News

All South Hams Leisure Centres Open

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28/09/2020

Thanks to a one off cash injection of £243,000, approved by Councillors at South Hams District Council, all of the Districts Leisure Centres will be fully opened in October.

When the lockdown restrictions began to be lifted this summer, South Hams District Council were determined to do what they could to reinstate some leisure facilities in the District. Previously South Hams and their leisure provider, Fusion Lifestyle were unable to open all facilities, due to the additional costs of creating COVID secure facilities and with a reduced footfall. The Kingsbridge pool and the Dartmouth Leisure Centre were unable to be opened.

COVID has hit the leisure industry hard, with operators covering the cost of maintaining centres with no income coming in, and this additional funding is required to allow centres to open at significantly reduced capacities.  It will also support all the new safety measures required to open within government guidelines, including meticulous cleaning regimes, staff training and new booking systems

South Hams District Council recognises the huge health and well-being benefits that these facilities can provide, but had to balance the decision to open all of the centres with the additional cost, which could only be provided by dipping into their reserves

However, Councillors decided that this was a cost they felt must be spent, for the health and wellbeing of the whole District.

Cllr Judy Pearce, Leader of South Hams District Council said: “I am pleased that we have made this difficult decision today.  There are significant financial implications for the Council as we have taken this money out of our reserves.  However, we have now reinstated much loved and greatly needed facilities across the District, not least to teach our children to swim and for medical referrals.

“So I say to all residents, we will get the centres open, so now it is up to you, we are asking our residents to use the leisure centres or risk losing them.  The only thing that will keep these centres open now is if we can get the footfall up, and bring in much needed income.

“We do not know what will happen in the future, we all know that we are facing a potential second wave of COVID-19, so there is a chance that we may need to revisit this decision, but I believe we must remain optimistic and get these centres open even at great cost to the Council’s finances, to benefit the wellbeing of residents.  It is especially important in a coastal area that children are able to go to swimming classes again.”

“This must be the best result in exceptionally difficult circumstances”.

Cllr Hawkins South Hams Executive for Health and Wellbeing said: “I am delighted that the Council today supported opening all our Leisure Centres. They are an important part of our communities and the facilities they provide are important to our residents, families and children.  I recently meet Peter King from Fusion and was impressed with the COVID related safety measures that are to be put in place. This is a vote of confidence in our centres as well as protecting jobs”.

Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at Fusion said “We are delighted that all our centres are now able to re-open during October, as we know how important our facilities are to the local community.  Many leisure centres have not been eligible for government funding during the pandemic.  We hope that industry-wide campaigns like #saveleisure raise awareness of the desperate need to keep our centres open and financially viable for the future of the nation’s health and wellbeing”

 

 

 

 

www.southhams.gov.uk

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South Hams Council News

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South Hams & West Devon sent this bulletin at 25-09-2020 

Download the New NHS COVID-19 App

NHS APP Protect your loved ones

The new COVID-19 App is now live and available to download. It’s free and it is hoped that it will stop the spread of coronavirus. You can download the app here.

The benefit  is that it will help quickly trace people you may have been in contact with who have tested positive for coronavirus. That way, you can be advised to self-isolate and reduce the risk of infection to others. 

You’ll get an alert if you’ve visited a place where you’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus because it records the places you visit, like pubs, restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, hairdressers, places of worship, libraries or village halls. 

All of these places now have to legally collect contact details from customers either using a QR code for use with smartphones, or by writing down your details if you don’t.

You can find out more about the app here.

Stop Bogus Waste Collectors

Green waste

Help us to stop green waste fly-tipped by checking the credentials of doorstep conmen trying to take away green waste.

Households in the South Hams, particularly near Plymouth, are being asked to quiz people knocking on their doors and offering to take their rubbish away.

Waste carriers, like other licensed trades, are required to register and operate in line with a set of rules that protect the environment and their customers. These rules include disposing of waste in the right place, storing it safely and keeping accurate records of transfer and disposal.

Find out more on what to do here.

Sunflower Competition

Sunflowers

There are just days left for green-fingered children across the South Hams to take part in a creative challenge ‘Let’s Spread Some Sunshine’ – a colourful competition launched by FCC Environment.

Have your children grown some sunflowers for the competition? If so, send the photos in before the competition closes on the 30 September.

Read on here.

Updated COVID Restrictions

Hands Face Space Poster

Due to the COVID alert rising to Level 4 this week, the Prime Minister has introduced some new measures which include:

  • Work from home wherever possible: Office workers who can work effectively from home should do so over the winter. If you cannot work from home, you should go to your place of work. The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-19 secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.
  • Hospitality: All pubs, bars and restaurants are now table service only and must close at 10pm. This will include takeaways but delivery services can continue after 10pm.
  • Businesses: All businesses need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally. Businesses must remind people to wear face coverings. In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, the guidelines will become law. Businesses will be fined and possibly closed if they breach rules.
  • Face coverings: You need to wear a face covering if you work in retail, in taxis and private hire vehicles, everyone within indoor hospitality, except when eating or drinking.
  • Gatherings: From Monday (28 September) only 15 people can attend weddings and civil partnerships. Funerals remain at 30 people. Indoor sports can only be in groups of less than six – from Monday.
  • Penalties: The penalty for not wearing a mask or for gathering in  more than six people will rise to £200 for the first offence.
  • Shielding: Shielding is not currently required, but the government is keeping this under constant review.

What is new can be found here on the government’s website.

COVID-19 Tests

COVID Symptoms

If you think you may have COVID-19, please remember, you only need to get a test if you have the following symptoms or have been asked by a medical professional to get one.

You must get test if you have:

  • A high temperature
  • A new, continuous cough
  • Loss or change in sense of smell or taste

Visit the NHS website for more information and to book a free test.
News

Road Closure Notification

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984
SECTION 14
THE COUNTY OF DEVON (TEMPORARY RESTRICTION) (BUMBSTON CROSS TO
STAVERTON STATION, STAVERTON) NOTICE 2020
TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF THROUGH TRAFFIC & PARKING
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL hereby give NOTICE that:
From MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020
for a maximum of 5 days
Until FRIDAY 2 OCTOBER 2020 (both dates inclusive)
No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed or wait on the sections of Affected
Roads.
Roads affected –
BUMBSTON CROSS TO STAVERTON STATION, STAVERTON
The alternative, signed, route for vehicles will be via – BUMPSTON CROSS,
CADDAFORD CROSS, WESTON CROSS, A384, STAVERTION BRIDGE CROSS AND
VICE VERSA
This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable –
DEVON HIGHWAYS TO UNDERTAKE PATCHING
For additional information contact:
SKANSKA
Telephone: 03301052660
Dated: MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2020
Meg Booth
Chief Officer of Highways, Infrastructure
Development & Waste
Devon Highways
Devon County Council
Lucombe House
County Hall
Exeter
EX2 4QD
Ref: TTRO2036994

 

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Council Prepares for New Recycling Service

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PLEASE NOTE: CHANGES BEGIN FROM 5 OCTOBER  – THIS MAY INCLUDE A CHANGE OF COLLECTION DAY – CHECK YOUR COLLECTION DAY ONLINE


In Spring 2021, South Hams District Council will be introducing an all new ‘Super Recycler’ service, so that every household can recycle more.

The planned changes will add glass and a wider range of plastics to the list of items collected at the kerbside.

In preparation for the new service, a full review of the collection rounds has taken place and new routes will come in to effect from 5 October 2020. From this date, it is possible that crews will  collect at a different time of the day for every household so it’s important that all waste is out by 7 a.m. For about two thirds of residents, actual collection days will change.

Reviewing the days and weeks we collect recycling and waste is a common part of delivering the service.  These reviews are needed periodically to take account of new properties, and this round review is long overdue in South Hams.

With the incoming new service, now is the perfect time to implement a full review of the rounds. This will ensure that the rounds have been amended to take into account the changes that are needed for the new service to work effectively in 2021.

The new recycling service was originally planned to come into effect in September 2020 but has been delayed due to the impact of lockdown on vital supply chains and preparations.

Residents in the South Hams are already very good at recycling all of the items currently collected. With the introduction of the new service, South Hams District Council wants to help residents become Super Recyclers and recycle even more every single week.

Recycling more and throwing away less reduces the impact on the environment because less energy is used producing new materials and we can make the best use of our resources.

In 2019, South Hams District Council joined many other councils and Central Government, in declaring a climate change and biodiversity emergency.  While tackling the global issues seems an overwhelming task, recycling is one of the easiest way for every household to do their bit.

The new service will introduce a new weekly separate food waste collection and weekly recycling collection. It will allow residents to recycling glass and plastic packaging, such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, meat trays and fruit punnets, at the kerbside. Garden waste and refuse collections will remain fortnightly.

All properties impacted by the day changes will receive a letter this week, 14 – 18 September, informing them of their new collection day. If residents have not received a letter and want to check if they have been affected they can use the ‘find my collection day’ feature on our website, www.southhams.gov.uk/recyclingwaste. Households not affected by the day change may notice that the time of day their collection is completed may change. Residents are reminded that collections can happen any time after 7 a.m. on their collection day.

Cllr Keith Baldry, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “We are delighted to be bringing this improved service to our residents in Spring 2021.  Many of them have been telling us that they want to recycle more materials, because they know how important recycling is.

“The collection route changes are a necessary step in the preparation for the new service. Residents may experience low levels of disruption while our hard working collection crews adjust to the new routes. If missed collections do occur they can be reported on our website the following day.”

Cllr Baldry added: “While we’ve unfortunately had to delay the new service until 2021, we hope the delay will mean that we have more time to talk to more people about the new service as lockdown restrictions ease.”

Residents will receive further information on the new service through their door in early 2021.

Collection calendars issued with council tax statements in March finish in September. This was in preparation for the original new service date. A downloadable copy of the calendar for the rest of 20/21 is available at www.southhams.gov.uk/recyclingwaste.

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Link to govt consultation on Highway Code safety improvements for cyclists etc

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The government has put out proposals for improving safety for cyclists and other non-vehicular traffic.

Highway Code consultation link.  Online survey.  Tell them if you agree or not.

Nick Arding has summarised these changes for the SCAG transport working group (Staverton Climate Action Group)

The proposals center around:
    • introducing a hierarchy of road users which ensures that those road users who can do the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger or threat they may pose to others
    • clarifying existing rules on pedestrian priority on pavements and that drivers and riders should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road
    • establishing guidance on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists or horse riders, and ensuring that they have priority at junctions when travelling straight ahead
So there are a number of changes to the Highway Code in terms of clarification of existing rules and guidance but also giving new rules about motorists giving way to cyclists and pedestrians, about how cyclists may or may not use the road and how they should give way to pedestrians, about use of cycle lanes, about cycling in groups and about how motorists will be obliged to pass cyclists, summarised as:
    • leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres at speeds under 30 mph
    • leave a minimum distance of 2.0 metres at speeds over 30 mph
    • for a large vehicle, leave a minimum distance of 2.0 metres in all conditions
    • you should wait behind the motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances
The public have been asked to respond to the proposal by 27 October 2020 at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/K736D5/
I just responded and it only took 10 minutes.
News

Transport group meeting

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The transport sub-group of the Staverton Climate Action group is meeting at the Sea Trout this Tuesday (1st Sept) at 7pm.  Contact johnforte@btinternet.com for more details or just turn up.  This is a general meeting to debate ideas on what direction to take the group.  Cycling will be a focus.

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New Green Homes Grant – pays up to £10,000 per home

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Act quickly to claim this grant that runs from this September for only 6 months. It pays up to £5,000 per home all up-front in the form of a voucher. You have to contribute 1/3rd of the total cost. So for works costing around £7,500, you’d receive £5,000 and pay £2,500. If any occupant is receives income-based or disability benefits, it’s £10,000 per home with no contribution needed from the owner.

Applies to social housing too, but it’s the owner that claims.

£10,000 for households on benefits is a huge sum and we want to reach all such homes in the parish. Can you help? Do know anyone who might qualify. It could pay for external wall insulation, which can slash bills, whilst increasing comfort.

All the information you need is on our Green Homes Grant page.

Only government registered Trustmark companies are able to do the work and order books will fill, so contact one for a free survey and assessment asap.

Advice

  • Free independent impartial advice available on the green homes grant from South Dartmoor Community Energy on 0800 112 3044 or info@sdce.org.uk.
  • Citizens Advice South Hams on 03 444 111 444. If you’re on benefits, get advice on the Green Homes Grant as well as energy bills, debt etc.
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Reduced 5% VAT available on heat pump or insulation projects

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Not all contractors seem aware of this in my experience.  A heat pump installation project should qualify for 5% VAT, including the cost of enabling building works, provided that material costs do not exceed 60% of the total project cost.  If materials are greater than 60%, you still get 5% on the labour only.  If you’re over 60 or on certain benefits, this 60% test doesn’t apply, and you qualify for 5% whatever.

If you’re using several contractors as well as your heating engineer (e.g.  digger driver to dig trenches for the ground source piping, or a builder to alter a room to accommodate the heat pump), speak to your heating engineer about acting as main contractor.  The other contractors will invoice at 20% VAT to your heating engineer who will then bill that work on to you at only 5%.  This obviously involves admin and temporary cashflow costs for the heating engineer so expect a small charge to cover it – e.g. 2.5% commission.

The same 5% VAT rules also apply if you’re doing work that is primarily designed to improve the insulation of your house.

VAT notice 708/6 – link