15. Moorland Community Speedwatch.
Dear Mr Tigwell,
Firstly my apologies for the delay in the reply but i have been on annual leave and this is the first opportunity i have had to reply.
I certainly support this initiative and whole heatedly agree with a number of the points you raise. Indeed community speed watch is something we both promote and support and i am more than happy to provide the appropriate police support.
However i must raise an issue we have had in the past where communities have spoken to the police about starting a speed watch but when we have tried to get it up and running the volunteer numbers have been very low, making it almost impossible to progress.
On this occasion i will request that PCSO Mark Canvin and a colleague make contact with council to make the relevant arrangements.
If there is anything further you feel we may support you on please do not hesitate to make contact with me.
Best wishes.
Mark Sloman
Dear Mr Tigwell,
Firstly my apologies for the delay in the reply but i have been on annual leave and this is the first opportunity i have had to reply.
I certainly support this initiative and whole heatedly agree with a number of the points you raise. Indeed community speed watch is something we both promote and support and i am more than happy to provide the appropriate police support.
However i must raise an issue we have had in the past where communities have spoken to the police about starting a speed watch but when we have tried to get it up and running the volunteer numbers have been very low, making it almost impossible to progress.
On this occasion i will request that PCSO Mark Canvin and a colleague make contact with council to make the relevant arrangements.
If there is anything further you feel we may support you on please do not hesitate to make contact with me.
Best wishes.
Mark Sloman
14. Volunteer Connect Devon
We are pleased to announce the launch of Volunteer Connect Devon - a new on-line volunteer recruitment system for volunteer roles in Devon with a firm focus on local roles. If you involve volunteers in your organisation you can connect with volunteers across Devon.
It is easy and quick to use enabling you to advertise your volunteer roles, manage and track volunteers who've registered interest. You can also login and proactively search our volunteer bank for volunteers who meet your requirements.
If you are not already advertising roles with us, its a free service and you can sign up and get started online.
For more information and to register visit www.devonva.org/involving_volunteers.
This is an exciting time for us and we look forward to supporting your organisations volunteering needs.
We are pleased to announce the launch of Volunteer Connect Devon - a new on-line volunteer recruitment system for volunteer roles in Devon with a firm focus on local roles. If you involve volunteers in your organisation you can connect with volunteers across Devon.
It is easy and quick to use enabling you to advertise your volunteer roles, manage and track volunteers who've registered interest. You can also login and proactively search our volunteer bank for volunteers who meet your requirements.
If you are not already advertising roles with us, its a free service and you can sign up and get started online.
For more information and to register visit www.devonva.org/involving_volunteers.
This is an exciting time for us and we look forward to supporting your organisations volunteering needs.
13. Planning advice for Parish Councils within Dartmoor National Park
Dear Parish Clerk
Planning advice for Parish Councils within Dartmoor National Park
I am grateful to those Parish Councils who responded to my earlier letter offering training.
For those who didn’t there is still time if you are interested and want to be added to the list
of attendees.
I have received a high response to this from some 18 Parishes so it seems the likely
approach for me is to offer a one off training session probably in the evening later on this
year in the autumn. The range of subjects to be covered is quite broad so it may be that
we do this in two ways with some papers going out beforehand and then a workshop with
some ‘case studies’ for discussion on the evening. I will contact you further by the end of
August to move this forward and suggest a training event date.
If there are any papers to be sent out I will ensure these go to all Parishes regardless of
whether or not they are attending the training session.
Please note I am now away until 3 August 2015 on leave. If you need assistance
regarding any planning matter in my absence please contact the relevant officer as per the
attached updated officer contact sheet. You will note that we are one officer down on the
enforcement side as Andy West has now left the Authority. In the meantime, Nick Savin
and James Aven have had to pick up Andy’s caseload so bear with us if you have
enforcement queries. Similarly, we have a busy summer period in front of us with various
planning officers on leave and some very large planning applications before us.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Belli
Head of Planning
sbelli@dartmoor.gov.uk
Dear Parish Clerk
Planning advice for Parish Councils within Dartmoor National Park
I am grateful to those Parish Councils who responded to my earlier letter offering training.
For those who didn’t there is still time if you are interested and want to be added to the list
of attendees.
I have received a high response to this from some 18 Parishes so it seems the likely
approach for me is to offer a one off training session probably in the evening later on this
year in the autumn. The range of subjects to be covered is quite broad so it may be that
we do this in two ways with some papers going out beforehand and then a workshop with
some ‘case studies’ for discussion on the evening. I will contact you further by the end of
August to move this forward and suggest a training event date.
If there are any papers to be sent out I will ensure these go to all Parishes regardless of
whether or not they are attending the training session.
Please note I am now away until 3 August 2015 on leave. If you need assistance
regarding any planning matter in my absence please contact the relevant officer as per the
attached updated officer contact sheet. You will note that we are one officer down on the
enforcement side as Andy West has now left the Authority. In the meantime, Nick Savin
and James Aven have had to pick up Andy’s caseload so bear with us if you have
enforcement queries. Similarly, we have a busy summer period in front of us with various
planning officers on leave and some very large planning applications before us.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Belli
Head of Planning
sbelli@dartmoor.gov.uk
12. Scams Awareness Month
Don’t fall for the fraudsters It’s national scams awareness month and Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service is encouraging everyone to be vigilant and protect themselves against scams. Knowledge is power
Don’t fall for the fraudsters It’s national scams awareness month and Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service is encouraging everyone to be vigilant and protect themselves against scams. Knowledge is power
11. South West Councils
Devon leader re-elected as voice for South West Devon County Council Leader, John Hart was unanimously re-elected as chairman at South West Councils’ annual meeting in Exeter. The annual meeting also heard from Local Government Minister, Baroness Susan Williams, who spoke about the Government’s drive to devolve powers to local councils
Devon leader re-elected as voice for South West Devon County Council Leader, John Hart was unanimously re-elected as chairman at South West Councils’ annual meeting in Exeter. The annual meeting also heard from Local Government Minister, Baroness Susan Williams, who spoke about the Government’s drive to devolve powers to local councils
10. Public Transport
Public transport budget to be implemented Proposed reductions in public transport services in Devon will be implemented from 20 September
Public transport budget to be implemented Proposed reductions in public transport services in Devon will be implemented from 20 September
9. New Library Organisation
Experienced local leader Julie Dent has been appointed to chair the new independent organisation being set up to run the county’s library service.
Find out more about Julie
Keep up to date with this new website dedicated to the project
Experienced local leader Julie Dent has been appointed to chair the new independent organisation being set up to run the county’s library service.
Find out more about Julie
Keep up to date with this new website dedicated to the project
8. Connecting Communities
Are you about to embark on a new project, or have started and need some guidance? Our peers have already been through the highs and lows and are now willing to share their experiences with you. Experts have registered with Connect Communities to offer support and advice to those who are involved in the start up, growth and sustainability of projects that serve our rural communities. The Connecting Communities peer support project is about those with experience sharing their skills and knowledge with members of the community who are embarking on similar projects like setting up a social enterprise.
With the benefit of expert knowledge and guidance, community organisations like you can be better equipped to deliver local services and serve your local communities. We have peers with skills and experience across the following themes:
Housing
Health and Social Care
Community buildings
Sport and Leisure
Environmental
Social Enterprise
Neighbourhood planning
Community Resilience
This scheme is currently only available to organisations in West Devon and South Hams.
To find a peer to support your project contact:
connectingcommunities@devoncommunities.org.uk
WDCVS Tel: 01837 53392 DCT Tel: 01392 2489919 Ext 140
Are you about to embark on a new project, or have started and need some guidance? Our peers have already been through the highs and lows and are now willing to share their experiences with you. Experts have registered with Connect Communities to offer support and advice to those who are involved in the start up, growth and sustainability of projects that serve our rural communities. The Connecting Communities peer support project is about those with experience sharing their skills and knowledge with members of the community who are embarking on similar projects like setting up a social enterprise.
With the benefit of expert knowledge and guidance, community organisations like you can be better equipped to deliver local services and serve your local communities. We have peers with skills and experience across the following themes:
Housing
Health and Social Care
Community buildings
Sport and Leisure
Environmental
Social Enterprise
Neighbourhood planning
Community Resilience
This scheme is currently only available to organisations in West Devon and South Hams.
To find a peer to support your project contact:
connectingcommunities@devoncommunities.org.uk
WDCVS Tel: 01837 53392 DCT Tel: 01392 2489919 Ext 140
7. Invitation to join - A Devon Social Enterprise Network
Dear social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and community activists, Devon Communities Together are thrilled to be launching a social enterprise network for rural Devon and we would love for you to join. Membership is FREE for any social or community enterprise, social entrepreneurs or community activists based in rural Devon.
Having worked with many of you and other social enterprises for the last 10 years we have seen the amazing work achieved to improve people’s lives, bring communities together and help the environment. We wanted to create a focal point where social enterprise can unite, collaborate and learn from one another to grow stronger and achieve more together. Members will also receive the latest news on events, training and funding and can connect with other networks in Devon and across the UK.
Click here to join and complete a (very) short membership form – it’s completely free!! Or for more information on the network and its benefits visit our website www.devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919 to speak to one of our team.
Last week, Devon Communities Together launched a social enterprise network for rural Devon and we would love your support and to share the news to help it get off to a good start.
Over the last 10 years DCT has seen the fantastic work done by social enterprises across Devon improve people’s lives, tackle social problems and improve communities and the environment. To support this work and to help grow and strengthen the sector we wanted to create a hub where rural social enterprise can collaborate, connect and find relevant information and resources.
The network is free to join for all social and community enterprises based in rural Devon. Members of the network will be part of a stronger united voice for social enterprises across Devon and the UK.
Other benefits include:
Ø access to shared promotional opportunities and funding bids
Ø regular updates on the latest sector news about events, training and trends; and
Ø access to a like-minded network to collaborate with and to share ideas and learning with one-another
The network was launched on Thursday the 23rd July, when DCT invited over 200 social and community enterprises to become members of the network. On the day we teamed up with the inspiring Grow@Jigsaw Project based in Bideford and we promoted the launch on our website and via social media - so look out for #socentdevon.
We would be very grateful if you could share the news with your connections and networks and send the attached invite to any social enterprises or community projects that would be interested. To join the network and for more information visit our website here or call 01392 248919 to speak to Dawn or Tom.
Kind regards,
Tom Butt and Dawn Eckhart
Social Enterprise Team
T: 01392 248919 ext*171
Dear social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and community activists, Devon Communities Together are thrilled to be launching a social enterprise network for rural Devon and we would love for you to join. Membership is FREE for any social or community enterprise, social entrepreneurs or community activists based in rural Devon.
Having worked with many of you and other social enterprises for the last 10 years we have seen the amazing work achieved to improve people’s lives, bring communities together and help the environment. We wanted to create a focal point where social enterprise can unite, collaborate and learn from one another to grow stronger and achieve more together. Members will also receive the latest news on events, training and funding and can connect with other networks in Devon and across the UK.
Click here to join and complete a (very) short membership form – it’s completely free!! Or for more information on the network and its benefits visit our website www.devoncommunities.org.uk or call 01392 248919 to speak to one of our team.
Last week, Devon Communities Together launched a social enterprise network for rural Devon and we would love your support and to share the news to help it get off to a good start.
Over the last 10 years DCT has seen the fantastic work done by social enterprises across Devon improve people’s lives, tackle social problems and improve communities and the environment. To support this work and to help grow and strengthen the sector we wanted to create a hub where rural social enterprise can collaborate, connect and find relevant information and resources.
The network is free to join for all social and community enterprises based in rural Devon. Members of the network will be part of a stronger united voice for social enterprises across Devon and the UK.
Other benefits include:
Ø access to shared promotional opportunities and funding bids
Ø regular updates on the latest sector news about events, training and trends; and
Ø access to a like-minded network to collaborate with and to share ideas and learning with one-another
The network was launched on Thursday the 23rd July, when DCT invited over 200 social and community enterprises to become members of the network. On the day we teamed up with the inspiring Grow@Jigsaw Project based in Bideford and we promoted the launch on our website and via social media - so look out for #socentdevon.
We would be very grateful if you could share the news with your connections and networks and send the attached invite to any social enterprises or community projects that would be interested. To join the network and for more information visit our website here or call 01392 248919 to speak to Dawn or Tom.
Kind regards,
Tom Butt and Dawn Eckhart
Social Enterprise Team
T: 01392 248919 ext*171
6. Fire Service Engagement with Parish Councils to Identify Vulnerable People
I am writing to you in my capacity as Prevention Manager for West Devon & South Hams at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. We, as an organisation, are committed to public safety and wish to engage with local Parish Councils in our area to help us in identifying vulnerable people in your communities who would benefit from our FREE services.
Our Home Safety Visit takes around 30-45 minutes and as part of the visit we work with the occupier/owner to look at Fire related safety issues and where required fit free 10yr battery life smoke alarms. In addition, we can provide a range of other items on a risk based approach including fire retardant bedding, throws, Carbon Monoxide and hard of hearing smoke alarms.
Our most vulnerable groups are;
· Anyone over 65
· Smokers
· Anyone with children
· Anyone who has left a residential institute in last 6 months
· Those households where main carer is under 18
· Anyone on benefits
· Anyone with a Dementia or Mental Health
By working with communities we can identify these people a lot easier and therefore we are keen to work directly with you to assist us.
Some of you will already be working with your local station or Risk Manager and if this is the case, thank you. Some of you are also outside of my area of responsibility and if you are keen to work with us I can forward your contact details to my colleagues in your specific area.
The engagement can be as simple as contact between you and your local station, a talk to your parish council or we can provide some training for you to refer people in your community (with their consent) directly to us. By working together we can ensure people get the support and advice they need to reduce the risk of fires in their homes. In addition, we will soon be conducting Falls Risk Assessments alongside our Fire Safety Visits for persons over the age of 65.
If you are interested in discussing this further please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by return email. I will be on leave till end of August so will endeavour to make contact as soon as I return.
Kindest regards
Danny Slay
Prevention Manager
Local Risk Manager – Bere Alston, Princetown, Yelverton & Tavistock
Group Suppport Western Command (Plymouth)
t. 01752 333605 m. 07929 373326 w. www.dsfire.gov.uk
I am writing to you in my capacity as Prevention Manager for West Devon & South Hams at Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. We, as an organisation, are committed to public safety and wish to engage with local Parish Councils in our area to help us in identifying vulnerable people in your communities who would benefit from our FREE services.
Our Home Safety Visit takes around 30-45 minutes and as part of the visit we work with the occupier/owner to look at Fire related safety issues and where required fit free 10yr battery life smoke alarms. In addition, we can provide a range of other items on a risk based approach including fire retardant bedding, throws, Carbon Monoxide and hard of hearing smoke alarms.
Our most vulnerable groups are;
· Anyone over 65
· Smokers
· Anyone with children
· Anyone who has left a residential institute in last 6 months
· Those households where main carer is under 18
· Anyone on benefits
· Anyone with a Dementia or Mental Health
By working with communities we can identify these people a lot easier and therefore we are keen to work directly with you to assist us.
Some of you will already be working with your local station or Risk Manager and if this is the case, thank you. Some of you are also outside of my area of responsibility and if you are keen to work with us I can forward your contact details to my colleagues in your specific area.
The engagement can be as simple as contact between you and your local station, a talk to your parish council or we can provide some training for you to refer people in your community (with their consent) directly to us. By working together we can ensure people get the support and advice they need to reduce the risk of fires in their homes. In addition, we will soon be conducting Falls Risk Assessments alongside our Fire Safety Visits for persons over the age of 65.
If you are interested in discussing this further please don’t hesitate to contact me directly by return email. I will be on leave till end of August so will endeavour to make contact as soon as I return.
Kindest regards
Danny Slay
Prevention Manager
Local Risk Manager – Bere Alston, Princetown, Yelverton & Tavistock
Group Suppport Western Command (Plymouth)
t. 01752 333605 m. 07929 373326 w. www.dsfire.gov.uk
5. Responsible Driving
Thank you for your letter dated 22nd July, 2015.
This is a short note to let you know that not only has a copy of your letter been distributed to all our staff but to also confirm that we do actively encourage guests to drive slowly, so much so that today we have put a page up on our website titled “responsible driving” which I hope in some way will help.
http://www.twobridges.co.uk/contact/getting-to-two-bridges/responsible-driving-on-dartmoor
With kind regards,
Georgina
Georgina Prickett
General Manager
Two Bridges Hotel
D/L 01822 892345
Thank you for your letter dated 22nd July, 2015.
This is a short note to let you know that not only has a copy of your letter been distributed to all our staff but to also confirm that we do actively encourage guests to drive slowly, so much so that today we have put a page up on our website titled “responsible driving” which I hope in some way will help.
http://www.twobridges.co.uk/contact/getting-to-two-bridges/responsible-driving-on-dartmoor
With kind regards,
Georgina
Georgina Prickett
General Manager
Two Bridges Hotel
D/L 01822 892345
4. DHC & risk of flooding at Oakery Crescent
Thank you for your letter received 24/07/2015 re the “risk of flooding at Oakery Crescent”. I do recall some clearance work done on the ditch back in early 2013. At that time it was noted that the ditch has been blocked at the end behind number 5 Oakery Crescent and therefore all of the water was having to flow through the drains that are part way along the ditch. Apparently this has been the case for a long time now and therefore I’m lead to believe that the drains are adequate as long as they’re clear. I will visit the site in the near future and assess the state of the drains and if necessary arrange for the ditch to be cleared.
Regards
Hugh Payne
Technical Services Officer
Thank you for your letter received 24/07/2015 re the “risk of flooding at Oakery Crescent”. I do recall some clearance work done on the ditch back in early 2013. At that time it was noted that the ditch has been blocked at the end behind number 5 Oakery Crescent and therefore all of the water was having to flow through the drains that are part way along the ditch. Apparently this has been the case for a long time now and therefore I’m lead to believe that the drains are adequate as long as they’re clear. I will visit the site in the near future and assess the state of the drains and if necessary arrange for the ditch to be cleared.
Regards
Hugh Payne
Technical Services Officer
3. Legal Topic Notes - updates just in!
Legal Topic Note (LTN) 35 - Contracts has been amended:
New Legal Briefing LO5-15
Public Contracts Regulations 2015 A new Legal Briefing L05-15 has been issued and can be found on the DALC website, or by clicking on the link below, which covers the following -
Legal Topic Note (LTN) 35 - Contracts has been amended:
- LTN 35 now includes new guidance about breach of contractual obligations. Guidance about the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, now repealed, has been removed. The revised LTN can be found on the DALC website or by clicking here http://www.devonalc.org.uk/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=256&mid=360&fileid=952
- LTN 87 includes new guidance about the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The revised LTN can be found on the DALC website or by clicking here http://www.devonalc.org.uk/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=256&mid=360&fileid=953
- LTN 15 - Legal Proceedings,
- LTN 23 - Health and Safety and
- LTN 42 - Occupiers Liability
New Legal Briefing LO5-15
Public Contracts Regulations 2015 A new Legal Briefing L05-15 has been issued and can be found on the DALC website, or by clicking on the link below, which covers the following -
- Legal Briefing ref L05-15 explains the impact of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 on the standing orders and financial regulations adopted by a council. You can find the breifing here http://www.devonalc.org.uk/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=256&mid=360&fileid=954
- NOTE - This briefing should be used as an addendum to the Local Councils Explained booklet and Standing Orders should be reviewed and amended as appropriate to comply with these new regulations
2. Section 137 limits
For your information the S.137 limits 2015/2016 is £7.36 per elector and for 2014/2015 it was £7.20
For your information the S.137 limits 2015/2016 is £7.36 per elector and for 2014/2015 it was £7.20
1. DALC AGM & Conference: Working Together for Stronger Communities
Thursday 15th October 2015, Westpoint Arena near Exeter, 10am – 4pm with lunch included
This year our theme is working together – which seems to be the way that all organisations are making the best use of their resources to benefit people living in our communities. Our speakers are drawn from the academic world – to reflect on changes to local government and society – from Devon County Council on how they are responding to new ways of working, and from organisations that have successfully harnessed local funding and expertise for locally beneficial projects.
There will be opportunities to visit exhibitors – which delegates have enjoyed in previous conferences – to network and work through how local councils respond to the need for their communities to take more local responsibilities.
The cost is again being kept to £20 per delegate and this year the Conference is being held on a weekday in response to member feedback.
People who have attended the Conference in the past have found it to be an enjoyable and interesting event – a rare opportunity for councils from across Devon to come together, compare notes and debate issues. We do hope that councillors both more experienced and newly elected will put this date in the diary. Bookings can now be made via the DALC website on the training and events tab.
Thursday 15th October 2015, Westpoint Arena near Exeter, 10am – 4pm with lunch included
This year our theme is working together – which seems to be the way that all organisations are making the best use of their resources to benefit people living in our communities. Our speakers are drawn from the academic world – to reflect on changes to local government and society – from Devon County Council on how they are responding to new ways of working, and from organisations that have successfully harnessed local funding and expertise for locally beneficial projects.
There will be opportunities to visit exhibitors – which delegates have enjoyed in previous conferences – to network and work through how local councils respond to the need for their communities to take more local responsibilities.
The cost is again being kept to £20 per delegate and this year the Conference is being held on a weekday in response to member feedback.
People who have attended the Conference in the past have found it to be an enjoyable and interesting event – a rare opportunity for councils from across Devon to come together, compare notes and debate issues. We do hope that councillors both more experienced and newly elected will put this date in the diary. Bookings can now be made via the DALC website on the training and events tab.
