Latest News
Communication with Local Businesses
Following comments to the Town Council about consultation prior to the road closure on Saturday mornings for a limited time, if you would like your business to informed of any future planned changes or events please see this letter from Cllr Claire Allford about how to register your details or email cllr.allford@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk
Share our Space at Walking Pace and Saturday Morning Road Closures
Totnes Town Council are supporting the message of 'Share our space at walking pace' in light of the town reopening on Monday 15th June for business.
We are temporarily closing the road to all traffic on a Saturday morning from 9am - 1pm to allow those who are particularly vulnerable to socially distance and support our local businesses. This starts this week (Saturday 20th June) on emergency measures. This closure will be temporary during this unprecedented public health situation. For more information about diversion routes see our road closures page.
Our narrow streets are difficult to navigate without stepping in the road and so we thought this would help pedestrians particularly. For the rest of the week the access only rule already in place is to be enforced. Totnes Police will be checking that the access only restriction is respected, so please go around (not through) if you are not visiting us and also make use of the large town centre car parks.
The banners and signage encouraging cars to travel at 5mph have been installed, and pedestrians are reminded to remember to socially distance from others using the pavements wherever possible.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
For local information on help, volunteering and businesses who can deliver, along with links to regional and national advice please see the new Covid-19 page. Totnes Town Council also has an emergency number to call - 07961 898244.
The Government's guidance is to 'Stay Alert - Control the Virus - Save Lives'. From 4th July there are new social distancing rules in place so where it is not possible to stay 2 metres apart keep 1 metre apart plus precautions such as:
- Wearing a face covering
- Keeping interactions brief, and
- Following the Covid-19 secure guidelines wherever you are
- Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Limit contact with other people
- Keep your distance if you go out
- Wash your hands regularly
- Self isolate if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
For more details, updates and further announcements, check the links Coronavirus frequently asked questions and Coronavirus: what you need to do
Public Health England has issued guidance on the coronavirus, the
symptoms to look out for and what to do if you have concerns. The links
Coronavirus - what you need to know and
information for the public take you to this guidance.
The symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste
But
these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness.The
symptoms are similar to other illnesses that are much more common, such
as cold and flu.
NHS 119 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.
The NHS has launched a survey to help them track the virus. Please take a moment to fill it in using this Coronavirus status checker
Totnes Christmas Festival Nights 2020: Applications Open
Totnes Town Council are confident that the Xmas events will be going ahead this year, applications are now open but we understand payments may be later this year. Application deadline is 30th August. If you are shortlisted, payment details will be sent to you with a deadline of 30th September.
We’re sure everyone needs something good to look forward to so we plan on making the 2020 event a fantastic one.
Traders in the TQ9 area are welcome to apply for the next 6 weeks before opening up to the wider community, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at events@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk
To apply, please complete the relevant form and return to christmasfestival@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk
Totnes Festival Application Form Outdoor PDF
Totnes Festival Application Form Civic Hall PDF
Advice for Avoiding Scams
All Committee Meetings Cancelled
Due to the Covid-19 virus and the Government advice on gatherings, some Council committee meetings that would usually be held (Planning, and Town Matters Committees) have been cancelled in order limit the spread of the virus and to safeguard the public, Councillors and council officers. Urgent business will be taken to Full Council for discussion and resolution. We hope that the usual monthly calendar of meetings will be able to resume soon.
Tree Preservation Orders
Are you concerned about whether a tree in the town is protected in any way? Councils can use Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to protect trees, groups or woodlands of significant public amenity value and where there is a likelihood of threat to the tree. For further information see the local information page here.
Ash Die Back Advice
You may have heard through various media outlets that our much revered native ash trees are currently at a high risk of infection from Ash Dieback disease which may affect their health and eventually the stability of the whole tree in some instances. For further information see the local information page here.
Market Square Improvements - Designs and Comment Deadline
An exciting
programme of improvements to uplift the appearance of Totnes Market Square has
been agreed by South Hams District Council, in close partnership with Totnes
Town Council.
The enhancement programme designed by local architects Harrison Sutton Partnership, looks to deliver replacement bespoke steps with integrated planters and seating areas. The existing ramp will be widened and re-levelled and clad in oak sleepers with additional improvements to lighting. Mosaic art pieces produced by a local artist and school children will be included in the design, together with a new drinking water fountain.
The entire area will be resurfaced with the improvements being scheduled to avoid peak use in the summer season and during December when the Christmas Markets take place.
The timeline for the improvement projects will be phased over a 12 -18 month period starting in autumn 2019. The steps and ramp are to be completed in early 2020 with the surfacing to follow later in the year.
A tendering process will be undertaken early next year to appoint a contractor to carry out the works.
Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work in close partnership with Totnes Town Council to improve an important piece of public realm to the quality and standard it deserves. We are delighted help bring this scheme forward and know the improvements will further enhance the town. We will make sure that work will be carried out around key dates for the market area and developed with community use firmly in mind.”
Catherine Marlton, Totnes Town Council’s Town Clerk, said: “The Town Council undertook a Community Budgeting exercise in 2017 which showed just how important the public realm of Totnes is to residents, business owners and visitors. As a result the Town Council has entered into a partnership with SHDC to turn the original resurfacing of the Market Square into a larger scale upgrade of that area, which is high traffic for users and is also the location of the popular markets. I am hopeful that this project can bring real benefits and prove that Councillors are willing to respond and invest in priorities the community raise.”
The designs can be found here.
***
Totnes Town Maintenance Officer - Contact Details
The Town Maintenance Officer for Totnes can be contacted for any issues about the town, for example unsafe hand rails, graffiti or cleanliness, on TMO@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk
*****
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Problem on the Roads?
Don't forget you can report any of the road problems listed below on this DCC page: https://new.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/
Pothole
Flooding & blocked drain
Street light
Hazardous or fallen trees
Overgrown vegetation
Trip hazard
Broken manhole cover
Public rights of way
Debris or obstruction
Ice
Defective road markings or signs
Bridge
Retaining walls
Traffic lights
Fences & barriers
Lit signs & bollards