs) for LEADER funding for projects that create jobs, help businesses to grow, and benefit the rural economy. Further information on LEADER areas and the funds agreed is available via this link.
17. Transport Toolkit
CPRE’s Transport Toolkit will help you improve your local travel options and the streets where you live
It’s packed with information and ideas for town and parish councils, urban neighbourhoods, local community groups and you as an individual. Whether you want to tackle speeding through your area, cut the clutter of traffic signs, create an evening bus service or make safer cycling routes you’ll find help here.
The toolkit is full of hints and tips, ideas and practical advice. There are lots of benefits that can come even from making small changes to how people and goods get around your area. It’s not just about having more choices for how and where you travel to and spending less money on transport. The approach in the toolkit is also about creating stronger communities and a better quality of life. Reclaim the local from the long distance – you shouldn’t have to travel miles to live well.
http://transporttoolkit.cpre.org.uk/about-the-toolkit
CPRE’s Transport Toolkit will help you improve your local travel options and the streets where you live
It’s packed with information and ideas for town and parish councils, urban neighbourhoods, local community groups and you as an individual. Whether you want to tackle speeding through your area, cut the clutter of traffic signs, create an evening bus service or make safer cycling routes you’ll find help here.
The toolkit is full of hints and tips, ideas and practical advice. There are lots of benefits that can come even from making small changes to how people and goods get around your area. It’s not just about having more choices for how and where you travel to and spending less money on transport. The approach in the toolkit is also about creating stronger communities and a better quality of life. Reclaim the local from the long distance – you shouldn’t have to travel miles to live well.
http://transporttoolkit.cpre.org.uk/about-the-toolkit
16. RESIDENTS across 17 of the UK's most rural areas will see road fuel prices reduced from 31 May - But Not Dartmoor!.
The scheme will mean cheaper petrol and diesel for 125,000 rural people currently facing some of the country's highest road fuel prices. The Rural Fuel Rebate was approved by the European Union (EU) following a year-long approval process, having received EU Commission approval in January. It is the first time that Brussels has approved a fuel discount on the UK mainland, although the UK's most rural islands already receive the discount.
The 17 areas are:
IV54 (Highland – Scotland)
IV26 (Highland – Scotland)
IV27 (Highland – Scotland)
NE48 (Northumberland – England)
PH41 (Highland – Scotland)
KW12 (Highland – Scotland)
PA80 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)
PH36 (Highland – Scotland)
IV22 (Highland – Scotland)
PA38 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)
PH23 (Highland – Scotland)
PH19 (Highland – Scotland)
IV21 (Highland – Scotland)
LA17 (Cumbria – England)
EX35 (Devon – England)
IV14 (Highland – Scotland)
Hawes (North Yorkshire – England)
Retailers in the 17 areas will be able to register for the scheme from 1 April.
They will be eligible to register with HMRC and claim back a 5 pence per litre duty relief on purchases of unleaded petrol and diesel for retail sale within the eligible areas. Retailers will be entitled to claim the relief from HMRC on a monthly basis.
The scheme will mean cheaper petrol and diesel for 125,000 rural people currently facing some of the country's highest road fuel prices. The Rural Fuel Rebate was approved by the European Union (EU) following a year-long approval process, having received EU Commission approval in January. It is the first time that Brussels has approved a fuel discount on the UK mainland, although the UK's most rural islands already receive the discount.
The 17 areas are:
IV54 (Highland – Scotland)
IV26 (Highland – Scotland)
IV27 (Highland – Scotland)
NE48 (Northumberland – England)
PH41 (Highland – Scotland)
KW12 (Highland – Scotland)
PA80 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)
PH36 (Highland – Scotland)
IV22 (Highland – Scotland)
PA38 (Argyll and Bute – Scotland)
PH23 (Highland – Scotland)
PH19 (Highland – Scotland)
IV21 (Highland – Scotland)
LA17 (Cumbria – England)
EX35 (Devon – England)
IV14 (Highland – Scotland)
Hawes (North Yorkshire – England)
Retailers in the 17 areas will be able to register for the scheme from 1 April.
They will be eligible to register with HMRC and claim back a 5 pence per litre duty relief on purchases of unleaded petrol and diesel for retail sale within the eligible areas. Retailers will be entitled to claim the relief from HMRC on a monthly basis.
14. Annual General Meetings
What to add your agenda this May Its a busy time of year, especially with the elections coming up on 7th May. With this in mind, this is forward notice of a couple of items you might want to place on your AGM agenda:
13. New funding for Community Rights Programme
The Government has announced new funding for the Community Rights programme which it says will give even more people greater control and influence over what happens locally. This new funding will mean:
12. Community Clear Up Day
Last month, Government announced their first ever Community Clear Up Day. This 'national spring clean' is to be held on Saturday 21st March 2015, the first day of Spring, with the aim of sprucing up the country's high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks. Get Involved! They have produced a toolkit and information pack with customisable posters, leaflets and banners. Download it for free here. You can register and add you own local events, get tips for litter picking and find out about other activities. Join in on social media using #ClearUpDay
11. Royal Garden Party 2015
We are pleased to say that the following members have been drawn from the “hat” to go to a Royal Garden Party:
10. First World War commemorative events
Civic Voice It is estimated that there are 100,000 war memorials throughout the UK. Throughout the centenary Civic Voice want to ensure that they are a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Over the next four years, volunteers throughout England will record the condition of their local war memorial and take steps to ensure they are conserved and protected for the future. Get Involved! A series of workshops are being organised to provide volunteers with all the necessary training and ongoing support. One is taking place on Tuesday 17th March in Exeter. Anyone interested in taking part in this project should visit the civic voice website for more information. Or click here to book your place on the workshop.
9. Recent newsletters published
8. Seminar on External Audit
DALC has arranged for Grant Thornton's to provide a seminar on external audit and completion of the annual return exclusively for DALC members this April. The seminar will include: the future of local government audit, the current external audit process, common audit qualifications and how to avoid common errors that lead to additional fees. The session will also include a Q & A.
The workshops are most beneficial to clerks. We would suggest this course is more appropriate for larger councils. Those from smaller councils or clerks facing audit for the first time may prefer our 'Preparing for Audit' course taking place in March. For more information or to book your place please visit our website.
7. Being an effective councillor This course is especially for newly elected councillors wishing to gain greater understanding of the role and the nature of local councils and the relationship between local councils and local authorities in Devon. The courses will be delivered in partnership with Devon County Council and the Society of Local Council Clerks. The courses will include a range of speakers and will cover the following topics:
ELECTION SPECIAL - this full day course is being offered for just £25 + VAT per person! For more information or to book your place please visit our website.
What to add your agenda this May Its a busy time of year, especially with the elections coming up on 7th May. With this in mind, this is forward notice of a couple of items you might want to place on your AGM agenda:
- Dartmoor National Park representatives. If your parish is within the DNPA you will be asked to put forward nominations to fill the 4 vacancies. DALC will be handling the nomination and ballot process, which has a very tight timescale. You will be sent the appropriate paperwork in plenty of time but please make a note to add nominations to your agenda and agree a process for completing your ballot form which must be returned by the 12th June (which may be a delegated decision to the clerk (in consultation with cllrs) if you do not have another meeting taking place).
- DALC County Committee. DALC itself will be asking for nominations for members wishing to serve on its County Committee. This is an executive committee meeting 3 times per year, overseeing the running of the Association as well as responding to consultations and raising issues with other bodies on local council matters. We will be looking for 3 or 4 representatives from each district. Look out for further information soon.
13. New funding for Community Rights Programme
The Government has announced new funding for the Community Rights programme which it says will give even more people greater control and influence over what happens locally. This new funding will mean:
- likeminded communities will be able to network and learn from each other through the new My Community Network
- communities will have access to tailored advice through a phone and online advice service to help them use the range of community rights and other neighbourhood approaches
- 100 more neighbourhoods will be supported to use the Our Place approach, enabling councils and other public sector providers, voluntary and community groups, local businesses and the community to work together to tackle important local issues from job creation to health priorities
- 100 communities will receive support to take the first steps in identifying important local issues and develop Community Action Plans
- 50 communities will receive support to develop economic plans to address local economic priorities like job creation and enterprise
- 50 local authority/community partnerships will receive advice, support and grants to support the transfer of multiple or complex publicly owned assets into community ownership
12. Community Clear Up Day
Last month, Government announced their first ever Community Clear Up Day. This 'national spring clean' is to be held on Saturday 21st March 2015, the first day of Spring, with the aim of sprucing up the country's high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks. Get Involved! They have produced a toolkit and information pack with customisable posters, leaflets and banners. Download it for free here. You can register and add you own local events, get tips for litter picking and find out about other activities. Join in on social media using #ClearUpDay
11. Royal Garden Party 2015
We are pleased to say that the following members have been drawn from the “hat” to go to a Royal Garden Party:
- Diptford Parish Council
- Newton St Cyres Parish Council
- South Brent Town Council and
- Bideford Town Council
10. First World War commemorative events
Civic Voice It is estimated that there are 100,000 war memorials throughout the UK. Throughout the centenary Civic Voice want to ensure that they are a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. Over the next four years, volunteers throughout England will record the condition of their local war memorial and take steps to ensure they are conserved and protected for the future. Get Involved! A series of workshops are being organised to provide volunteers with all the necessary training and ongoing support. One is taking place on Tuesday 17th March in Exeter. Anyone interested in taking part in this project should visit the civic voice website for more information. Or click here to book your place on the workshop.
9. Recent newsletters published
- Emergency Management: emergency planning newsletter from Devon County Council.
- RD&E News Spring Edition: newsletter from Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital
- Healthwatch Devon E-bulletin: March 2015 edition
8. Seminar on External Audit
DALC has arranged for Grant Thornton's to provide a seminar on external audit and completion of the annual return exclusively for DALC members this April. The seminar will include: the future of local government audit, the current external audit process, common audit qualifications and how to avoid common errors that lead to additional fees. The session will also include a Q & A.
The workshops are most beneficial to clerks. We would suggest this course is more appropriate for larger councils. Those from smaller councils or clerks facing audit for the first time may prefer our 'Preparing for Audit' course taking place in March. For more information or to book your place please visit our website.
7. Being an effective councillor This course is especially for newly elected councillors wishing to gain greater understanding of the role and the nature of local councils and the relationship between local councils and local authorities in Devon. The courses will be delivered in partnership with Devon County Council and the Society of Local Council Clerks. The courses will include a range of speakers and will cover the following topics:
- Local Council vs Local Authority
- Encouraging best practice
- Local council finance
- Being a good employer
- Working in partnership
- Communication
ELECTION SPECIAL - this full day course is being offered for just £25 + VAT per person! For more information or to book your place please visit our website.
7. Beyond the Basics: Intermediate Smallholding weekend 25 & 26 April 2015
Now lambing is nearly over and calving is getting underway at South Yeo Farm West, just outside Okehampton on the fringes of Dartmoor, Debbie Kingsley and her husband Andrew Hubbard are thinking about the detail of their Intermediate Smallholding weekend this April. Although there is a clear structure for the two days, as it’s for those moving beyond the basics of smallholding, the weekend is tailored around the interests and needs of the participants.
This makes for a really helpful course, where those smallholders who are getting to grips with new challenges have a place they can come and grow their knowledge quickly on the back of the decades of experience that Andrew and Debbie offer.
The intermediate course is for smallholders with some experience of looking after land and livestock who may be feeling in need of a refresher or are wanting to move into more complex smallholding subjects and further develop their understanding. You might be considering breeding your own stock, choosing pedigree animals, increasing the numbers or varieties of stock that you keep, wondering if it’s time for a tractor, want to manage your land more effectively, need to get to grips with health planning, or are now producing surplus and are thinking about selling it.
There’s plenty of opportunity to answer all your questions and the aim is to leave you feeling confident in making those next step smallholding decisions. Not only that, you’ll be fed delicious homemade produce including the essential Devon cream tea.
Hundreds of people have attended and loved their courses and come from all over the UK, Europe and further afield to be inspired and gain knowledge, inspiration and confidence.
Debbie and Andrew also run introductory weekends and a raft of other smallholder related courses, including bespoke courses for people wanting individual attention and support, and this approach has gone down a storm: "We did not just have a good day with you, we had a truly fantastic day! I really feel we have been lucky to find you, you are exactly what I have been looking for by way of mentors and teachers, and hopefully friends for many years to come." GB, Devon.
To check out course details and for more information go to www.smallholdertraining.co.uk, or contact Debbie on 01837 810569 or [email protected]
Now lambing is nearly over and calving is getting underway at South Yeo Farm West, just outside Okehampton on the fringes of Dartmoor, Debbie Kingsley and her husband Andrew Hubbard are thinking about the detail of their Intermediate Smallholding weekend this April. Although there is a clear structure for the two days, as it’s for those moving beyond the basics of smallholding, the weekend is tailored around the interests and needs of the participants.
This makes for a really helpful course, where those smallholders who are getting to grips with new challenges have a place they can come and grow their knowledge quickly on the back of the decades of experience that Andrew and Debbie offer.
The intermediate course is for smallholders with some experience of looking after land and livestock who may be feeling in need of a refresher or are wanting to move into more complex smallholding subjects and further develop their understanding. You might be considering breeding your own stock, choosing pedigree animals, increasing the numbers or varieties of stock that you keep, wondering if it’s time for a tractor, want to manage your land more effectively, need to get to grips with health planning, or are now producing surplus and are thinking about selling it.
There’s plenty of opportunity to answer all your questions and the aim is to leave you feeling confident in making those next step smallholding decisions. Not only that, you’ll be fed delicious homemade produce including the essential Devon cream tea.
Hundreds of people have attended and loved their courses and come from all over the UK, Europe and further afield to be inspired and gain knowledge, inspiration and confidence.
Debbie and Andrew also run introductory weekends and a raft of other smallholder related courses, including bespoke courses for people wanting individual attention and support, and this approach has gone down a storm: "We did not just have a good day with you, we had a truly fantastic day! I really feel we have been lucky to find you, you are exactly what I have been looking for by way of mentors and teachers, and hopefully friends for many years to come." GB, Devon.
To check out course details and for more information go to www.smallholdertraining.co.uk, or contact Debbie on 01837 810569 or [email protected]
6. Proof we don't have superfast broadband!
Ladies & Gentlemen As per the information contained in the letter from Dr Bishop, please find attached list of the postcodes that correspond to the ‘Green’ postcodes areas that have gone live and are capable of receiving a superfast service. This information tallies with that on DCC’s website/postcode checker and map. We have been asked to advise you that you should regularly check the CDS website for details of the Programme as it gets updated. Kind regards Ali Harris Mrs A Harris PA to CEO & Directors Direct line: 01626 831004 |
|
5. Dear Nigel Space limitations means that only a small number of the many news items appearing on our website can be included in this latest News Bulletin. Among those not included which members may wish to refer to are:
Communications Officer
[email protected]
- VE Day 70th Anniversary Beacons: How your community can take part
- Towns and Villages urged to enter the second Great British High Street competition
- English Heritage Angel Awards 2015: Open for applications!
- New ACAS code of practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures introduced
- New Neighbourhood Planning Grants & Support programme for 2015 - 18 now open
Communications Officer
[email protected]
4. Lost Carnegie Trust Playing Fields
Good afternoon,
Have you heard about our #FieldFinders campaign, which we launched recently in partnership with The Carnegie UK Trust? We are looking for the UK’s lost playing fields - and we hope that you will be able to help.
Between 1927 and 1935 the Carnegie UK Trust gave grants totalling £200,000 – the equivalent of around £10 million today – to create nearly 900 playing fields across the UK. These grants were given to local councils and community groups. A key condition of the grants was that the newly created playing fields were to be protected in perpetuity through Fields in Trust.
However, the precise location of these playing fields was not always recorded. Now, the Carnegie UK Trust and Fields in Trust have launched a new campaign to find the missing playing fields and ensure that they remain protected for local communities to enjoy today and in the future. The Carnegie UK Trust was set up by Andrew Carnegie, Scottish industrialist and philanthropist. His far-reaching vision in donating money to establish playing fields for future generations to enjoy should not be lost.
You may have one or more located in your local area so we’re asking all local councils and community groups across the UK to help by searching your archives and garnering the support of local librarians and historians to help identify this lost heritage.
Our #FieldFinders campaign page has an easy to complete online form where anyone who has any extra information about a potential Carnegie playing field in their area can share it with us. There are development grants of £5,000 each up for grabs for these identified protected fields so do tell us all about them.
As you are aware, many playing fields offer the only green space in built up areas for communities to enjoy, play sports or hold community events. Ensuring they are around for future generations is an utmost priority. We hope that you can help us with the campaign.
We ask you to:
With best wishes,
Alison McCann Douglas White
Development Manager Head of Advocacy,
Fields in Trust Carnegie UK Trust
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7427 2110
Good afternoon,
Have you heard about our #FieldFinders campaign, which we launched recently in partnership with The Carnegie UK Trust? We are looking for the UK’s lost playing fields - and we hope that you will be able to help.
Between 1927 and 1935 the Carnegie UK Trust gave grants totalling £200,000 – the equivalent of around £10 million today – to create nearly 900 playing fields across the UK. These grants were given to local councils and community groups. A key condition of the grants was that the newly created playing fields were to be protected in perpetuity through Fields in Trust.
However, the precise location of these playing fields was not always recorded. Now, the Carnegie UK Trust and Fields in Trust have launched a new campaign to find the missing playing fields and ensure that they remain protected for local communities to enjoy today and in the future. The Carnegie UK Trust was set up by Andrew Carnegie, Scottish industrialist and philanthropist. His far-reaching vision in donating money to establish playing fields for future generations to enjoy should not be lost.
You may have one or more located in your local area so we’re asking all local councils and community groups across the UK to help by searching your archives and garnering the support of local librarians and historians to help identify this lost heritage.
Our #FieldFinders campaign page has an easy to complete online form where anyone who has any extra information about a potential Carnegie playing field in their area can share it with us. There are development grants of £5,000 each up for grabs for these identified protected fields so do tell us all about them.
As you are aware, many playing fields offer the only green space in built up areas for communities to enjoy, play sports or hold community events. Ensuring they are around for future generations is an utmost priority. We hope that you can help us with the campaign.
We ask you to:
- Share the details of the #FieldFinders campaign with any of your colleagues, stakeholders or community networks who might wish to get involved
- Visit the #FieldFinders campaign page to submit any information you might have about a Carnegie field, or to correct the information we currently hold.
- Visit the #FieldFinders campaign page and download the report of our 2014 pilot project, which identified the first 14 Carnegie playing field sites. Case study reports on each of these sites can also be downloaded.
With best wishes,
Alison McCann Douglas White
Development Manager Head of Advocacy,
Fields in Trust Carnegie UK Trust
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7427 2110
3. Village Green - Issue 139, Summer 2014
Quarterly magazine from Devon Communities Together
Download here
Spring: Issue 139 Printed copies are being sent out this week.
If you are not on our mailing list and would like a printed copy
please call 01392 248919 or email [email protected].
Copyright © 2015 Devon Communities Together, All rights reserved.
Hello, you are hearing from us as you are a member of Devon Communities Together
Quarterly magazine from Devon Communities Together
Download here
Spring: Issue 139 Printed copies are being sent out this week.
If you are not on our mailing list and would like a printed copy
please call 01392 248919 or email [email protected].
Copyright © 2015 Devon Communities Together, All rights reserved.
Hello, you are hearing from us as you are a member of Devon Communities Together
2. Email exchanges regarding B3212 road closure
(starts at bottom) |
|
Dear Colleagues,
I know some of you are already aware of these works, but for those who aren’t, circumstances and weather permitting, on behalf of Devon County Council SWH will be carrying out the following works under a road closure:
Type of work: resurfacing
Location: B3212 Walkhampton Common Princetown
Dates: Monday 30th March – Wednesday 1st April 2015 surfacing
There will then be bridge lifting works taking place on Thursday 2nd April.
Details of the closure and diversion route are shown on the attached map .
All affected properties will be letter dropped and we will endeavour to maintain access to properties within the closure, however there may be times when access is restricted/delayed, and South West Highways would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by these essential works.
SWH are not involved with the bridge lifting, and I understand that Devon County Council has programmed this work to take place immediately after the surfacing works so that one road closure covers both operations. I am told that the work should be finished before the Easter break.
If you have any queries regarding the surfacing work, please email, or call me on the number below.
Regards
Joanna Cole
Customer Liaison Administrator
Dear Philip
Extending the road closure that was already set up for the resurfacing by 2 days in order to carry out the bridge lift appeared to be the sensible solution, this would allow the administration costs involved with road closures to be shared but also meant that one closure period covered both operations
With school half terms, bank holidays and Easter breaks all falling closely together it is difficult to get vital work carried out without impacting on one holiday or other, however our head of bridge team has asked the project managers for both schemes to meet to see what can be done, and he will get back to me with their decision early next week as they meet on Monday
Regards
Stuart
Stuart
Can you take a look into this please as this will be two closures of the main road from Plymouth to Princetown which will butt end to end to make a possible 5 day continuous closure.
Philip
Nigel
I have forwarded this to the Cabinet member for highways, plus the head of highways officer wise at DCC. I have bcc you. However that should not stop you writing as well.
Philip
Philip
Thanks for the heads up. You may wish to be aware of the unhappiness with road closure among local businesses. An email I received today is below. I will be writing.
Nigel
Dear Councillor Sanders,
I just wanted to let you know that we will be closing the B3212 on 2 & 3 April to lift in Peekhill Bridge. We are going to aim to complete the work in a single day, but we have allowed a two day window in case the weather is against us.
We aim to open the bridge by the beginning of May.
Kind regards,
Ben
Hi Nigel thanks please see the email to me from joss at powdermills, can you write to them with our points please
Wendy
Wendy
I see that Highways, in their wisdom, are proposing to close the B3212 between Princetown and Yelverton for three days beginning 30 March. This is the first week of the Easter school holidays – the Friday of the same week is Good Friday. Easter is an essential time of trade for all of us in the tourism industry on the moor as it breaks a long, income-dry winter and marks the beginning of our earning season. I question why this is not planned to be completed before 28 March, before the main tourism season begins, but, failing such commons sense, surely, the works could be put back to lie in the period after school holidays and before May bank holidays?
Martin has written as an individual, would the Parish council do so on behalf of all of the parishioners whose income relies on visitors to the moor?
Joss
I know some of you are already aware of these works, but for those who aren’t, circumstances and weather permitting, on behalf of Devon County Council SWH will be carrying out the following works under a road closure:
Type of work: resurfacing
Location: B3212 Walkhampton Common Princetown
Dates: Monday 30th March – Wednesday 1st April 2015 surfacing
There will then be bridge lifting works taking place on Thursday 2nd April.
Details of the closure and diversion route are shown on the attached map .
All affected properties will be letter dropped and we will endeavour to maintain access to properties within the closure, however there may be times when access is restricted/delayed, and South West Highways would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by these essential works.
SWH are not involved with the bridge lifting, and I understand that Devon County Council has programmed this work to take place immediately after the surfacing works so that one road closure covers both operations. I am told that the work should be finished before the Easter break.
If you have any queries regarding the surfacing work, please email, or call me on the number below.
Regards
Joanna Cole
Customer Liaison Administrator
Dear Philip
Extending the road closure that was already set up for the resurfacing by 2 days in order to carry out the bridge lift appeared to be the sensible solution, this would allow the administration costs involved with road closures to be shared but also meant that one closure period covered both operations
With school half terms, bank holidays and Easter breaks all falling closely together it is difficult to get vital work carried out without impacting on one holiday or other, however our head of bridge team has asked the project managers for both schemes to meet to see what can be done, and he will get back to me with their decision early next week as they meet on Monday
Regards
Stuart
Stuart
Can you take a look into this please as this will be two closures of the main road from Plymouth to Princetown which will butt end to end to make a possible 5 day continuous closure.
Philip
Nigel
I have forwarded this to the Cabinet member for highways, plus the head of highways officer wise at DCC. I have bcc you. However that should not stop you writing as well.
Philip
Philip
Thanks for the heads up. You may wish to be aware of the unhappiness with road closure among local businesses. An email I received today is below. I will be writing.
Nigel
Dear Councillor Sanders,
I just wanted to let you know that we will be closing the B3212 on 2 & 3 April to lift in Peekhill Bridge. We are going to aim to complete the work in a single day, but we have allowed a two day window in case the weather is against us.
We aim to open the bridge by the beginning of May.
Kind regards,
Ben
Hi Nigel thanks please see the email to me from joss at powdermills, can you write to them with our points please
Wendy
Wendy
I see that Highways, in their wisdom, are proposing to close the B3212 between Princetown and Yelverton for three days beginning 30 March. This is the first week of the Easter school holidays – the Friday of the same week is Good Friday. Easter is an essential time of trade for all of us in the tourism industry on the moor as it breaks a long, income-dry winter and marks the beginning of our earning season. I question why this is not planned to be completed before 28 March, before the main tourism season begins, but, failing such commons sense, surely, the works could be put back to lie in the period after school holidays and before May bank holidays?
Martin has written as an individual, would the Parish council do so on behalf of all of the parishioners whose income relies on visitors to the moor?
Joss
1. National Plant Monitoring Scheme
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing to let you know about the National Plant Monitoring Scheme which was launched at the weekend. The scheme is the first of its kind and asks for volunteers across the United Kingdom to visit a kilometre square local to them and record the plants they find there in several different plots. The scheme will enable us to explore how plants in different habitats are responding to changes in the environment.
It may be that there are people within your parish / community who would like to be involved in this government backed scheme which is being delivered by a partnership comprising Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland; Centre for Ecology; Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Plantlife.
What support will volunteers get?
· All volunteers registering for a square on www.npms.org.uk will receive a survey pack (survey guidance; species list; species guidebook)
· All volunteers will be able to access telephone and email support provided by the volunteer coordinator
· All volunteers will be able to access free training courses
Additional information
· Squares have been randomly selected across the UK and it is possible to see if there is a square in your area by visiting the website above. - Note: there are no squares in Dartmoor Forest
· Volunteers are asked to record up to 30 plant species in any one square or linear plot as long as it fits into 1 of the 28 NPMS habitats
· Volunteers carry out the survey of their plots 2 times per year
· Volunteers may be individuals or small groups
How you can help us?
We would be grateful if you could circulate the attached press release and flier within your local community or networks. If possible it would be wonderful if this could go in your parish/ community news or on your parish / community website. We do hope that people within your local area will be inspired to take part.
With many thanks in advance for your support
Katie Cameron
Communications & Outreach Support Officer
Direct Dial: 01722 342759
14 Rollestone St, Salisbury, SP1 1DX
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing to let you know about the National Plant Monitoring Scheme which was launched at the weekend. The scheme is the first of its kind and asks for volunteers across the United Kingdom to visit a kilometre square local to them and record the plants they find there in several different plots. The scheme will enable us to explore how plants in different habitats are responding to changes in the environment.
It may be that there are people within your parish / community who would like to be involved in this government backed scheme which is being delivered by a partnership comprising Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland; Centre for Ecology; Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Plantlife.
What support will volunteers get?
· All volunteers registering for a square on www.npms.org.uk will receive a survey pack (survey guidance; species list; species guidebook)
· All volunteers will be able to access telephone and email support provided by the volunteer coordinator
· All volunteers will be able to access free training courses
Additional information
· Squares have been randomly selected across the UK and it is possible to see if there is a square in your area by visiting the website above. - Note: there are no squares in Dartmoor Forest
· Volunteers are asked to record up to 30 plant species in any one square or linear plot as long as it fits into 1 of the 28 NPMS habitats
· Volunteers carry out the survey of their plots 2 times per year
· Volunteers may be individuals or small groups
How you can help us?
We would be grateful if you could circulate the attached press release and flier within your local community or networks. If possible it would be wonderful if this could go in your parish/ community news or on your parish / community website. We do hope that people within your local area will be inspired to take part.
With many thanks in advance for your support
Katie Cameron
Communications & Outreach Support Officer
Direct Dial: 01722 342759
14 Rollestone St, Salisbury, SP1 1DX