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Community group gets funding boost to tackle litter in Torquay

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Community group gets funding boost to tackle litter in Torquay

A bunch of dedicated community volunteers who tidy up the streets of South Devon have received police funding to continue their fantastic work and improve unloved spaces.

The litter picking people from Turning Heads, who can be seen out and about wearing their high-vis tabards, will use the £3,950 donation from Devon & Cornwall Police to progress their latest street cleaning project around Castle Circus and other parts of Torquay.  

They applied for the money from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) fund which redistributes cash or assets seized from criminals and gives it to good causes. The Turning Heads group will use the money to buy tools and clothing.      

Torquay Inspector Rob Harvey said: “Turning Heads is a great example of a community group taking pride in the place they live. Their new project around street cleanliness is a fantastic way of supporting the wider work that the Community Safety Partnership does in bringing visual change as well as the elements that can’t always be so easily seen.

“We work alongside partners such as Torbay Council and know that SWISCo staff work very hard to deal with waste and recycling, highways, street cleaning and grounds maintenance. But Turning Heads provide extra pairs of hands to keep the area looking good.   

“POCA funding is a great source of these initiatives, and we welcome similar applications from other community groups who can make a difference locally.”

Alongside its clients and group of volunteers, Turning Heads has been renovating and improving unloved community spaces for more than four years. This has taken place in Hele, Ilsham and, most recently, around Torre.

Alan Tilley from Turning Heads explained: “Our project for this year is to tackle the problem of street litter and weeds. We want to set up a weekly group that goes out and spends time clearing up the litter on the streets of Torquay and tackling the untidiness of weeds.

“We tackle roadsides that are unloved, untidy and unsightly and will throw ourselves into any projects that come our way. The more we do, the more we are asked to do. Our commitment to changing the community and making an impact is infectious.

“We want to have a visible presence and use this project to give our clients and volunteers a meaningful project to get involved in but we also want to use it to empower and engage local communities, helping to create positive change. Plus, it gives people taking part a real purpose.”

Turning Heads believe that clean streets matter because they have a significant positive impact on public health, safety, environmental quality, community wellbeing, and local economies; they serve as a barometer for how well an area is managed and cared for.

Community groups who wish to bid for POCA funds can contact their local neighbourhood policing team by popping into their nearest police station Public Enquiry office – these are located at Torquay, Newton Abbot, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge and are usually open Monday to Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

You can also speak to local neighbourhood officers face to face at local community events such as the one in Torquay from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 24 March at The Medway Centre, Medway Road, TQ2 8SA.

If you prefer to leave a message for an officer please go to our website Contact your local policing team | Devon & Cornwall Police

You can also get regular updates by following Torquay Police on Facebook.

World Cup paddleboarding event coming to Torbay this summer

Torbay Council
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World Cup paddleboarding event coming to Torbay this summer

Marking a first for the UK, Torbay’s coastline will play host to the ICF Stand Up Paddling (SUP) World Cup 2026 and Paddle UK SUPER Festival from 24–28 June. As the 100‑day countdown begins, the English Riviera is set to welcome one of the biggest water sports events ever to take place in the country.

Torbay Council is proud to be working in partnership with Paddle UK and the event organisers to help prepare for an unforgettable week that will come alive with world‑class racing, festival activities, and a vibrant celebration for residents, local businesses and community groups. Around 200 elite SUP athletes will compete in sprint, technical and distance races from Torre Abbey Sands as part of the SUP World Cup, while the SUPER Festival brings a packed programme of family‑friendly activities, entertainment and opportunities for everyone to get involved.

This milestone moment offers a unique chance to highlight Torbay at its finest. Beaches, harbours and promenade areas across the Bay will host everything from festival races and SUP Polo to food, entertainment and trade stands. A major highlight will be the attempt to break the World Record for the most SUP paddlers on the water at once, with up to 1,000 people expected to join the challenge – a spectacle that residents can watch and take part from many well‑loved points around the Bay.

For those wanting to take part, the event offers opportunities for all confidence levels, anyone can enter the Festival or the World Cup events. Local families, schools and clubs are encouraged to get involved in Have a Go sessions, beginners can take part in relaxed festival races, whilst more experienced paddlers can enter the ICF World Cup races and challenge top competitors from around the world. With over £7,500 worth of prize money available in the ICF open categories, and equipment demonstrations from leading suppliers, the weekend promises something special for competitive racers, casual paddlers and spectators alike.

The event is expected to bring significant benefits for Torbay, from boosting the local economy and increasing visitor spend to raising the Bay’s profile nationally and internationally. Local traders and hospitality businesses are set to benefit from the increased footfall, while young people will have opportunities to be inspired by world‑class outdoor sport. With many activities free or low cost, the festival will be accessible for families across the community, encouraging more people to enjoy healthy, active lifestyles. The week will also reinforce safe enjoyment of Torbay’s coastline, supported by clear water safety messaging throughout the event.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Events, Tourism, Culture and Corporate Services said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2026 ICF SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival here in Torbay. Our stunning coastline is the perfect stage for this global event, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for residents, local businesses, community groups and visitors to come together and celebrate everything that makes the English Riviera so special.

A dedicated group of local volunteers is already coming together to support the event, highlighting the pride and enthusiasm within the Torbay community. Their involvement reflects the spirit of collaboration that defines our area and it ensures that the benefits of hosting the World Cup are felt widely across the Bay, leaving a lasting, positive legacy for our residents, our local economy and our beautiful coastline.

This is more than a sporting event – it’s a celebration of place, people and potential.”

Ashley Metcalfe, CEO for Paddle UK, said: “With only 100 days to go, it’s fantastic to be working with Torbay Council as excitement builds towards this summer’s event.”

“We are working hard to deliver an exceptional SUP World Cup and Paddle UK SUPER Festival that will inspire more people to get on the water, grow the sport of stand-up paddling, and showcase the English Riviera as one of the UK’s top SUP destinations.”

Whether you’re taking part, cheering from the beach, exploring the festival village or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this will be one of the highlights of the summer. With the final 100‑day countdown now underway, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be an exciting and memorable week for Torbay.”

Torbay Council encourages residents to save the date, invite friends and family, and come down to experience this once‑in‑a‑generation event. Whether paddling, spectating, taking a stroll along the seafront, or enjoying the festival atmosphere from your favourite spot, the SUP World Cup and SUPER Festival will be a landmark moment for the Bay and a chance for the whole community to feel part of something truly special.

Further information to enter, spectate, volunteer or partner available at: www.superfestival.paddleuk.org.uk

Exeter communities to get £20m Pride in Place funding boost

Devon Today
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Exeter communities to get £20m Pride in Place funding boost

Following Exeter MP Steve Race’s advocacy in government, Whipton and Heavitree East communities today found out they will benefit from a massive £20 million investment under the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

This means that £2 million a year for ten years will be dedicated to improving the local area’s facilities, backing community groups, creating jobs, and making our streets safer and stronger.

Importantly, people in the Whipton area will decide how funding is spent – reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls.

This is renewal in action, led by the people who know their neighbourhoods best. Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country.

Exeter’s MP, Steve Race, has been fighting to ensure Exeter gets a share of the Pride in Place funding and is committed to making sure it is spent in the best interests of the local community.

The programme will be delivered through a Neighbourhood Board, working with local councils and the MP, but led by an independent chair and in partnership with local people.

The announcement is part of the government’s decade-long mission to back the people who make their communities thrive. It sits alongside wider work to deliver cleaner, safer streets, create opportunities on every doorstep, and build the homes, roads and GP surgeries people need to thrive.

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said: “£20m investment is huge news for communities in Whipton and Heavitree and I’m delighted that the Government has responded to my call for Pride in Place funding.

“For too long under the last Tory government, some communities have felt they were left behind. I hear people’s hopes and aspirations for their neighbourhood, and to rebuild some of the opportunity and services that they used to have. I’ve taken this back to government and made the case that communities in Whipton and east Heavitree deserve better.

“Local people will be in the driving seat of decision-making about how to spend this £20 million. I’m excited to begin the discussion with people about what they would like to see the money spent on – it could be improved outdoor spaces, work to tackle antisocial behaviour, delivering new skills programmes, or more provision for young people. Whatever it is, this money will go a long way to inspiring new pride in our communities.”

Cllr Matt Vizard, Exeter City Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Labour candidate for Newtown & St Leonards. said: “The Labour Government’s Pride in Place funding for Exeter is fantastic news. By working together nationally and locally, only Labour can deliver for Exeter. We have steered the city through years of cuts from Tory and Coalition governments; now I am filled with hope for what we can achieve in Exeter. While opposition parties talk down our city, our Labour MP and councillors champion our communities, businesses and organisations, and deliver positive change.

“This funding represents a huge investment in Whipton and Heavitree, and will bring wider benefits to the city. Above all, it empowers local people to generate ideas to shape and boost pride in their communities. I am excited to see what projects come forward.”

Cllr Liz Pole, Exeter City Councillor for Mincinglake and Whipton. said: “Whipton welcomes this thrilling £20 million Pride of Place funding from the UK Government.

“Our Labour councillor team will fight tooth and nail to make sure our neighbourhoods get a generous share of the “Heavitree & Whipton” pot every year from now until 2037. Our team actively listens to thousands of residents every year, and with our proven record we are well placed to work with local grassroots organisations so that investment goes to what matters most.

“Thankfully what Whipton currently lacks in infrastructure, we more than make up for in our resilient “village” community spirit. I imagine Whipton will want to offer our young people new opportunities, fix our tired infrastructure and give a great big boost to our excellent grass roots community groups, but what’s brilliant about the scheme is that it gives our community choices and options about the priorities as well as money to fund them.”

Dave Mutton, Labour candidate for Heavitree, said: “This is the kind of progress Heavitree East deserves. It’s not just about funding — it’s about giving local people a real say in shaping their neighbourhoods. With our Labour MP and Labour-led City Council working together, we’re delivering real improvements for Exeter’s residents and building stronger communities for the future. If elected in May, I’ll work to build on this momentum, ensuring our community gets the investment, attention and voice it deserves.”

Steve Casemore, Labour candidate for Mincinglake and Whipton, said: “For years the Tory government ignored communities like Whipton, whilst driving through their austerity agenda. It is fantastic that our Labour MP, Steve Race, has successfully lobbied the government ensuring substantial investment will be delivered this year and every year over the next decade.  The decisions on how to spend this money will be made by the people who matter in our community – its residents.”

Police confirm new speed cameras for A361 and Ilfracombe route

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police confirm new speed cameras for A361 and Ilfracombe route

Following a successful bid for funding, Devon County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police are installing new cameras in North Devon in response to community concerns about speeding.  

The two new speed cameras are due to be installed this April on the A361 in Knowle village and on the approach to Ilfracombe town centre.

Both roads have a speed limit of 30mph.

Inspector Joey Lester leads teams in South Molton, Lynton, Ilfracombe and Braunton, and says residents have raised concerns about speeding, which encouraged the council to take action. She said, “We welcome any initiatives that will help us to reduce the number of serious and fatal road collisions.

“The fact that we are promoting the exact location of these cameras demonstrates that this isn’t about a quick way to generate money, it’s simply about enforcing the 30mph limits on a route which has historically seen several serious collisions.

“Speeding is one of the fatal five causes of death and serious injury on our roads: posing a serious risk not only to drivers, but to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

“We are committed to reducing collisions on our roads and will continue to work with our partners towards the Vision Zero South West target to halve the number of road fatalities and serious injuries by 2030.”

The cameras were funded by Devon County Council, who were successful in bidding for government funding to improve road safety, and will be managed by Devon & Cornwall Police.

People living in the areas may have seen temporary yellow signs, which have been fitted to provide advance warning to residents.

If you have concerns about regular speeding in your area, please report them to your local council.

If you witness a vehicle being driven dangerously and believe there may be a risk to life, please always call 999.

Dog poo crackdown launched as council targets North Devon hotspots

North Devon Council
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Dog poo crackdown launched as council targets North Devon hotspots

North Devon Council has launched a renewed crackdown on dog fouling as part of its Clear Messages initiative – a no-nonsense approach to addressing the environmental issues that matter most to residents.

Dog fouling continues to be one of the most frequently reported problems received by the council’s Environmental Health team. Beyond being unpleasant, dog mess poses health risks, particularly to children, impacts play areas and parks, damages community pride, and places repeated pressure on council officers.

Recent reports have identified key hotspot locations in Ilfracombe – including Capstone, Oxford Road Park, Cow Lane, Ilfracombe High Street, Northfield Road and Market Street – as well as Prospect Place, Congrams Close, Park Lane and Rock Park in Barnstaple. These are busy, well-used areas where repeated fouling directly affects residents, visitors and local businesses.

Oxford Road Park in Ilfracombe is a particular concern. Dogs are not permitted in children’s play areas under the council’s Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), yet breaches continue despite clear signage. The council has confirmed that, if non-compliance persists, additional measures such as enhanced signage and CCTV will be introduced to protect children and ensure the park remains safe and welcoming for families.

The Clear Messages campaign combines strong, direct communications with visible enforcement and community engagement. While the vast majority of dog owners in North Devon act responsibly, those who fail to pick up after their pets face a £100 fixed penalty notice, rising to a potential £1,000 fine upon summary conviction.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said: “This campaign is not anti-dog. The vast majority of owners clean up after their pets and we thank them for doing the right thing. Our focus is on the small minority whose behaviour is unfair on families, responsible owners and our hardworking teams.

“Dog fouling, particularly in children’s play areas, is unacceptable. We will always seek to educate first, but where behaviour doesn’t change, we will take firm enforcement action. We also encourage residents to report incidents where possible, as this information helps our wardens tackle repeat offenders and protect North Devon’s shared outdoor spaces.”

Residents are encouraged to help by reporting incidents online and providing photographs, locations and other details such as descriptions or vehicle registrations where it is safe to do so. If possible, this can also include a photo of the dog and its owner, but only if it can be done without putting yourself at risk. Evidence from the public is vital in helping officers identify repeat offenders and issue penalties.

The council is also asking residents to support the campaign by following and sharing messages from the council’s Facebook page, helping to spread awareness of responsible dog ownership. Residents should challenge inappropriate behaviour only if they feel safe to do so, with public safety always coming first.

Through community reporting and proportionate enforcement, North Devon Council aims to reduce dog fouling and protect public spaces across the district.

Barnstaple market to host vibrant creative festivals across the year

North Devon Council
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Barnstaple market to host vibrant creative festivals across the year

Barnstaple Pannier Market will again host a series of Connect and Create festivals this year, bringing together independent businesses, artists, makers and creatives from across the Southwest for four vibrant seasonal events.

Recognised as North Devon’s biggest and most unique independent creative festival, the Connect and Create series will transform the historic market into a bustling hub of creativity, collaboration and community.

Visitors are invited to save the dates for four themed festivals throughout the year:

Sunday 17 May – Blossom

Sunday 9 August – Nirvana (Part One)

Sunday 30 August – Nirvana (Part Two)

Sunday 22 November – Invierno

Each festival will showcase the very best of the South West’s independent, small business and creative scene, providing a platform for local makers, artists, designers and entrepreneurs to connect with the community.

Across each event, visitors can expect:

A full independent marketplace featuring local brands, artisans and makers

Interactive workshops where attendees can learn new creative skills

A variety of street food and drinks from local vendors

Live music performances creating a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the day

Hannah Harrington, Place Manager, said: “Events like Connect and Create play a vital role in bringing people into the town centre and showcasing the incredible talent we have across North Devon and the wider Southwest. Barnstaple Pannier Market is the perfect setting for these festivals that celebrate creativity, community and independent businesses.”

Chay West, Event Organiser of the Connect and Create Festivals, said: “Connect and Create was designed to celebrate the amazing independent makers, artists and creatives we have here in the Southwest. These festivals are all about bringing people together – supporting small businesses, learning new skills through workshops, enjoying great food and music, and creating a space where creativity can truly thrive.”

The festivals will take place inside the Barnstaple Pannier Market, one of North Devon’s most historic and beloved venues, offering the perfect backdrop for a series dedicated to creativity and community.

Whether you’re discovering new makers, taking part in a hands-on workshop, enjoying live music, or simply soaking up the atmosphere with great food and drink, Connect and Create Festivals promise a day packed with inspiration and connection.

Visitors are encouraged to keep an eye on Connect and Create and Barnstaple Pannier Market social media channels for further announcements, including trader line-ups, workshops and live music acts.

Independent traders interested in taking part in the first event, Blossom (Sunday 17 May), can apply via the official application form.

Save the dates and join us in celebrating the creativity of the Southwest.

Dog owners warned as new laws tackle livestock worrying in Devon

Devon County Council
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Dog owners warned as new laws tackle livestock worrying in Devon

Devon County Council and Devon & Cornwall Police are urging dog owners to act responsibly around farm animals as new legislation to tackle livestock worrying comes into force on Wednesday 18 March.

The updated law strengthens protections for livestock by giving police and courts greater powers to deal with incidents where dogs chase, attack or threaten farm animals. Livestock worrying continues to cause serious harm to animal welfare and significant distress and financial loss for farmers.

Importantly, the changes mean alpacas and llamas are now legally recognised as livestock, and incidents that occur on roads and public rights of way will be treated as offences, as well as those in fields and enclosures.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Councillor Cheryl Cottle‑Hunkin, welcomed the legislation, calling it a “long‑overdue step” and said: “Even a single incident can have devastating consequences for farmers and animals. These stronger powers send a clear message that irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated, while still allowing people to enjoy the countryside responsibly.”

Sgt Jules Fry, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Livestock Lead and Rural Affairs Officer, said: “Many dog owners may not realise that even a brief chase can cause extreme stress to livestock, leading to injury, death or the loss of unborn lambs. In most cases, these incidents are entirely preventable. The best way to protect both dogs and livestock is to keep dogs on a lead anywhere near livestock. The only exception is if you are chased by cattle, when you should release your dog for your own safety.”

Under the new law, police will have wider powers to investigate incidents, including seizing dogs suspected of livestock worrying and collecting forensic evidence where necessary.

Anyone witnessing livestock worrying is urged to report it. Call 999 if an incident is in progress, or 101 if it has already occurred.

Torbay launches all electric bus fleet in major transport milestone

Torbay Council
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Torbay launches all electric bus fleet in major transport milestone

Stagecoach South West and Torbay Council has reached a major milestone launching a new fleet of fully electric buses, with the first vehicles officially entering service in Torbay, marking the first time in two decades that brand-new buses have been introduced across the area.

The launch represents a significant step forward for both Stagecoach and Torbay, as only the second place in the UK to operate an all-electric bus network.

The introduction marks the beginning of a phased transition to a fully electric fleet in Torbay with a total of 60 vehicles in operation, cementing Torbay’s long-term commitment to cleaner, greener public transport.

The project has been delivered through a partnership between Stagecoach and Torbay Council, who worked together to secure funding through the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas 2 (ZEBRA) scheme.

In total, Stagecoach has committed £29.3 million to the fleet and depot infrastructure, representing 75% of the total investment, with £26.1 million invested in the electric buses and £3.2 million allocated to depot charging infrastructure. The remaining 25% of funding has been supported by the Department for Transport. Working with Torbay Council, the partners secured £7.1 million from the ZEBRA scheme in March 2024, alongside a further £361,000 secured by the council.

Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “This is a hugely important milestone for both Stagecoach and Torbay. It’s the first time in many years that the area has seen significant investment in brand-new buses, and it marks the start of a transformational for us as we look to roll out our electric vehicles across Exeter and North Devon later this year.

Our close partnership working with Torbay Council and support from the Department for Transport, has enabled us to deliver a fleet that will reduce emissions, improve air quality and provide customers with quieter, smoother and more accessible journeys. This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to Torbay and to delivering a more sustainable future for local transport in the South West.”

Customers will benefit from an enhanced travel experience, with the new state-of-the-art buses delivering quieter, smoother and more comfortable journeys, meeting Enhanced Accessibility Standards, featuring dedicated wheelchair spaces, hearing loops and passenger information screens.

Three electric vehicle types will operate in Torbay: the AD Enviro 100 EV, Yutong E10, and Enviro 400 EV, and combined will operate over 40,000 fully electric journeys and over 46,000 emission free miles per week.

Stagecoach South West anticipates that for each new electric bus introduced to the fleet it has the capacity to remove approximately 20 to 40 cars from the road. This reduction is equivalent to saving around 40 tonnes of CO2 per year per bus. When multiplied across the entire fleet being introduced in Torbay, this could result in a reduction of up to 33,000 tonnes of CO2 over the estimated 15-year life of these vehicles.

Councillor Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking said: “This new fleet of electric buses is fantastic news for the Bay.  It is a substantial investment, made possible because of the bus partnership work here in Torbay, and is the largest single transport investment here in the Bay since the South Devon Highway. 

“The new fleet delivers a step change in quality and comfort of the bus journey, not only for our residents, but down to Kingswear and out to Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish as well.  It comes alongside investments in bus shelters, and new bus stops signage that will come in shortly.  This is a key milestone and an early delivery success for our Local Transport Plan, the Bus Service Improvement Plan, and the Climate Change Action Plan here in Torbay.”

Simon Cubitt, Commercial Director, Bus & Coach at VEV, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Stagecoach on their journey to an all-electric fleet and to be playing our part in delivering a better public transport service for people in the South West.”

Stagecoach South West anticipates that for each new electric bus introduced to the fleet it has the capacity to remove approximately 20 to 40 cars from the road. This reduction is equivalent to saving around 40 tonnes of CO2 per year per bus. When multiplied across the entire fleet being introduced in Torbay, this could result in a reduction of up to 33,000 tonnes of CO2 over the estimated 15-year life of these vehicles.

Major £20m plans unveiled to transform future of Brixham harbour

Torbay Council
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Major £20m plans unveiled to transform future of Brixham harbour

Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on major proposals that could shape the future of Brixham’s working harbour for generations.

We secured £20 million in Government Levelling Up Funding to boost local employment and drive long-term economic growth, with almost half of this investment—£9.791 million—dedicated to expanding fish market operations at Oxen Cove.

This investment comes at a crucial moment for Brixham. The town’s fish market is already the most valuable in the UK, landing and selling around £77 million worth of fish in 2025. Its success supports hundreds of jobs and underpins a vibrant network of processors, logistics operators, suppliers and local businesses. But the market has reached full capacity, and without new facilities Brixham risks losing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving national industry.

The proposed expansion would create 2,900m² of new waterside space in the form of five purpose-built industrial units, enabling the harbour to operate more efficiently and meet growing demand. This would generate around 40 new fishing-related jobs and deliver more than £11 million in additional annual economic value. With improved processing capacity, the value of landed fish could rise by as much as £20 million per year within five years, strengthening the local economy far beyond the quayside and supporting retailers, hospitality, apprenticeships and long-term employment.

Oxen Cove has been identified as the most suitable location for this investment. The site sits immediately beside existing fish market operations and is already partly used for fishing-related activity. Both the Brixham Town Centre Masterplan and the Neighbourhood Plan support new facilities in this area, recognising the importance of safeguarding Brixham’s 600‑year fishing heritage while preparing the harbour for a strong financial future.

We are carrying out full technical assessments to ensure that heritage, flood risk, transport, noise and odour impacts are properly managed. The outcomes of these assessments will be submitted with the planning application.

Work is also underway to maintain parking provision, which includes exploring park and ride options on the outskirts of Brixham and supporting current occupants with appropriate short and long-term relocation plans. The South West Coast Path will be protected and, where possible, enhanced as part of the proposals.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said; “This is a transformational opportunity for Brixham. Our fishing industry is the backbone of the local economy, and this investment will secure its strength and competitiveness for decades to come. By expanding the market and creating new space for growth, we are not only safeguarding our heritage but building a stronger financial future for the whole community. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation, explore the proposals and help shape a project that will support a thriving harbour and a resilient local economy for future generations.”

Community engagement is central to the process. A public consultation will run from Monday 16 March to Wednesday 8 April 2026, giving everyone the chance to help shape the future of Brixham Harbour. Feedback can be shared online or at a drop‑in event on Saturday 21 March. All responses will be carefully reviewed before a planning application is submitted later in the summer, with a decision anticipated in the autumn / winter. If planning approval is granted, the project is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Drop-in event details

  • Saturday 21 March
  • 10am to 2pm
  • Scala Hall, Brixham

View and comment on proposals online

The consultation website sets out the plans in full, and completing the questionnaire is a simple but important way to make sure local voices help shape this major investment. Whether you live, work or spend time in Brixham, your feedback will play a vital role in guiding the next steps. View and comment on the proposals.

Volunteers invited to join Great British Spring Clean in Torridge

Torridge District Council
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Volunteers invited to join Great British Spring Clean in Torridge

Torridge District Council is proud to be taking part in the Great British Spring Clean 2026, the largest mass‑participation environmental campaign in the country.

Organised by Keep Britain Tidy, the campaign runs from 13 – 29 March 2026 and encourages communities to come together to collect and safely dispose of litter from local streets, parks and beaches. The Council remains committed to supporting this important initiative to help keep our environment clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Last year, more than 342,000 people across the UK took part in the Great British Spring Clean, and this year the Council is encouraging more local residents to get involved by joining a beach and village litter pick in Westward Ho! on Saturday 21 March, from 10am-12pm.

The event will be jointly hosted by Plastic Free Torridge and the Northam Burrows Rangers, who will provide all the equipment volunteers need. The clean‑up will set off from the Westward Ho! slipway, offering a fantastic opportunity for people to work together to help care for the coastline while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

As well as joining the community clean up, you can support the Great British Spring Clean by making your own pledge. To find out more or to make your pledge, visit the Keep Britain Tidy website – Great British Spring Clean | Keep Britain Tidy

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement at Torridge District Council, said: “This beach and village litter pick is a wonderful chance to get involved in the Great British Spring Clean and to help keep our local area looking its best. I hope this event encourages people to join in and maybe even organise their own clean‑ups, big or small, in a favourite spot across Torridge. Litter picking is such a simple thing to do, yet it makes a real and immediate difference to the places where we live, work and play. Let’s all take the opportunity to get involved and do our bit together!”

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