News - Newton Abbot Town Council

Newton Abbot Town Council News

NEWTON Abbot’s youngest ever Mayor has been sworn into office.

Cllr Alex Hall is 22-years-old and has served as Deputy Mayor since 2023.

On Wednesday May 15 he took over the reins in a ceremony at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

Looking forward to the year ahead he said: ‘It is an honour to be entrusted as Mayor by my fellow councillors.

‘To have the opportunity to represent my hometown, and being the youngest Mayor Newton Abbot has ever had, is a role I take very seriously.

‘My ambition as Mayor is to always do my best to represent our town and sell it to its fullest potential at every official engagement and opportunity I can.’

He added: ‘Over the last 12 months, being Deputy Mayor has filled me with great pride. Witnessing all the brilliant work that goes on within our community can so often go unheard.

‘Gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation is something I continue to look forward to over the forthcoming year and being able to share my experiences with everyone on my social media.

Thinking back on his year in office, Cllr Corney-Walker, said: ‘Your council is continuing to take on the jobs the bigger councils find they can no longer afford. We have invested in high quality machinery to extend our ability to maintain the cleanliness of our town centre and residential areas and have recently appointed a fourth Facilities Maintenance Officer.

‘The regeneration plans for Queen Street have proved very controversial. It has to be emphasised, however, that Newton Abbot Town Council has no control over this and many other issues that affect us.

‘My year has concluded with a succession of happy events. On March 1st Austins celebrated their centenary. The store has become synonymous with our town and attracts visitors and shoppers from a very wide area. Long may it continue to do so.

‘In April we marked the 50th anniversary of the formation of Newton Abbot Council by planting two oak trees in Courtenay Park. The three days of the annual Maltingsfest drew long queues of attendees and the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) made a very generous contribution to my charity for the year – Devon Air Ambulance.

‘Finally on the 5th of May we had the first of our monthly Sunday Markets. Though the weather was not kind attendance showed these are likely to prove a successful innovation.

My sincere thanks to all the officers at the Town Council for all their hard work and support for this Mayoral year and to all those councillors who have given me their support and encouragement at throughout the whole of this year.’

The above images shows Cllrs Hall and Corney-Walker at the Mayor-Making ceremony.

Here comes the summer – Newton Abbot gears up for Party in the Park ’24!

ALL roads will lead to Courtenay Park throughout the weekend of July 13 – 14 when Party in the Park comes to Newton Abbot.

The two days of affordable family fun will kick off with the gruelling Rotary Club wheelbarrow race, the dramatic Taiko Drummers plus performances from the Shining Stars Academy and Newton Abbot Martial Arts.

Trade and charity stalls will be accompanied by a paid-for bouncy castle and although everyone is encouraged to bring picnics, those wanting something extra can take advantage of the food and drink stalls.

On Sunday families will be able to enjoy free live music, balloon modelling, face-painting and a hula hoop show.

There will also be free activities from Creative Newton Abbot and the Bubble Fairy plus, for those wanting to splash out a little, there will be a cocktail bar, ice cream van and coffee truck

Saturday’s fun and games will take place 10am – 4pm and Sunday’s 11am – 4.30pm.

The first day is being organised by the Rotary Club of Newton Abbot and the second by Newton Abbot Town Council whose Events Coordinator Natalie Hicks said: ‘We’re so excited about Party in the Park and cannot thank Rotary enough for what they’re doing.

‘Their members are utterly dedicated to supporting the community so we know it’s going to be a brilliant day.

‘On Sunday the town council will be taking the lead with plenty of free activities and for both days there’ll be no need to book places or buy tickets, just turn up and enjoy the party.

‘It’s so important to us that as the summer gets properly under way, we provide some really good and properly affordable family fun.

‘Unless people wish to take advantage of the bouncy castle or caterers, there’ll be absolutely no need to put their hands in their pockets, just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

‘So get the dates in your diary, Party in the Park is coming to Newton Abbot July 13 – 14.

‘See you there!’

All the event details can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.

The below images are from Party in the Park 2023, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Newton Abbot.

Celebrate 80 years of liberty in Newton Abbot and help the Mayor light the D-Day Beacon on June 6

No Place Like Home

Celebrating 80 years of liberty in Newton Abbot

Tell the Mayor why you love Newton Abbot and help him light the D-Day 80th anniversary beacon

What does Newton Abbot mean to you?

Why do you love to call it home?

Capture those feelings in a photo, drawing or essay of no more than 100 words and share them with Newton Abbot Town Council.

Mayor Cllr Alex Hall, who takes up office on May 15, will choose the entry he loves most and ask its creator to help him light the D-Day 80th anniversary beacon in Highweek.

Here’s why.

At 6.30am on Tuesday June 6 1944, the Allied liberation of occupied France began.

Operation Neptune, more commonly known as D-Day, was the largest seaborne invasion in world history.

It cost the lives of more than 4,400 troops, the Battle of Normandy that followed claimed another 70,000.

As a whole, World War Two took the lives of perhaps more than 80 million people.

This unimaginable sacrifice provided the foundations for the liberty we still enjoy today.

On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Newton Abbot, along with communities the length and breadth of Britain, will commemorate the moment with the lighting of beacons.

The ceremony at Highweek, one of three set to take place at the same time in Newton Abbot, will be led by Cllr Alex Hall.

He said: ‘As we all know, there’s no place like home, and for me that is Newton Abbot.

‘It’s a town that means so much to me and one I will be very privileged to serve as its Mayor.

‘It’s also a community that has, largely, known nothing but peace for a number of generations and that isn’t something we should take for granted.

‘The sacrifices made, not only on D-Day but throughout the Second World War and other conflicts, has allowed us and our town to grow and prosper.

‘Whatever the challenges we face today, they pale into insignificance compared with how life could have been had our forebears not fought to preserve our independence.

‘So I’d like to know why other people are glad to call Newton Abbot home and to remind ourselves of the good fortune we enjoy simply by living here.

‘There’s no place like Newton Abbot, there’s no place like home.

‘Tell me why and, hopefully, you can join me in Highweek on June 6 to light a very special beacon of hope and remembrance.’

Newton Abbot’s three beacons will be near All Saints’ Church at Highweek, the junction of Firestone Lane and Stoneman’s Hill in Wolborough and Shaldon Road in Buckland, south of the Centrax factory

The public are welcome to attend although please be courteous when parking and do not enter private land without permission.

Submit entries by emailing [email protected] or dropping them off at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

The deadline is 5pm Monday May 27, entrants must agree to publicity photographs being published.

Ensure your contact details are clearly marked and state if you want the entry to be returned.

The below image shows then Mayor, Cllr Carol Bunday, at the 2022 Highweek beacon for the Queen’s Jubilee.

For more information please email [email protected] or call 01626 201120.

Success spurs community group’s expansion plans

A Devon ‘making, mending and meeting’ group is hoping to celebrate its first anniversary with a clutch of new helpers as demand for places continues to grow.

The Newton Abbot Community Shed was established in June 2023 and now has more than 50 members.

Initially they met just one morning a week in a former pottery studio in the town’s library but after a grant of £1,000 from Newton Abbot Town Council that has since risen to three times weekly and now a fourth session is on the cards.

There are also plans to find larger premises, launch a repair café and gain charitable status.

Chair Peter Stevens said: ‘A large proportion of our members are very active ‘Shedders’ and many of those are happy and able to work on their projects with little or no assistance.

‘Some members however need additional support and would benefit from one-to-one working with a helper.

‘We’re interested in attracting half a dozen or so volunteers with a bit of time to spare and an interest in people.

‘We don’t necessarily need qualified tradespeople or engineers, just those with patience and a smattering of practical skills they’re willing to share.

‘We’re a group for all men and women aged 18 and above and that’s our only eligibility criterion.

‘Becoming part of the Community Shed is as rewarding for helpers as it is members and we look forward to growing our numbers as the first anniversary approaches.’

In addition to making goods for sale, such as bird boxes and key cabinets, the Shedders have created a ‘pop-up’ bistro table on the stump of a felled tree in the town centre.

They also crafted props for the Town Council’s free Easter family activities and are busy with plans to build Santa a new sleigh in time for his visit at Christmas.

Another project in the pipeline is the restoration of a doll’s house, scratch built on Dartmoor some 60 years ago.

Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘The Newton Abbot Community Shed is clearly going from strength to strength and is a wonderful example of a town supporting its own.

‘I do hope they can attract some additional helpers in time for the first anniversary as that will mean they can achieve their aims, aims that will benefit not only members but Newton Abbot and its surrounding communities as a whole.’

The Community Shed meets each Friday morning and afternoon as well as Saturday mornings. Monday sessions are being planned.

For details visit https://newtonabbotshed.co.uk.

The below image shows left – right: Tim Faulkner (NACS Secretary) Peter Stevens (NACS Chair) Ollie Doughty – the Shedder responsible for designing and painting the tintamarresque boards.

A NEW initiative by Newton Abbot Town Council to promote grass roots arts and cultural projects has got off to a flying start according to the organiser.

Kate Green, Community Outreach Worker with Newton Abbot Museum, set up her stall in Courtenay Street on Wednesday [April 17] to share information about local events and organisations.

Dubbed ‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’, the pop-up gazebo attracted plenty of interest from people ranging from aspiring authors to film-makers and those simply looking for something to do other than stay at home watching television.

Kate’s arrival was announced by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison whose sonorous tones soon had passers by stopping to find out more.

‘Creative Newton Abbot – What’s Happening?’ really started out as an idea that the museum should have a presence in the town centre on market days which is why I’ve brought some items from the collection with me,’ she said.

‘I talk to so many people who say they didn’t realise what events were taking place in the town or that they’re lost for something to do in the evenings or at the weekend, so this is a brand new initiative to fill that gap.

‘We’ll be in Courtenay Street every Wednesday between 11am – 1pm with information about workshops, exhibitions and any other creative or cultural opportunities people tell us about.

‘For example, today we’ve got loads of information about Teign U3A who have 60 different interest groups, Irish ceilidh dancing at The Jolly Farmer, the next performance at the Alexander Theatre, a new local film about cycling, plus leaflets about the museum as amazingly some people still don’t realise we have one in town.

‘Hopefully on future stalls we’ll be joined by members of the arts community who can tell the public all about their projects and in time this will be known as the go-to place for knowing what’s on, all the more important now we have no tourist information office.

‘Already on the first day I’ve talked with lots of people which is great start and I look forward to meeting many more.’

Anyone wanting to join Kate or have information on display at the weekly stall can leave leaflets at the museum or call 01626 201121.

Alternatively email [email protected].

Newton Abbot Museum and its outreach programme are funded by Newton Abbot Town Council, both located at Newton’s Place, Wolborough Street.

The below photo shows Kate and Town Crier Nigel at the stall in Courtenay Street.

For more information please email [email protected]..

Oak trees planted to commemorate 50 years of Newton Abbot Town Council

TWO native oak trees have been planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Newton Abbot Town Council.

On Saturday April 14, Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker was joined by colleagues past and present for the ceremony in Courtenay Park.

Following a proclamation by Town Crier Nigel Kenneison, Cllr Corney-Walker and Deputy Mayor Cllr Alex Hall scattered mulch over the Quercus Robur specimens before heading to Newton’s Place for a civic reception.

The audience was addressed by former Town Clerk, Rod Tuck, who highlighted some of the many extra responsibilities the Council has taken on in its 50-year history.

The current Clerk, Phil Rowe, added to the list including items such as increased street cleaning and the development of Newton’s Place with its museum and community rooms.

Both men’s observations chimed with those in a national news report published in The Guardian. The article quoted Councillor Keith Stevens, chair of the National Association of Local Councils, who said: “England’s parish and town councils are the unsung heroes of local government, stepping up to play a more active role in improving their communities, and increasingly taking on more responsibilities from financially challenged larger local authorities.

‘While their small share of council tax is just 1.9 per cent of overall council tax, they are investing five times more in local communities than they were two and half decades ago, helping tackle some of the biggest challenges our communities face – from health to housing, the climate and cost of living crisis, and supporting younger and older people.”

Cllr Corney-Walker added: ‘Another significant initiative from Newton Abbot Town Council was the creation of our Town Development Manager role.

‘Retailing has changed beyond recognition in recent years and our decision to appoint Sally Henley has meant our town centre is fairing so much better than many other communities.

‘I thank her and all our officers for their tireless work on behalf of our town, and of course all councillors past and present whose time is given willingly with no financial reward in return.’

Newton Abbot Town Council came into being in April1974, at the same time as Teignbridge District Council was formed.

Both came about as as a result of the Local Government Act 1972.

The below image shows the ceremony in Courtenay Park.

Newton Abbot Town Council pledges steps to end biodiversity emergency.

NEWTON Abbot Town Council has pledged to do its bit towards creating a greener future by reviewing working practices and collaborating with environmental groups to safeguard and improve threatened habitats.

In January the authority declared a Biodiversity Emergency in line with the Government’s aim of halting the decline in native plants and wildlife by 2030 and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The move was made by the Town Council to recognise the need for a healthy environment that can support future prosperity and the wellbeing of residents, workers and visitors.

Short term aims could include the installation of rainwater harvesting tanks at council properties and staging community projects such as bird box building or the creation of wildflower meadows.

It has already banned the use of pesticides in weed control and thrown its weight behind a pesticide ‘amnesty’ set to take place in Bradley Barton.

It will work with Devon County Council and Teignbridge Council to consider the potential biodiversity impacts of planning applications and infrastructure proposals, as well as supporting businesses and residents in their bids to green up the parish.

A Working Party has been tasked to consider the Town Council’s action plan and will report back to members in the spring.

Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker said: ‘We are all becoming ever more aware of the pressure our natural environment is coming under and the need to reverse at least some of the damage caused by human activity.

‘While I recognise that the Town Council has little clout compared to larger authorities and the Government it remains our responsibility to set the tone for Newton Abbot and to show some leadership in this critical manner.

‘We will look at all our working practices, assess their likely environmental impact and take advice on means to improve our performance.

‘We already work with Green Futures Newton Abbot on several initiatives and would welcome the public’s thoughts on other projects we might consider.

‘Even the longest journey starts with a single step and that is one I’m pleased to say we’ve now taken by declaring a biodiversity emergency.

‘We look forward to taking many, many more and having the people and businesses of Newton Abbot right beside us all of the way.’

New Newton Abbot to Ogwell walking, wheeling and cycling route.

An important project to better connect Newton Abbot and its surrounding area is underway, with work to create a safe and convenient route that will enable residents and visitors to walk, wheel or cycle between the town centre and Ogwell.

Once completed, the Ogwell Link project will increase opportunities for families to be active, enjoy nature and reduce their car journeys by walking or riding a bicycle to school or work, or to the town centre’s facilities.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Devon County Council Proposed works to Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow.

Ogwell to Newton Abbot – National Cycle Network – Proposed works to Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow.

The proposed phase 1 scheme is to provide a section of shared cycleway/footway between the tennis courts in Bakers Park and Steppes Meadow, leading to the pedestrian bridge over the River Lemon. The works will include the construction of shared route within Bakers Park adjacent to the existing tennis courts and improvements to the carriageway construction of Steppes Meadow.

CLICK HERE for further details

CLICK HERE for the map

Newton Abbot Town Council calls for Queen Street plans to be abandoned

NEWTON Abbot Town Council is to make ‘very strong representations’ that formally call for plans to restrict parking and traffic access in Queen Street to be abandoned.

The proposals by Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council would remove much of the on-street parking in Queen Street and prevent most vehicles from travelling further than the junction with Albany Street.

Wider pavements would be installed and other traffic restrictions imposed in nearby streets.

Although the Town Council has already objected to most of the Traffic Regulation Orders that would introduce the changes, on Wednesday February 27 it staged an Extraordinary Meeting attended by 15 members.

Two motions were put by Cllrs Mike Ryan and Alex Hall which stated: ‘(A) That Newton Abbot Town Council do debate the proposals by Devon County Council and Teignbridge District Council for ‘enhancements’ to Queen Street, Newton Abbot, in relation to concerns raised by the businesses situated in the area, the loss of car parking and in particular disabled parking, and (B) That Newton Abbot Town Council should consider making very strong representations to the County and District Councils for the scheme to be abandoned in the light of the many concerns expressed by businesses and users of Queen Street.’

Opening the debate Cllr Mike Ryan said: ‘As a council we have been misled from the start. We were never asked beforehand what we would want to do in Queen Street.’

He later added: ‘It’s our town not yours.’

Another opponent, Cllr Janet Bradford, questioned the abilities of Teignbridge District Council saying: ‘Look at Market Walk, destroyed by mismanagement and interference.’

Taking a different position was Cllr Colin Parker who claimed the scheme was in line with long standing aspirations to improve the town.

He siad the Queen Street proposals were ‘the most widely consulted’ Devon County Council had ever undertaken and told the meeting: ‘Public realm improvements would enhance this area, it will be a real asset for the town.’ He added: ‘It would encourage visitors to linger longer’

Cllr Phil Bullivant took a similar stance saying it was in the ‘medium to long term interests’ of the town to bring about the changes.

‘This process is fundamentally about how we drive footfall into the town,’ he said.

Having heard the arguments for and against, members voted 9 – 4 with two abstentions in support of the motions meaning the Town Council will now officially call for the Queen Street plans to be abandoned.

After the meeting Mayor Cllr David Corney-Walker, who chaired the debate, said: ‘Members have had their say and the Clerk will draft a letter expressing their wishes.

‘It is up to Teignbridge and Devon whether or not to act on what has been said.’

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