News, views and Events in and around Bigbury, South Devon

Posts tagged South Hams

79 Bedroom Hotel to be Built on Council land in Kingsbridge.

December 19, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

Investing in Kingsbridge

18/12/18

79 Bedroom Hotel to be Built on Council land in Kingsbridge.

Last week South Hams moved a step closer to building a new hotel in Kingsbridge, that could add an extra £3.9m to the local economy per year.
Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council explains: “The plot of land where the hotel would be built is in Rope Walk, behind the leisure centre in Kingsbridge. It is derelict at the moment, but it is the ideal spot for a hotel which is in easy walking distance of the town. We are delighted to have interest in this site in Kingsbridge from a major UK hotel operator, it demonstrates confidence in the Town and will be a boost the whole of the area.”

Executive Councillors at South Hams approved a multi-million pound investment into the project. The project will be subject to planning approval and confirmation of funding at Full Council and it would take approximately two years to be built.

The project hits the key deliverables set out in the Council’s Commercial Property Strategy of supporting regeneration and economic activity. It is an excellent example of the Council investing financially in its area, to the benefit of the District.

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Your Waste and Recycling Services – A new partnership

December 19, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

18/12/18

South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councils will be working in partnership with FCC Environment to provide waste collection, recycling and street and toilet cleaning services from the 1st April 2019.

Following a competitive tendering process, South Hams and West Devon Councils have awarded the contract for your Waste Recycling and Cleaning services to FCC Environment which will save over £5 million in the next 8 years. As well as continuing to deliver the key services for each council, the new contract will offer extra services which will help to improve the local environment.

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council said: “I am delighted to bring this news to our residents. It not only offers better value for money for the tax payer, but also huge environmental benefits. Big improvements are coming to the recycling service over the next two years. I am looking forward to working with FCC Environment who are bringing their industry knowledge and expertise into our services.

“We have been listening to residents and we know that you want to be able to recycle more at the kerbside, particularly glass and mixed plastics. It will take a little while to put everything in place but the good news is that you will be able to recycle more from the kerbside by the end of 2020.”

Cllr Philip Sanders, Leader of West Devon Borough Council said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to make such substantial savings at a time when we are facing a huge budget gap. The bonus is that will be able to improve vital services and increase our recycling rate even more over the coming years.”

Steve Longdon, Regional Director for FCC Environment said: “We are one of the UK’s most trusted resource and waste management businesses. We hold over 100 contracts with some 60 local authorities up and down the country recycling more than 1.6 million tonnes of waste each year and so we consider ourselves to be a safe pair of hands . Ever since Blue Planet 2, residents have been more interested than ever before in re-using, reducing and recycling so it’s a great time to be rolling out new and enhanced services that will allow residents in South Hams and West Devon to do just that.”

Residents should not see any immediate changes to services and the Councils will be working closely with FCC Environment over the coming months to plan the changes to the recycling collection services. Will be provided more details on the improvements over the coming months.

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AN IMPORTANT SEASONAL MESSAGE: Recycling at Christmas – all wrapped up and nowhere to go

December 17, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

This Christmas South Hams District Council is asking residents to help them handle a problem which is affecting many councils up and down the country.

This year many of the companies who process paper and card for local councils are saying that they can no longer take any wrapping paper at all. This means that wrapping paper cannot be put into your blue recycling sacks, it needs to go into your grey bin instead.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Executive Member for Commercial Services explains: “We know this is a bit of an issue for residents, many of whom have already bought their wrapping paper. But our hands are tied; if the processors will not take the wrapping paper there is nothing we can do.

“Unfortunately this is the same for the County Council’s recycling centres too, whose processors are also saying no wrapping paper this year.”

It is the materials that go into making some wrapping paper that cause the problem. Wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver coloured shapes, glitter, plastics etc. which is why it cannot be recycled.

Some wrapping paper is also very thin and contains few good quality fibres for recycling and because so many people leave sticky tape attached to wrapping paper it makes it very difficult to recycle.

These are some of the reasons why the companies who process our waste have decided not to accept wrapping paper this year.

Cllr Gilbert continued: “Residents can really help us this year by recycling as much of the recyclable materials as they can, to make room in their grey bin for the non-recyclable materials. Food waste is one of the biggest recyclables that often ends up in the grey bin. Please make an extra effort this year to recycle your food waste or freeze your left overs. Clean aluminium foil can go into your clear sacks, along with all plastic bottles, drinks and food cans, empty aerosol cans. Cardboard, ordinary paper, brown paper, envelopes, and drinks cartons can go into the blue sack. Don’t forget plastic yoghurt pots, tubs and trays can be taken to your nearest recycling centre.”

This year South Hams also wanted to remind residents that real Christmas trees shorter than 6ft, can be put it out for collection alongside their brown bin.

For more information about recycling and for great tips, advice and recipes for leftovers, please visit:

https://www.recycledevon.org/

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Community banking for the South West

December 13, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

10/12/2018

Councils agree to support the creation of a local bank to support the local economy

Both South Hams District and West Devon Borough Councillors have pledged their support for the creation of a local financial institution, a local bank for local people.

The new venture, which is yet to be named, would be the first ever high street bank dedicated to Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset (Subject to regulatory approvals).

The bank, known for now as South West Mutual, would be owned by its members and would pursue only what is in the customers’ best interests. Unlike national financial institutions, the Mutual would not engage in financial speculation, or pay huge bonuses to staff for selling financial products.

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, explains why the Council is supporting this initiative: “I am really interested by this proposal and the benefits it could offer our communities. We all know that the local branches are being lost at an astonishing rate, making it more difficult for older and more vulnerable people and trading businesses to access their finance or seek support. The South Hams has lost 13 bank branches since 2015, leaving major towns such as Dartmouth without any banks at all. We understand that banks have to move with the times and more business is done online, but who will support our high streets and market towns in the future?”

“We also know that our SME businesses can find it difficult to get funding. This proposal would see a new kind of banking institution, one that is not tied to the costly overheads of the National banks, who can use the latest technology because it is starting from scratch. We welcome the commitment of South West Mutual to be a permanent presence in the region and to serve our residents and businesses by building a branch network.”

Cllr Philip Sanders, Leader of West Devon Borough Council said: “Councils do not want to get into the business of banking but it is our business to support a thriving economy in West Devon.

We recognise that South West Mutual’s mission to serve our residents and smaller businesses and its commitment to financial inclusion are closely aligned with West Devon Borough Council’s own objectives and strategy and so we are delighted to be able to support them in the early stages of their application for a banking licence.”

Both Councils agree that this is one way that they can use some of the money generated from the Business Rates pilot to support the local economy without using money that has come from Council Tax Payers.

Each council will invest £50,000 to help support the formation of the new entity. The proposal is not without risk, but without the funding, the proposed benefits to the local economy may never be realised.

South Hams and West Devon are the two first local authorities in the area to pledge their support, leading the way for others who have also expressed an interest in this venture. More information can be found at: https://southwestmutual.co.uk/

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Waste and Recycling Service – impending change

December 7, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

A future partnership – Environmental benefits and better value for money

A new multi million pound contact has been approved by South Hams District Council for recycling, waste and cleansing services enabling the Council to save over £3 million pounds over the life of the contract and improving our environmental impact. The new services will be delivered to a high standard from 1st April 2019 as part of a new partnership agreement with a private company.

This is a brave new step for the South Hams who have provided these services through the Council’s own workforce for many years. The decision was made following a very intensive and thorough tendering process lasting almost two years. This included robust market testing giving full consideration to every single element of the current services to ensure best value and best quality for residents.

The staff who currently collect the waste and recycling and clean the district will transfer to the new partner company, whose name will be announced on the 18th December following the formal 10 day legal “standstill” period. South Hams District Council have ensured that their valued workforce will continue to provide services with protected terms and conditions and without the need for redundancies.

The future service will offer householders the opportunity to recycle even more of our household waste from the kerbside from September 2020.

Cllr Rufus Gilbert, Executive Member for Commercial Services said: “We have been listening to what residents wanted – more items being recycled and a continued focus on keeping our beautiful district clean and this will be delivered through the new arrangement at a better price. This new contract will enable us to continue improving recycling and street services throughout the term of the contract.”

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South Hams CVS: FREE Training & Events in November

November 5, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

South Hams CVS has a lot going on in November, most of it is FREE. Come and join us!

Please share this email with any others who maybe interested – trustees, volunteers, committees and staff

South Devon Advice Network 8 November 10-1 Buckfast. Topics include: Illegal money lending & lone sharks, updates on Universal Credit. If you are a community group helping vulnerable people this FREE information & networking event is for you! Book at https://sdadvice.eventbrite.co.uk

Volunteer Organisers Forum – Focus on Youth Volunteering 15 November 2-4.30, Ivybridge Library. A chance to network, troubleshoot and share ideas for all who work with or manage volunteers in the South Hams. Book your FREE place at volunteering@southhamscvs.org.uk

Customer Service for Groups 27 November 10-1 Ivybridge £15 voluntary groups in the South Hams; £25 other organisations https://shcvscustomerservice.eventbrite.co.uk

Introduction to Peer Mentoring (2 day course) – 28 November & 5 December 10-3, Totnes FREE + travel bursaries available (£10 deposit required to be returned on completion) To reserve your place or to discuss further email volunteering@southhamscvs.org.uk or call Kate on 07562 336409

Kingsbridge & District Caring Alliance – 28 November 10-12.30 Erme Yealm Caring Alliance – 30 November 10-12.30 – These South Hams Caring Alliance meetings are for community groups and statutory organisations who are working in the towns & villages with individuals who have health problems to create links and share ideas. Contact adrian@southhamscvs.org.uk for further information about meetings

And…..Look out for our themed ‘CVS POP UP!’ sessions coming in the NEW YEAR J

Best wishes

Jill Davies

Chief Officer

South Hams Community & Voluntary Services (CVS)

01803 862266

The Mansion, 36 Fore Street, Totnes TQ9 5RP

www.southhamscvs.org.uk

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Law Changes for Houses of Multiple Occupation

August 20, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

South Hams District Council would like inform landlords of new government legislation which will come into force on Monday 1 October 2018, requiring landlords to hold a license for houses of multiple occupation.

The new law, which is an amendment to the 2006 Housing Act, means that landlords who have a house used for multiple occupation (HMO) occupied by five or more people, who are not from the same family, will require a license.

A house in multiple occupation can include, but is not limited to, examples such as:

a house let as individual bed sitting rooms
a group of rooms on each floor let to single occupants
hostels, some hotels, guesthouses
lodgings, and shared houses
houses converted into self-contained flats
5 bedroom house being rented to 5 single people, sharing facilities
4 bedroom house being rented to a non-married, couple and 3 single people, sharing facilities
There are extra requirements also put in place for existing multiple occupation houses to include, minimum sleeping room sizes and provision of waste facilities.

Landlords who have a property which is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation, or those who are in the process of setting up a rental property which falls within this category, are required to apply for a license before the 1 October 2018.

Cllr Hilary Bastone, South Hams District Councils Portfolio Holder for Customer First, says: “We want to make sure all Landlords are fully aware of the new law which comes into force in October 2018. If you have a House in Multiple Occupation you will be required by law to have a license.

“This means five or more people living independently of each other, within the same property.”

The Council’s Environmental Health Housing Team is committed to working with property owners to make sure licensing requirements are followed. If properties are found after the date which need a license, then a fixed penalty notice may be charged, which could be up to £30,000.

If you are uncertain if your property requires a license or you would like to apply, please visit the Council’s website at www.southhams.gov.uk/hmo

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SeaMoor Lotto: First Draw Results

August 12, 2018 Leave a Comment Written by Stuart Watts

The first SeaMoor Lotto draw took place on Saturday 4 August and saw 10 lucky winners across South Hams and West Devon.

One winner, from Ivybridge, matched three numbers and won £25. A further nine people matched 2 numbers and won 3 extra tickets to play the lottery. To celebrate the start of the local lottery, nine people were selected at random to win some fantastic prizes, including: £200 worth of natural Devon-made dog food from Forthglade; an iPad; Afternoon Tea for two at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, and a family swim pass for use at Fusion Lifestyle leisure centres.

There were 730 tickets sold ahead of the first SeaMoor Lotto draw which supported more than 60 local charities and good causes across South Hams and West Devon. With ticket sales at this level, SeaMoor Lotto is currently on track to raise nearly £24,000 a year for local good causes.

Cllr Neil Jory, West Devon Borough Council’s Hub Lead Member for the Lottery, says:
“For the lottery to be raising such an incredible amount of funds for local good causes is a testament to the people who are supporting the community lottery by purchasing tickets. I actively encourage more people to support local good causes to help increase the amount we can raise.”

Cllr John Tucker, Leader of South Hams District Council, says: “Local people and businesses have really got on board to support SeaMoor Lotto, either by purchasing tickets or by donating prizes, all with the aim of supporting the local good causes that have signed up. The more people that buy a £1 ticket for the weekly Saturday night draw, the greater the financial benefit to those charities and good causes that have joined.”

Tickets cost just £1 each and 60% goes back to local good causes, in comparison to just 28% contributed by the National Lottery. The remaining 40% goes back into the prize fund and pays for the running costs. Players are able to set up a monthly payment in advance with the option to do a three, six or 12-month repeating subscription by direct debit or payment card. Winners are informed over email and will have the money transferred automatically to their chosen bank account.

The Seamoor lotto was set up by South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council to provide support to local good causes and charities. Each £1 ticket has a 1 in 50 chance of winning a prize every week. This includes an incredible £25,000 jackpot prize if you match all six numbers in the correct order, as well as various other cash prizes.

Local good causes interested in joining SeaMoor Lotto can still sign up to the local lottery which is an ongoing initiative whereby they will receive their own dedicated fundraising page.

Buy your tickets from www.seamoorlotto.co.uk and help spread the word within the community by tagging @SeaMoorLotto on Facebook and Twitter and by using hashtag #SeaMoorLotto.

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