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Lifeline fund launched to help struggling families in Teignbridge

Teignbridge District Council
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Lifeline fund launched to help struggling families in Teignbridge

Teignbridge households in financial distress will be able to apply for help under a new government funding scheme, after Teignbridge District Council’s Executive Committee approved its implementation on Tuesday (April 7). 

The Crisis and Resilience Fund (CaRF) replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments Scheme, which ended on March 31.  

The three-year CaRF provides low-income families who encounter sudden financial difficulties with emergency help along with longer term support, such as financial health checks, debt and benefit advice and help with budgeting. 

Teignbridge District Council Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe said: “Approving the rollout of the Crisis and Resilience Fund in Teignbridge means we can quickly respond to households in immediate need, while also addressing the underlying causes of financial hardship and focusing on longer-term financial wellbeing. This scheme doesn’t only help people in immediate need, but also offers practical support to help them avoid future financial crises.”

Once operational arrangements are in place, information on how households can access help from the new Crisis and Resilience Fund will be set out on the Teignbridge Council website. 

New operator steps in after leisure firm collapse hits local centres

South Hams District Council
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New operator steps in after leisure firm collapse hits local centres

We have awarded a contract to Parkwood Leisure to run our leisure services, after Fusion Lifestyle, the company that currently runs leisure services in South Hams, advised that it has gone into administration.

Fusion Lifestyle held long-term contracts to operate the following leisure centres:

  • Dartmouth Leisure Centre
  • Ivybridge Leisure Centre
  • Quayside Leisure Centre (Kingsbridge)
  • Totnes Leisure Centre

For several years, we have repeatedly stepped in to support Fusion to keep these centres open but a few weeks ago, Fusion warned us that it was likely to enter administration, or possibly liquidation if agreement could not be reached over the funding of the period of administration. 

As a result, whilst working with Fusion to avoid liquidation and the centres closing, we started looking for alternatives to ensure that the services could transfer as quickly as possible. 

We have now awarded a short-term contract to Parkwood Leisure to operate its leisure services. A national operator, Parkwood also runs leisure centres in Torbay and North Devon. 

We are working closely with Parkwood and Fusion’s administrator to ensure that the centres, their staff, swim school, fitness classes and memberships continue without any interruption and transfer seamlessly over to Parkwood. 

Council Leader, Cllr Dan Thomas, said: “It is deeply disappointing that we have reached this point with Fusion, not only have they failed to honour their contract, but they have let our residents, our leisure services customers and their own staff down badly.

“Residents and leisure centre customers can be assured that we will do everything we can to enable Parkwood who have a strong local presence to get up and running as quickly as they can.”

Cllr Julian Brazil, Executive Member for Leisure, said: “Over the last couple of years, Fusion have continually failed to keep their promises, and it is our leisure centre customers that have suffered. Quite frankly I am delighted that they will no longer be running our leisure services.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure residents still have access to the facilities they rely on. Our focus now is on securing a stable, long-term solution that protects local provision and supports the wellbeing of our residents.”

 A list of frequently asked questions is now available here and also on Fusion’s website.  

Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is available.

Rare silver collection set for display after major museum funding boost

North Devon Council
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Rare silver collection set for display after major museum funding boost

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is set to start work on a new silver gallery after being given a funding boost from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Wolfson Foundation.

North Devon Council, which runs the museum, will receive £103,000 from the joint DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, a £4 million pot which provides support to local and regional museums to improve displays, enhance collections care and make exhibitions more accessible to visitors.

The new silver gallery will showcase some of the finest 16th and 17th century spoons crafted by local silversmiths Thomas Mathew and Peter Quick. It will also display chalices from North Devon churches.

Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding boost from the DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation, which will allow us to open the new silver gallery.

“During the 16th and 17th centuries, Barnstaple was a very prosperous town as its merchants became wealthy trading with Europe and the new world. Among the ways they spent their money was on beautiful silver spoons, which would be purchased to show the wealth of the family and as an investment. A community of silversmiths grew up in the town, and we are delighted to be able to showcase their work alongside some of the most beautiful silver we have in our collection.”

For over 20 years, DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation have worked together to jointly fund grants to support museums as they improve displays, enhance collections care and make exhibitions more accessible to visitors.

More than 440 projects have benefitted from over £50 million in funding. 

Monster pothole sparks police warning as drivers ignore stop signs

Devon Today
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Monster pothole sparks police warning as drivers ignore stop signs

Drivers have been warned to take extra care after a “massive” pothole forced a police officer to step in and manage traffic, with some motorists reportedly ignoring clear stop signals at the scene.

The warning came in a social media post by a police officer from Kingsbridge, who described spending time directing vehicles near what was called a “monster pothole of infinite doom” on the road between Sorley Green Cross and Loddiswell.

The officer said several drivers slowed to ask questions while passing the scene, prompting a series of responses. These included: “Yes. It is a very big hole. Please keep your eyes on the road…” and “I don’t know what kind of pipe it has gone through, sadly I can’t see through tarmac…”

In a reference to popular culture, the officer also added: “It’s just the one swan, actually…”

The post warned that significant roadworks are expected in the area, with traffic lights likely to be in place for the foreseeable future. Motorists were advised to consider alternative routes where possible.

The officer also urged drivers to follow instructions when directed to stop.

They said: “If a police officer gives you the ol’ ‘number 1 stop sign’… please stop as soon as your brakes will safely cause you to do so without creating a brown-trousers moment for the driver(s) behind you.”

They added: “There’s a reason I’m asking you to stop that perhaps you can’t see, and I don’t have the time or capacity to explain it via intricate flag waving or interpretative dance: please, just stop.”

According to the post, only two drivers failed to comply over a period of around two hours.

The pothole was measured using what the officer described as a “highly scientific method” involving a broom, estimating its depth at around two and a half feet.

The officer said they had considered taking a photograph standing inside the hole, but decided against it.

Town blueprint unveiled as Bideford leaders push for major revival

Lewis Clarke
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Town blueprint unveiled as Bideford leaders push for major revival

A fresh blueprint promising to reshape the future of a North Devon town has been unveiled, with leaders insisting it will turn ambition into action after previous plans fell short.

More than 130 community figures, business leaders and students gathered for the launch of a new regeneration strategy designed to revitalise Bideford and attract investment into the area. The plan replaces an earlier version produced in 2023, which officials say is no longer fit for purpose in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The strategy, developed by the Bideford Regeneration Board in partnership with local authorities and organisations, sets out a five-year vision running from 2026 to 2031. It aims to boost skills, housing and higher-paid employment while encouraging young people to remain in the town.

The launch took place on Thursday, March 26 at The Royal Hotel, bringing together representatives from local government, national bodies and nine students from Bideford College aged between 14 and 18.

Officials said the previous strategy, created in response to the Covid pandemic, no longer reflected current challenges and opportunities. A newly formed board in 2025 introduced a revised approach, bringing together expertise in finance, governance, education, marketing and place-making.

The board has set out a mission to regenerate the town through partnership working, with a focus on creating meaningful employment, improving housing and promoting Bideford’s heritage while making it “future looking”.

Key priorities include reconnecting the town centre with the River Torridge, revitalising underused assets such as the Pannier Market, and encouraging growth in arts, culture and creative industries. The plan also aims to support local businesses and develop higher-skilled job opportunities.

The strategy is built around five main pillars: a thriving quay, a dynamic market complex, support for entrepreneurship, stronger community and cultural activity, and improved opportunities for residents.

Data highlighted in the report shows parts of Bideford rank among the most deprived areas nationally, with challenges linked to employment, income and health. Leaders say the town centre must play a key role in driving improvement across surrounding communities.

The plan also points to emerging opportunities in clean energy, maritime industries and agritech, which are described as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” for the area.

Several projects are already under way. These include a £6 million NHS investment in a community diagnostics centre, upgrades to the historic Pannier Market, and proposals to improve the riverfront at Fisherman’s Wharf.

A public art initiative, shaped by young people, is also planned to bring “creative vibrancy and playfulness” to the town centre and waterfront.

Officials say further community engagement will be key to delivering the strategy, with plans to invite residents to help shape projects and contribute ideas.

The report concludes that while funding and resources remain uncertain, a coordinated and realistic plan is essential to secure investment and ensure Bideford is not overlooked amid wider local government changes.

Concerns mount over mothballed quarry and landfill site safety risks

Lewis Clarke
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Concerns mount over mothballed quarry and landfill site safety risks

Hidden dangers beneath the surface and mounting environmental concerns have been brought into sharp focus following a series of local meetings involving quarry operators and council representatives.

Burlescombe Parish Council has highlighted safety risks and environmental issues linked to both a mothballed sand quarry and a nearby landfill site, following discussions with industry representatives and liaison groups.

During a meeting with a representative from Heidelberg, formerly Hanson Quarry, concerns were raised about the Town Farm sand quarry, which is currently inactive. The site, located near the A38, remains “mothballed” but could reopen in the future if demand for building materials increases.

The representative said the company would contact its landscape architect regarding the trimming of chestnut trees. They also confirmed they would approach Mid Devon Council about cutting back verge growth and self-seeded blackthorn bushes near the road, close to the woodlands industrial unit.

Parish councillors have also suggested that Burlescombe Parish Council should formally contact both the council and the quarry company to request maintenance work, citing safety concerns along the busy road used by quarry lorries and local traffic.

The meeting also identified potential risks within the quarry itself. Emergency plans are in place and accessible, but councillors were told that silt and sand lakes—sometimes described as quicksand—pose a danger, particularly to trespassers and children. It was agreed this information should be included in local emergency planning.

Further concerns were raised at a Quarry Liaison Meeting covering Hillhead and Broadpath on Monday, March 23.

At Broadpath landfill site, now owned by Valencia, previously operated by Viridor, members discussed reports submitted by both the company and the Environment Agency. The liaison group expressed dissatisfaction with Valencia’s report, describing it as inadequate, particularly in relation to concerns about leachate from the site.

The committee has requested that representatives from both Valencia and the Environment Agency attend the next meeting to address these issues directly.

Devon County Council has also confirmed it will not grant planning permission for a proposed solar panel installation at the landfill site until all concerns around leachate have been resolved.

At Hillhead quarry, operations reports showed that 42,500 tonnes of sand and gravel were extracted between January and February 2026. Flooding on the quarry floor caused by heavy winter rainfall was reported but is now receding.

A new still press plant was installed in January, while work at Houndaller has moved into phase eight. Soil removal is scheduled for the summer, with measures in place to protect dormice habitats.

Elsewhere, vegetation management is ongoing, and 200 young trees have been planted on quarry land behind the Old Well Garden Centre.

Parish councillors also reiterated concerns over the lack of a timeline for a new asphalt plant at the former composting site, as well as the absence of clear reasons for the decommissioning of the asphalt plant in Westleigh.

Separately, biodiversity improvements were discussed following a site visit on Thursday, March 26 with a Holcim biodiversity expert at the ORL.

Recommendations included increasing light in a fenced wildlife area by coppicing trees and clearing ivy and undergrowth, alongside planting native woodland species to encourage habitat diversity. The removal of hawthorn trees was also suggested to support butterfly and insect populations.

Other proposals included installing bird and bat boxes, managing invasive buddleia, and defining maintenance boundaries around picnic areas. The expert also encouraged applying again to the Holcim Wildlife Enhancement Fund to support further improvements.

No objections were raised to planned spring clean-up activities, provided the work is carried out promptly and with care.

The next Quarry Liaison Meeting is scheduled for July at 3pm, with the exact date yet to be confirmed.

Pilot boat scare sparks safety focus in busy harbour quarter

Lewis Clarke
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Pilot boat scare sparks safety focus in busy harbour quarter

A routine harbour operation turned tense when a mechanical failure left a pilot boat stranded at sea, prompting swift action to avoid a more serious incident.

A quarterly report has revealed how a breakdown aboard a working vessel led to emergency measures, even as officials confirmed the port remains compliant with national safety standards.

The Harbour Master’s quarterly report, presented to councillors, detailed activity between Thursday, October 30 and Thursday, January 29.

During the period, there were no vessel calls to Bideford itself, although activity continued elsewhere in the port area. Two cargo ships unloaded thousands of tonnes of rape meal at Newquay, while a dredger carried out a 14-day campaign transporting sand to Yelland.

The report states that the dredger “Deo Gloria” is expected to return later in the year, with several of its officers applying for pilotage exemption certificates during operations.

A key incident occurred on Wednesday, December 31, when the pilot boat “2 Rivers II” suffered a mechanical failure while escorting the dredger.

A jubilee clip holding a radiator pipe came loose, causing coolant to drain into the vessel’s bilge.

Crew members shut down the engine and anchored the boat in safe water, preventing escalation. The dredger then launched its own vessel to deliver 50 litres of water, allowing the system to be refilled and the pilot boat to return to service.

The report notes the pilot boat is nearly 20 years old, with regular maintenance carried out. It adds that this was the first such incident since 2017, although any emerging trends in equipment failure will be monitored.

Officials also highlighted the port’s top safety risks, including vessels sinking alongside, pilot boarding operations, and potential machinery breakdowns.

Despite the incident, the port’s safety management system has been reviewed and updated, with the Harbour Master confirming compliance with the Port and Marine Facilities Safety Code.

The council is now seeking approval to formally declare that compliance to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency before the required deadline.

The report concludes that the harbour authority remains compliant, with members asked to note and discuss the findings.

Major £20m plan to boost jobs in Holsworthy set for public viewing

Torridge District Council
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Major £20m plan to boost jobs in Holsworthy set for public viewing

Torridge District Council is inviting residents and businesses to view its plans and proposals to deliver infrastructure to support the development of 100,000 sq ft of land adjacent to the Holsworthy Agricultural Business Centre with the aim of providing much needed commercial space in Holsworthy.

A public consultation will be held at the Market Hall, Holsworthy between 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday 20 April 2026 where the team will display the proposals for consideration by the local community.

The Architect, Project Manager and representatives from Torridge District Council will all be on hand to discuss the project and answer any questions that may arise.

In March 2025, Torridge District Council was awarded £20,700,000 in capital investment with £250,000 revenue funding through the Community Regeneration Partnership (CRP) to support a number of projects that benefit residents across the district. The projects being funded will support the council’s strategic ambitions, delivering lasting benefits to Torridge.

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: “We hope that as many people as possible will come along to hear about the infrastructure proposals that we have for the land at Holsworthy Agricultural Business Centre.

“This site has been a longstanding priority for us as a Council, so I am delighted that we are now at a stage where we can share plans and gather feedback ahead of our planning submission. We hope that this project, along with the other projects that have received funding under the Community Regeneration Partnership scheme will help to increase “home-grown opportunities” to encourage young people to stay in the area rather than move away.”

School leaders take phone ban fight to Lords in push for change

Devon Today
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School leaders take phone ban fight to Lords in push for change

A growing push to take smartphones out of pupils’ hands has reached the corridors of power, as school leaders warn decisive action could transform classrooms and tackle inequality.

Tina Graham and Tom Chisholm, principal and assistant principal at Kingsbridge Community College, part of Education South West, joined education leaders at a round table in the House of Lords to discuss banning smartphones in schools and whether legislation is needed to support it.

The discussion brought together primary and secondary headteachers, alongside South Devon MP Caroline Voaden, to examine how restrictions on phone use are already shaping school environments.

Headteachers at the event said bans already in place have simplified school routines, reduced stress among staff, and allowed teachers to focus more on teaching rather than managing devices. They added that a statutory ban could be particularly beneficial for vulnerable children by helping reduce inequality and ensuring uninterrupted learning time.

Dr Emily Barrett, an educational psychologist working with the Safer Screens initiative, outlined the cognitive and emotional effects of smartphone use on young people. She said teenagers who turn to phones to avoid social anxiety risk missing opportunities to build resilience, manage everyday pressures, and engage with peers.

Other contributors included a London primary headteacher, who said any government aiming to reduce inequality should support schools through legislation, and executive head Alison Ramsay, who described a statutory ban as “the simplest and most transformational act” to improve children’s life chances.

Tina Graham said: “At Kingsbridge Community College, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, focus, and positive development of all our students. Piloting a smartphone-free environment has already shown the difference it can make.

“It is helping students engage more fully in lessons, interact with one another, and build resilience.

“Being part of the House of Lords discussion was a powerful opportunity to share this experience and to advocate for a wider approach that benefits all young people.

“I firmly believe that giving students protected, uninterrupted time each school day allows them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Matthew Shanks, chief executive of Education South West, said: “We are proud of the work our schools are doing to support student wellbeing and learning.

“Tina’s participation in the House of Lords discussion highlights the practical impact of smartphone-free environments and the importance of national legislation to give all children the best chance to focus and develop healthy relationships with technology.”

The event reflects a wider national debate about the role of technology in education, as schools, policymakers and parents consider how best to support young people’s academic progress and wellbeing.

Young artists reimagine future as pupils reshape vision of local landscape

Devon Today
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Young artists reimagine future as pupils reshape vision of local landscape

A new generation of artists has turned its gaze to the future, reimagining what the countryside could become as young people blend creativity with environmental awareness.

Pupils from Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, have been working alongside students from King Edward VI Community College and local artists on an environmental project exploring the region’s landscapes.

The initiative encouraged pupils to engage with their surroundings and express their experiences through art. As part of the programme, students visited Beesands, where they discussed storm damage and the cost of repairs, while also taking part in Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen sessions and craft work.

For their final task, groups produced mixed-media pieces imagining how the local landscape should look in 50 years. They later presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, contributing to a wider environmental consultation aimed at capturing young people’s views.

Pupils were united in their vision, expressing a preference for a more rural setting with fewer buildings, reduced concrete use and less human impact, alongside a stronger focus on self-sustainability.

The project formed part of the school’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing students to develop practical skills while taking part in discussions around creativity, sustainability and the environment.

Nicola Perrott, assistant principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity.

“Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world.

“It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum.”

Matthew Shanks, chief executive at Education South West, added: “It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them.

“This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking.

“By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom.”

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