Voter Registration 2009/10 - Don't lose your right to vote!

On 25th August Teignbridge Council will be posting voter registration forms to all 57,000 households within the district, marking the start of this year's annual canvass of electors. Households will be required to submit details of all eligible persons who will be resident at a property on the qualifying date of 15th October 2009.

Kenton & Starcross Post Offices Survive

Good news for both Kenton and Starcross Post Offices which have survived the national closure programme.

Very often we don’t realise what we have lost until it’s gone. It’s tremendous that both villages will keep their Post Office. We need though to keep using them and doing as much business as we can across the Post Office counter. I refuse to tax my car on-line or by phone. Instead, I go to Starcross, where Peter and Jackie are able to issue licences are issued.

I do as much as I can in the Kenton Post Office. For example, I pay my water bill and gas/electric over the counter. Seems a bit old fashioned I know – but every bit helps keep Anne’s Post Office.

Traffic Speed Along Generals Lane

Residents in Generals Close have asked for help to control the speed of traffic along Generals Lane. It is, they say, increasingly used as a short cut and some drivers are going too fast. Local county councillor Brian Berman and I met with residents and Andrew Cadbury, chairman of Starcross Parish Council to see what could be done.

Devon highways have put a traffic speed machine on the road but say the speeds do not merit any action. We’re not convinced and accept the residents view that some form of speed control is needed. The youngsters in Generals Close are not allowed to play ball games there and need to cross the road to play in the field.

Personally, I don’t think Highways take enough account of the point that when traffic calming and the 20 mph speed limit was put in along New Road and other streets, Generals Lane was left out. We continue to lobby for the residents.

Starcross - Hedge Ownership Question

In Starcross, I’ve been chasing ownership of a hedge along Drews Close. Devon County Council say it doesn’t belong to them and point to Persimmon Homes, which acquired the original developer of the estate. I met Persimmon’s agent on site and they have promised to do a check at the Land Registry to see if they own it.

Until we get the results back, Persimmon won’t commit to tidying up the hedge, cutting it back from the pavement and pruning low hanging branches.

Nearby, at Swan Road, Teignbridge Council needed to remove a number of dead or diseased elms from along the hedgerow running alongside New Road. I met with a group of residents and have kept all informed through some street newsletters. As a result, Teignbridge has put up a simple bar and post fence to stop children running directly into the road from where the trees have been removed.

This autumn 10-15 year old field maples will be planted into the gaps.

Another Accident on the A379...

Another accident on the A379 just outside Kenton has again raised concerns both about road safety and speed but also about the way traffic is managed when the road is closed.

This is a busy road through Kenton and Starcross. When it’s closed because of an accident, traffic is sent off into the back lanes – but without any real support so we end up with cars trying to go both ways in a lane barely wide enough for a single vehicle. I’ve written to both the County Highways staff, based at Newton Abbot and the police to suggest a proper diversion plan is prepared.

Summer Sizzlers

SUPER SUMMER SIZZLERS OFFER CUT-PRICE FUN!

There's never been a better time to get happy and healthy at local leisure centres as Teignbridge Council introduces its special Summer Sizzler passes.

At a time when it's getting ever more important to watch the pennies, Teignbridge has introduced two brand new Summer Sizzler passes for the months of July and August, helping users of all ages get the most out of their local leisure centre at an even more affordable price.

The Junior Summer Sizzler is on sale now and costs £10, entitling the holder to 10 indoor swims at either Dawlish or Newton Abbot Leisure Centre. Available to people aged 16 or under, the cards can be renewed after 10 swims and reused as many times as required throughout July and August, meaning that younger customers can enjoy a whole summer of super-cheap swims!

Young people aren't the only ones in for a treat, however, with the Adult Summer Sizzler going on sale in August. This pass, available at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, Dawlish Leisure Centre, Ashmoor Recreation Centre and Broadmeadow Sports Centre, will cost just £14, and entitles the holder to any 14 leisure centre activities (including an induction in the New Physique Fitness suite, usually costing £8).

Among the activities on offer are use of the indoor pools, exercise classes, fitness training sessions, badminton and squash sessions and use of the sauna and steam rooms.

Cllr Anne Fry Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Recreational Services said:

"This fantastic new offer is not to be missed! It's a wonderful way to start the summer - keeping the children entertained and parents busy.

"The Summer Sizzlers are a brilliant way to keep the family happy and healthy, and make the summer all the more fun. With activities working out at just £1 each, it's an ideal way to save some cash while getting the most out of the summer holidays."

"The whole family can enjoy a day of fun, from only £1 each, so why not come and join in!"