Archive for category: News

Please see message from Cllr Bill Dagworthy –

To all who have contacted me or other councillors regarding flood resilience gates and doors.

On Friday 16th April Jonathan, of Watertight, phoned me regarding a visit he was making to Stokeinteignhead with the Teignbridge District Council Conservation Officer on Monday 19th April. I pointed out I thought it was important I joined them and this was agreed.

The three of us spent some four and a half hours on Monday afternoon going to each of the listed properties that were scheduled to have flood resilience gates or doors installed. I pointed out we should try and contact each of the residents concerned as we went round, happily this was thought a good idea and agreed. Again happily, nearly all the residents were in and able to discuss with the Conservation Officer and Jonathan what was proposed and what they would like.

The Conservation Officer understood the problems – the concerns of residents and the need to protect the properties – and everyone we contacted was reassured and happy with what was proposed.

Bob Clowse was reassured with the works proposed for his property but, additionally, two neighbouring properties that he has been unofficially negotiating for, on behalf of the owners, which was a big help – thank you Bob.

Although we are all still awaiting drawings, information etc on what they wish to install, I did feel the meeting was a major step forward which, hopefully, has removed any obstacles in moving forward, although things will not happen overnight.

I believe you are all aware that each property is being treated individually, with a bespoke solution that involves site surveys, the necessary drawings, and construction of the gates and doors. I was surprised at the extent of the works that are proposed for some properties. Besides the installation of resilience doors or gates, some properties will have additional building works to make those gates and doors effective, from altering the discharge of the gutter downpipes, so as to discharge outside the property boundary, to removing railings and replacing them with walls. I was assured, and the Conservation Officer insisted, that the work would be in local stone.

Without doubt this meeting should have been held earlier as I know all who were contacted felt reassured with what was proposed but, understandably, are still uneasy due to the lack of communication in the past. I was given a number of reasons for this but all concerned asked me to extend their apologies and I was promised better communication with all in future. If all goes to plan, works will start soon with the most vulnerable properties and we should see a conclusion to this matter before autumn.

Regards

Bill Dagworthy.

Stokeinteignhead Parish Council is deeply saddened by the news of the death of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and our thoughts are with the Royal Family.

An e-book of condolence will be available at The British Monarchy (royal.uk)

Please see the information from Jill Connole below:

Action Climate Teignbridge.
Parish Wildlife Warden Scheme.

I have recently joined the wildlife warden scheme as a volunteer and did some online training with them in January.

The scheme was set up in 2019 to support all of Teignbridge’s councils and communities to help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. The purpose is to work within the neighbourhood to help support, protect and increase wildlife. This can involve conducting plant surveys, promoting wildlife friendly gardening, helping to improve and connect habitats, and sharing knowledge in schools and community groups.

None of us on the scheme are wildlife experts but, through an interest, have been brought together by ACT to do what we can. Ideally there will be at least two wardens in each parish as is the case for Shaldon so I would love to hear from anyone who may be interested in joining me.

For more information.
https://ww.actionclimateteignbridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ACT-Wildlife-Warden-Scheme-Aug-20-PS01.pdf

My contact details
jillconnole@ww.actionclimateteignbridge.or

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.