Current Issues
Christmas Opening Hours

The Town Council offices will be closed from 1.00pm on Thursday 21st December 2023 and will re-open at 9.00am on Tuesday 2nd January 2024.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Jennie Smithson (Town Clerk)
Christmas Window Dressing Competition – Winners
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were busy judging the Christmas window dressing competition on Wednesday 29th November.
Congratulations to everyone who took the time to decorate their shop windows, the town is looking very festive ![]()
The judges picked daytime & night-time winners as follows:-
Daytime 1st: Great Torrington Town & Community Hall
Daytime 2nd: Lilian Rose Interiors
Night-time 1st: Town & Lands Charity
Night-time 2nd: Pee Wee’s Personal Homecare
A special mention was also given to the children at Little Frogs Pre-School for their fabulous window – well done to all of you ![]()






International Men’s Day – 19th November 2023
International Men’s Day is held on 19th November every year. This year Great Torrington Town Council are supporting the day with coasters and posters in local businesses, look out for these around the town:-


GTTC’s New Councillor

The Town Council is very pleased to announce that Michael Callaghan-Martin was voted onto the town council as the newest councillor at the September Council meeting. Cllr Callaghan-Martin has lived in Great Torrington for several years and is the co-owner of a small local business as well as working as a Senior Biomedical Scientist in the NHS.
Cllr Callaghan-Martin said, “I feel privileged to have been accepted onto Great Torrington Town Council.
I have a strong interest in seeing Great Torrington prosper and evolve in a way that benefits our local community, while at the same time protecting our towns unique natural environment and historic character.
I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and the Mayor to act in the best interests of Great Torrington and its residents.’’
Hedges & Boundaries
We get several calls at Great Torrington Town Council office on a regular basis asking about the management of hedges, particularly those that border pavements and or public footpaths or lanes.
It is a common misconception that these hedgerows will be managed by one of the local authorities, however it is in fact the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain these hedges, and if they become overgrown resulting in obstruction, the homeowner may receive a letter from Devon County Council in accordance with The Highways Act 1980.
For further information on this issue please visit this link on the Devon County Council website: https://www.devon.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/maintaining-roads/trees-and-vegetation-2/overgrown-vegetation/
If you would like to know more and are unable to access the website, do pop into our offices, upstairs at Castle Hill and we will access the information for you. Or give us a call on 01805 626135.

Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service – 12th November 2023

This year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 12th November 2023. Great Torrington Town Council and The Royal British Legion will hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
There is a change of location for the forming up of the Parade this year, details below:
- The Parade Route: The Parade will assemble in the driveway at Woodland Vale Care Home and parade “UP” New Street to the Cemetery. Please note: There will be NO VEHICULAR ACCESS (no exceptions) to Woodland Vale Care Home. LIMITED PARKING will be available at the Old Bowling Green; however, we encourage all participants to walk to the event if they are able to do so.
- Dismissal at the end of the Service: Following the National Anthem at the end of the service, the Mayor will thank the Parade, who will then be dismissed in the cemetery as last year. The order for dismissal will allow for those at the back to be the first to leave.
- Standard Practice: Will take place at the Town’s Band room in Castle Street. Further information will be sent to individual organisations nearer the time.
Ordering of wreaths will be the same as last year and should be ordered direct from the Royal British Legion in plenty of time. A wreath can be ordered by contacting the Royal British Legion on 0345 845 1945. The wreath will be posted out to you.
