Many thanks to Kevin Foster for permitting us to use part of his weekly Residents’Update.
This is an abridged version and the full version can be found on his website.
Torbay Community Helpline,
Earlier today I caught up with Simon and David from the Torbay Community Development Trust.
Staff at Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT), Ageing Well Torbay (AWT) and Brixham Does Care are working with voluntary groups across the Bay and have set up a phone line for people in need of help because of illness or isolation and also for those that are prepared to offer help.
They have so far dealt with 1,000 calls and had over 400 offers of help from local residents!!!
Callers to the helpline who are offering support will be asked in what way they can help and will then be asked to provide a reference so that some necessary checks can be carried out. It is then hoped to be able to help put helpers in touch with those needing help for the duration.
The phone line, which will be staffed 24/7, covers Torquay and Paignton. The number is 01803 446022. Brixham Does Care can be contacted directly on 01803 857727 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4:30pm).
Need Something Delivered?,
One of the most common issues raised by residents in my inbox this week was how impossible it is becoming to get a slot for a shopping delivery from any of the leading supermarkets.
This is an acute problem for those who must shield themselves from the virus for next 11 weeks due to how especially vulnerable they are, meaning they urgently need to have a dependable supply.
Whilst the supermarket chains are looking to alter their supply chains and increase their staff, there are many local businesses stepping up to supply a range of goods from takeaway meals to a week’s supply of meat.
You can find details of many on the Torbay Help Hub website.
Parking Enforcement Changes,
Given the current circumstances Torbay Council is making several changes to its Parking enforcement operations.
As from yesterday (Thursday 26th March) the enforcement of limited waiting bays will cease until further notice. This is to ensure as many residents as possible are able to park during these challenging times where everyone is required to stay at home.
The only enforcement activity during this period will focus on incidents of obstructive or dangerous parking which could have a more significant impact on safety and access for emergency and essential services.
Below is a list of restrictions which the Council advises me will still need to be enforced:
• Double yellow lines with the priority around junctions. Patrols will concentrate enforcement activity to ensure key routes are clear of traffic.
• Loading Restrictions – a number of these areas are in place for road safety or to ensure deliveries are still maintained.
• Dropped Kerbs and zig zags. These are to ensure access across the roads is maintained for wheelchairs and pushchairs and pedestrian crossing and school entrances are kept clear.
• Bus stops – These need to be kept free for buses but can be used as passing places in residential areas for emergency vehicles.
Civil Enforcement officers will also be working their patrols from vehicles rather than walking in order to assist with social distancing.
If a key worker does need to appeal a recent Penalty Charge Notice they can do so via the Torbay Council website. I am advised any Penalty Charge Notices received by health and social care workers while carrying out their duties in recent days will also be waived.
Roadworks Suspended,
Torbay Council has taken the decision to suspend its major planned highway works.
This means its planned Surface Dressing and Micro Asphalt programmes have been delayed for an undetermined period but will be carried out as soon as practicably possible.
Works on the already commenced site on the A379 Babbacombe Road will continue, as the site team is very small and they are able to operate adhering to the distancing guidance and for as long as supplies to site are maintained, however I am advised this will continue to be reviewed.
The Beach Hut – April Edition,
The much loved “Beach Hut” magazine will not be published this month or next.
I am advised this is because of the additional impact on regular advertisers, many of whom are small businesses who are already struggling, and to prevent door to door distribution by an elderly work force.
The April addition which had been prepared ready for printing can be viewed online.
Check Out The Local E-Library
Whilst the Coronavirus might have closed our local libraries, they cannot stop you checking out its great collection of e-books.
Many titles can be downloaded to enjoy, all you need to do is join the library. Just click here for more details.
and finally……Compare The Meerkat.
Ending on a lighter note many residents will have found it rather annoying how when trying to compare meerkats they kept on being redirected to a site selling car insurance.
Yet now you can sit back and compare meerkats all day long thanks to the team at Paignton Zoo. Whilst they may be closed for visitors their live webcams are still working, including Meerkat Cam!!!
You can find it by clicking here.
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