Great Torrington Town Council

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.

I was elected to Great Torrington Town Council in 1997 and quickly got involved in local issues, the most controversial being the awful smell from the local rendering factory. I was chair of the Residents Association on Dartington Fields at that time, and with their backing and the late Peter Copp we persuaded the District Council to employ a lawyer to take the problem to the High Court. We won fresh air for Torrington, which we all now enjoy in our Town.
I have a keen interest in planning issues, and I still view all the local applications to date keeping an eye on how they affect our Town.

In 1999 I became a District Councillor and was Chair of TDC for 4 years and enjoyed sitting on the Planning Committee. I served a total of 25 years with TDC.

Housing and local needs is another area of interest, and I was involved in the transfer
of Torridge Housing to Westward Housing Association, bringing properties up to standard, whilst also recognising the need for affordable homes.

My greatest honour was being awarded Freewoman of Great Torrington by our Council in
March 2023, the award is now framed and has pride of place on my wall along with some special photos of my times as Mayor.
Torrington Town Council is certainly a forward-looking Council, exploring how to improve services and the well-being of all our residents for the future.
I have so far completed 28 years as a town councillor, which has gone by in-a-flash, but I’ve enjoyed every minute.

In August 2024 a small group of Councillors from Great Torrington Town Council plus local representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police and Devon & Somerset Fire Service met to discuss Emergency Planning for the town. As part of this discussion, it was suggested that it would be useful to produce information each season to address common concerns that effect local people.

There are many useful online resources offering advice about getting ready for the colder months ahead. However, we understand that not everyone can access online resources confidently, so if you need help accessing further information do get in touch (01805 626135) we can provide printed copies of information where needed. It is also possible to obtain information and IT support from your local library. If you have specific concerns relating to your health during the cold weather speak with your GP and other healthcare providers.

Examples of useful online resources:

• Winter advice for the elderly – Age UK
• Winter vaccinations – NHS.gov.uk
• Things to do now to prepare for winter – Met Office.
• Financial advice – for those experiencing financial difficulty in later life – independentage.org

The Met Office recommends these ten steps:

(Metoffice.gov.uk)

1. Be prepared for power cuts and internet outage due to stormy weather. Have a battery pack or separate batteries, keep a list of important contact numbers somewhere easy to find (near the phone) e.g. family members, GP practice, the power cut helpline number – 105, plumber, electrician etc.
2. Check your heating – Cold weather can be a risk to your health, particularly if you are over 65 or have health conditions. Ideally your home (and those of elderly relatives and neighbours) should be heated to at least 18°C. Keeping your home warm this winter – Met Office
3. Weatherproof your home & garden – pack away items that may be vulnerable to high winds, consider checking for loose branches, fence panels or slates. Anything that may become dangerous in high winds.
4. Check your plumbing – Do you know where your stop tap is?
5. Make plans – think ahead, consider how you will get to work, can you work from home, how will childcare be managed if the schools are closed?
6. Have basic supplies to hand – make up a handy supply of essential items.
7. Check your car is winter ready – Prepare a winter kit for your car – Met Office

Keep a warm blanket, torch, high visibility jacket, and some food in your car for emergencies. For the full winter car kit visit the Met Office website.

1. Think about vulnerable neighbours – if you know you have a family member or neighbour who may find it difficult to access the information or resources they need, could you offer to help?
2. Keep up to date with recommended seasonal vaccinations. (www.nhs.uk)
3. Find out how the community can prepare for seasonal changes and emergencies, have a look at the below webpages for further information on being prepared and resilient as a community :

• campaign.gov.uk
• gov.uk – community resilience

One of the most common issues people contact Great Torrington Town Council about during winter, particularly if we experience snow and ice, is the location of salt bins. So please do get in touch if you need information about your nearest salt bin. Guidance on how the salt should be used can be found online – grit/salt should be used sparingly and is provided primarily for use on the roads.

The Bickford in South Street is a great place to pop in for a cup of tea and some company, plus you can access useful information.

Look out for other local services offering a warm space throughout the winter.