Latest News 

 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 has announced new rules in force from 23rd March:

For more details, updates and further announcements, check the link 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:

NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

 

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 

Totnes Festival Application Form Civic Hall

 

All April Council Meetings Cancelled

Due to the Covid-19 virus and the Government advice on gatherings, all Council meetings that would usually be held in April (Full Council, and the Council Matters and Planning Committees) have been cancelled in order limit the spread of the virus and to safeguard the public, Councillors and council officers. We hope that the usual monthly calendar of meetings will be able to resume soon.

Co-option of Councillors to Totnes Town Council 

Would you like to play a part in developing and shaping Totnes? Totnes Town Council is seeking up to three dedicated and motivated persons to fill upcoming vacancies as a Town Council. For further information see this Co-option Advertisement, March 2020

 

Landslip on A381 Totnes-Newton Abbot Road 

The A381 between Totnes and Littlehempston partly re-opened on Thursday 5th March. Devon Highways have ensured all the debris has been cleared and the slope made safe. Temporary traffic lights and concrete barriers are going to be installed along the length of the slip.

 

Devon Highways will be working to develop a permanent solution to stabilise the embankment to allow the road to open to two-way traffic but the timescale for this is not known at present, but the road is now passable with restrictions.

Totnes Matters February and March 2020  

The February edition of the Totnes Directory contains the latest Council update 'Totnes Matters' for February and March 2020 - an electronic version can be found here.

 Free Energy Advice

 

Check the Grit Bins on Your Street

Winter is coming. If you have a grit bin in your street, please give it a check and if it needs to be refilled you can contact Devon Highways direct at https://www.devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/report-a-problem/ and click on the grit bin option to request a refill.

   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. 

Public Session for all Full Council meetings

Don’t forget that following the adoption of new Standing Orders, public question time will be held for the 30 minutes before Full Council (from 6.30pm), not the formalised 15 minutes during the meeting as before. 

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.

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Totnes Town Ranger - Contact Details

The Town Ranger for Totnes is now in post. if you have any issues about the town, for example unsafe hand rails, graffiti or cleanliness, please contact him on townranger@totnestowncouncil.gov.uk 

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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