latest news
Avian influenza (bird flu): Latest situation
New housing measures will come into force in England, Scotland and Wales on 14 December.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-influenza-bird-flu-national-prevention-zone-declared
The Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales have agreed to bring in new measures to help protect poultry and captive birds, following a number of cases of avian influenza in both wild and captive birds in the UK.
Government Chief Veterinary Officers are encouraging bird keepers to use the next 11 days to prepare for new housing measures, including taking steps to safeguard animal welfare, consult their vet and where necessary put up additional housing.
Whether you keep just a few birds as pets or thousands, from 14 December onwards you will be legally required to keep your birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds. We have not taken this decision lightly, but it is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.
Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They can help prevent avian flu by maintaining good biosecurity on their premises, including:
- housing or netting all poultry and captive birds
- cleansing and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – if practical, use disposable protective clothing
- reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products, and using effective vermin control
- thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting housing at the end of a production cycle
- keeping fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all points where people should use it, such as farm entrances and before entering poultry and captive bird housing or enclosures
- minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds
Register your birds - We encourage all keepers to register their birds with us so we can contact you quickly if there is a disease outbreak in your area and you need to take action.
If you have more than 50 birds, you are legally required to register your flock within one month of their arrival at your premises. If you have less than 50 birds, including pet birds, you are still strongly encouraged to register.
Find out how to register your birds.
Poultry and captive bird keepers and members of the public should report dead wild birds to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 (option 7), and keepers should report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301. Keepers should familiarise themselves with our avian flu advice.
Public Health England advise the risk to public health from the H5N8 and H5N2 strains of bird flu is very low.
The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
Hillhead Residents Enjoy Commemorating VE Day!
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Remembrance Day Service 2019
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Engaging Rural Micros
Are you a rural micro business or sole trader? Are you interested in shaping the future of business support? Then the Engaging Rural Micros project wants to work with you!
Engaging Rural Micros is a research trial to learn how to stimulate positive mindsets towards improving business efficiency.
Micro businesses, freelancers and sole traders (less than 10 employees) make up 90.1% of Devon’s rural economy*. Research suggests that there is a need for these rural micros to overcome their tendencies towards overworking, and increase time working on the business rather than in the business.
Are you a business owner who can relate to this? Is your dream to increase efficiency within your business, free up time, and reach that elusive ‘work-life balance’? Then get involved in this new research trial!
The trial will look at different ways of providing support to these businesses. All participating businesses will receive:
The trial will be based in rural areas of Devon (outside of settlements with a population over 10,000).
If you are a micro business owner, freelancer or sole trader, sign up online at www.engagingruralmicros.com or contact engagingruralmicros@devon.gov.uk before the end of December 2019.
*statistics excluding Exeter
Are you a rural micro business or sole trader? Are you interested in shaping the future of business support? Then the Engaging Rural Micros project wants to work with you!
Engaging Rural Micros is a research trial to learn how to stimulate positive mindsets towards improving business efficiency.
Micro businesses, freelancers and sole traders (less than 10 employees) make up 90.1% of Devon’s rural economy*. Research suggests that there is a need for these rural micros to overcome their tendencies towards overworking, and increase time working on the business rather than in the business.
Are you a business owner who can relate to this? Is your dream to increase efficiency within your business, free up time, and reach that elusive ‘work-life balance’? Then get involved in this new research trial!
The trial will look at different ways of providing support to these businesses. All participating businesses will receive:
- business monitoring for up to 12 months, completing three business analysis surveys over the course of the trial
- a business insight report at the end of the project
- information on the trial outcomes and future support
- an invitation to an event at the end of the project, which will be a great networking opportunity for local businesses.
The trial will be based in rural areas of Devon (outside of settlements with a population over 10,000).
If you are a micro business owner, freelancer or sole trader, sign up online at www.engagingruralmicros.com or contact engagingruralmicros@devon.gov.uk before the end of December 2019.
*statistics excluding Exeter
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14
THE COUNTY OF DEVON (TEMPORARY RESTRICTION) (BRIXHAM ROAD, KINGSWEAR) NOTICE 2020
TEMPORARY 10 & 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL hereby give NOTICE that:
From: MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2020 for a maximum of 5 days
To: FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020 (both dates inclusive)
No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour on the length of road below.
• B3205 Brixham Road: from the junction with Higher Contour Road in a southerly direction for a distance of 300 metres.
No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed at a speed greater than 40 miles per hour on the length of road below.
• B3205 Brixham Road: from the junction with Higher Contour Road in a northerly direction for a distance of 300 metres.
The speed limits in this notice will supersede existing limits when traffic signs are in place. This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable -
DEVON HIGHWAYS - DRAINAGE WORKS
For additional information contact:
SKANSKA Telephone: 0330 105 2660
THE COUNTY OF DEVON (TEMPORARY RESTRICTION) (BRIXHAM ROAD, KINGSWEAR) NOTICE 2020
TEMPORARY 10 & 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL hereby give NOTICE that:
From: MONDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2020 for a maximum of 5 days
To: FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2020 (both dates inclusive)
No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed at a speed greater than 10 miles per hour on the length of road below.
• B3205 Brixham Road: from the junction with Higher Contour Road in a southerly direction for a distance of 300 metres.
No person shall cause or permit any vehicle to proceed at a speed greater than 40 miles per hour on the length of road below.
• B3205 Brixham Road: from the junction with Higher Contour Road in a northerly direction for a distance of 300 metres.
The speed limits in this notice will supersede existing limits when traffic signs are in place. This temporary restriction is considered necessary to enable -
DEVON HIGHWAYS - DRAINAGE WORKS
For additional information contact:
SKANSKA Telephone: 0330 105 2660
A Helping Hand For Cold Homes
Eligible residents, who are living without gas central heating, are being offered the opportunity to benefit from free heating supported by South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils.
A ‘Warm Home Fund’ bid has been secured by the Councils meaning one year of funding will be shared for the benefit of District and Borough residents.
The Councils will also add money to the funding pot, alongside SSE Energy Solution’s ECO fund, who will also project manage the scheme. Wales and West Utilities will contribute by connecting properties to the gas network.
Those residents of households who are struggling to pay heating bills and living in a cold home without a gas supply will be offered helped. The aim is to provide central heating for up to 232 homes, with the first homes due to being completed by the end of 2019.
South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, said: “I am very pleased that the Council has secured this funding bid for such an important scheme to take place in the South Hams. Along with the other pockets of money provided, it means that District homes who rely on older types of heating which are no longer up to the job, will get the upgrade they so desperately need. “I’d encourage eligible residents to get in touch as soon as possible and take advantage of this opportunity to bring their homes’ heating up-to-date, while this money is available to us.”
Boilers and gas central heating systems in the eligible homes will be provided by the Councils, which will improve both their heating and energy efficiency.
Both Councils are taking Climate Change very seriously and this is an important step in reducing the areas’ carbon footprint in homes which don’t currently benefit from efficient heating systems.
Applications are welcome from both owner occupiers and also from the private rental sector. Eligibility is dependent on the existing heating within the home and how close the property is to a gas network. Homeowners must be under the housing income threshold of £35,000 p.a.
For landlords’ properties to qualify for the new scheme, the property must not be below level F on the energy efficiency rating. Landlords will be charged £500 to benefit from the scheme.
Local community energy groups, Tamar Energy Community and South Dartmoor Energy Community Energy, can offer advice to households on energy suppliers and energy efficiency.
West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Tony Leech, said: “If residents live in a house with no central heating and they come under the household income limit, then they are able to apply to the Council so they can take advantage of this opportunity. “Remember, that landlords can also apply for the scheme as long as their property has the minimum energy rating.”
To find out more about applying for free gas central heating, go to:
Reducing Fuel Bills - South Hams
Reducing Fuel Bills - West Devon
Eligible residents, who are living without gas central heating, are being offered the opportunity to benefit from free heating supported by South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils.
A ‘Warm Home Fund’ bid has been secured by the Councils meaning one year of funding will be shared for the benefit of District and Borough residents.
The Councils will also add money to the funding pot, alongside SSE Energy Solution’s ECO fund, who will also project manage the scheme. Wales and West Utilities will contribute by connecting properties to the gas network.
Those residents of households who are struggling to pay heating bills and living in a cold home without a gas supply will be offered helped. The aim is to provide central heating for up to 232 homes, with the first homes due to being completed by the end of 2019.
South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, said: “I am very pleased that the Council has secured this funding bid for such an important scheme to take place in the South Hams. Along with the other pockets of money provided, it means that District homes who rely on older types of heating which are no longer up to the job, will get the upgrade they so desperately need. “I’d encourage eligible residents to get in touch as soon as possible and take advantage of this opportunity to bring their homes’ heating up-to-date, while this money is available to us.”
Boilers and gas central heating systems in the eligible homes will be provided by the Councils, which will improve both their heating and energy efficiency.
Both Councils are taking Climate Change very seriously and this is an important step in reducing the areas’ carbon footprint in homes which don’t currently benefit from efficient heating systems.
Applications are welcome from both owner occupiers and also from the private rental sector. Eligibility is dependent on the existing heating within the home and how close the property is to a gas network. Homeowners must be under the housing income threshold of £35,000 p.a.
For landlords’ properties to qualify for the new scheme, the property must not be below level F on the energy efficiency rating. Landlords will be charged £500 to benefit from the scheme.
Local community energy groups, Tamar Energy Community and South Dartmoor Energy Community Energy, can offer advice to households on energy suppliers and energy efficiency.
West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Tony Leech, said: “If residents live in a house with no central heating and they come under the household income limit, then they are able to apply to the Council so they can take advantage of this opportunity. “Remember, that landlords can also apply for the scheme as long as their property has the minimum energy rating.”
To find out more about applying for free gas central heating, go to:
Reducing Fuel Bills - South Hams
Reducing Fuel Bills - West Devon
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SHOP VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED IN THE NEW YEAR
“The Devon Air Ambulance needs a community of volunteers to keep our 19 charity shops open and our emergency helicopters flying. Could you spare an hour or two to help your local shop? We have a host of tasks which need to be completed to make our shops a success. From customer service on the till, sorting through our generous donations, steaming, tagging and creating displays. You do not have to have any previous retail experience as we offer friendly support, training and encouragement. So why not give volunteering a go and arrange a trial session at one of our shops. This opportunity would suit anyone who would like to meet new people and help to save lives. Pop in and have a chat with our lovely Managers at: 2 Smith Street, Dartmouth (01803 834605) to find out more.” |
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REUSABLE SEAGULL SACKS
Properties which are unsuitable for wheelie bins, receive a weekly sack collection.
If you currently have a bin at your property, you are not eligible for this service.
Reusable seagull sacks are free and can be obtained from the Ferry Office or can be ordered from the SHDC Website:
Order a seagull proof sack.
How your waste collection service works
- Refuse sacks are placed inside your seagull sack and collected weekly
- Blue and clear sacks are collected fortnightly. Please do not place your recycle sacks inside the seagull sack.
Find your Recycling & Waste collection day and calendar
Help South Hams District Council by:
- Making sure refuse sacks are placed in the seagull sacks to help prevent litter, especially in bad weather.
- Place recycling sacks next to your seagull sack and not inside it.
- Take your seagull sack back inside as soon after your collection as possible.
- Mark your sack with your name or house number to help you identify it.
- Please do not tie the handles of your seagull sack together so crews can easily empty them.
- Do not place loose waste in your seagull sack. All refuse should be in refuse sacks.
Remember, your sack must be at the boundary of your property by 7am on collection day.
Devon Communities Together 200 Club
Cash Prize Draw
Join today
Devon Communities are inviting you to join the 200 Club. This gives you the opportunity to support the work they do with Devon Senior Voice whilst also giving you the chance to win a monthly cash prize.
You can join the club by buying a ticket by paying either £12 for one year's entry or £6 for 6 month's entry into the draw for cash prizes.
The draw takes place on the first Wednesday of each month and the winner will be contacted by letter with their prize.
At least 50% of the 200 club's income that month will be paid out as cash prizes to three lucky winners.
To enter please open and complete the 200Club leaflet below and return to
us at our postal address as stated on the leaflet.
In order to enter you must be 16 years of age or older
You can pay for your entry by sending us a cheque, postal order or
why not set up a standing order with your bank
Cheques can be made payable to Devon Communities Together
Standing orders can be set up to pay into
Devon Senior Voice Account No. 17158568 Sort Code: 30-98-61
GOOD LUCK!
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Senior Citizens Christmas Lunch
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Brixham Community Bus The evening Community Bus is a lifeline for Kingswear and Hillhead. For this valuable service, Kingswear Parish Council awarded a payment of £500 to help fund the well known Yellow Buses and recognise the positive impact it has made. Dave 'the Yellow Bus man' accepted the Cheque on behalf of the Company ( pictured with District Cllr Jonathan Hawkins and Chair of Kingswear Parish Council Lynne Maurer). The Brixham Community Bus is run by volunteers and they would appreciate new drivers and helpers to maintain this and other services they provide. |
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Volunteer Minibus Drivers Required
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