DRIVERS are signing up in their hundreds to take part in a South Hams parking experiment which will give them free parking privileges in council-owned car parks across the district.
With a special new £10 permit, resident car owners will be able to park free of charge from 4pm in the afternoon until 10am the next morning.
Letters went out to homes across the district explaining the pilot scheme and how it works just over a fortnight ago.
In the last five days, more than 500 people have applied for them, revealed the council's resources director Mark Seymour.
"So far there seems to be significant enthusiasm from people wanting to take up the offer," he said.
The concessionary car parking offer for residents of the South Hams is aimed at giving local people a better parking deal and boosting trade in the main shopping centres by encouraging people to do their shopping there rather than head off to out of town shopping centres where the parking is free.
The move comes on top of the district council's decisions to freeze car parking charges across all its car parks at this year's fees and to aim for a zero rise in its share of the council tax for the coming financial year.
The free parking scheme is the brainchild of Modbury councillor Mark Lawrence who originally proposed a scheme which simply allowed people to park for nothing between the designated times without any kind of permit fee.
He welcomed the current scheme, but suggested after the year-long experiment is over, the council could re-look at making the scheme totally free by simply handing a permit to every household in the district along with their council tax bills.
He pointed out when he had first suggested the scheme, the credit crunch and the current financial crisis had not even appeared on the horizon.
He said many people who lived near council car parks had welcomed the scheme because it meant they were able to park their vehicles off the streets.
But, he said, he hoped it would be taken up more widely by people who would use their permits to go to the towns to shop locally.
This article is from:
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Council-s-10-permit-plan-free-parking/article-565593-detail/article.html
Monday 22 December 2008
Wednesday 3 September 2008
'Free' parking scheme comes under spotlight
SOUTH Hams residents could finally be in line for a free parking bonanza — as long as they are prepared to pay for it.
South Hams Council is considering offering all its residents free parking rights in council-owned car parks.
But the chances are the car owners will have to shell out £20 each for the privilege to cover the administration costs of producing permits and the loss of council income, reckoned to run to over £200,000.
And the permits will probably only allow free parking before 10am each morning and after 4pm.
The first proposals for a free parking bonus for residents was put forward as long ago as October last year by Modbury district councillor Mark Lawrence.
They have been on hold ever since while district council officers have been investigating the impact of such a scheme.
A report due to go before tomorrow's Executive is inviting the top district councillors to consider the principle of introducing a 'concessionary car parking scheme for residents' for a 12-month trial period.
But the council officers also want councillors to accept that each resident will have to fork out at least £20 if they want the free parking privilege.
The executive is being asked to look at three options:
1. Concessionary parking before 10am and after 4pm;
2. Concessionary parking at any other two-hour periods during the day;
3. Concessionary parking after 6pm.
The report admits that option one would be the easiest to administer but would still need permits and is likely to cost the district council as much as £233,000.
If the council was to agree to combine options one and three, it would push the bill up to £277,000, the report added.
But if 50 per cent of the district's car owners took up the offer and handed over their £20 a year that would bring in a massive £417,000, easily covering the costs.
Originally Mr Lawrence had envisaged that the free parking would be just that — free — by covering the extra costs of the scheme by pushing up car parking charges so, in effect, the visitors would help pay for locals parking.
On top of that it would bring more local people into the main towns to do their shopping at times when the car parks are unlikely to be full rather than locals driving off to out of town superstores.
The report pointed out: "The scheme, if adopted, will require some rules attached so as to ensure that the system is not abused.
"It is suggested that only households paying 100 per cent or 75 per cent council tax would be allowed to participate. Proof of this would be required.
"The registration number of the vehicle would have to be displayed on the permit.
"An administration fee would be charged if the registration number had to be changed."
South Hams Council is considering offering all its residents free parking rights in council-owned car parks.
But the chances are the car owners will have to shell out £20 each for the privilege to cover the administration costs of producing permits and the loss of council income, reckoned to run to over £200,000.
And the permits will probably only allow free parking before 10am each morning and after 4pm.
The first proposals for a free parking bonus for residents was put forward as long ago as October last year by Modbury district councillor Mark Lawrence.
They have been on hold ever since while district council officers have been investigating the impact of such a scheme.
A report due to go before tomorrow's Executive is inviting the top district councillors to consider the principle of introducing a 'concessionary car parking scheme for residents' for a 12-month trial period.
But the council officers also want councillors to accept that each resident will have to fork out at least £20 if they want the free parking privilege.
The executive is being asked to look at three options:
1. Concessionary parking before 10am and after 4pm;
2. Concessionary parking at any other two-hour periods during the day;
3. Concessionary parking after 6pm.
The report admits that option one would be the easiest to administer but would still need permits and is likely to cost the district council as much as £233,000.
If the council was to agree to combine options one and three, it would push the bill up to £277,000, the report added.
But if 50 per cent of the district's car owners took up the offer and handed over their £20 a year that would bring in a massive £417,000, easily covering the costs.
Originally Mr Lawrence had envisaged that the free parking would be just that — free — by covering the extra costs of the scheme by pushing up car parking charges so, in effect, the visitors would help pay for locals parking.
On top of that it would bring more local people into the main towns to do their shopping at times when the car parks are unlikely to be full rather than locals driving off to out of town superstores.
The report pointed out: "The scheme, if adopted, will require some rules attached so as to ensure that the system is not abused.
"It is suggested that only households paying 100 per cent or 75 per cent council tax would be allowed to participate. Proof of this would be required.
"The registration number of the vehicle would have to be displayed on the permit.
"An administration fee would be charged if the registration number had to be changed."
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Modbury Oil Group - Bulk Buying
The Modbury Oil Group is up and running, courtesy of Watson Fuels.
The bulk buying scheme ensures members are able to obtain domestic heating
oil at the most competitive price in the Modbury area.
If you are interested in joining please contact:
Peter Preston by e-mail at: prestons@onetel.com or by phone: 01548 831324
The bulk buying scheme ensures members are able to obtain domestic heating
oil at the most competitive price in the Modbury area.
If you are interested in joining please contact:
Peter Preston by e-mail at: prestons@onetel.com or by phone: 01548 831324
Wednesday 23 July 2008
THE Modbury Players are hosting the first ever Modbury Music Festival
THE Modbury Players are hosting the first ever Modbury Music Festival on Saturday 26th July from noon until midnight.
The event is a 12-hour Musicathon featuring local artists and is in aid of St Luke's Hospice.
It is a festival with a difference as all the musicians are required to ask their friends, families and supporters to sponsor them to perform.
The event takes place in the Modbury Recreation Field. There will be a barbecue, ram roast, ice creams, a beer tent, cakes stall and other stalls and games to keep people entertained.
The music will be varied throughout the day with songs from the shows, contemporary guitar and singing, gospel singing, folk, jazz and music from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
Bands include local players, Swampash, Corner Band and Party Fish with young well-known artists such as Chris Swainson and Heather Winstanley also performing.
During the day there will be a belly dancing show and the evening will be rounded off by DJ Paul Wyatt.
The event has been organised by Sarah Wyatt, the Modbury Players committee and many other Modbury residents who have given their time freely to help. Sue McCallum, St Luke's Fundraiser has also helped to get the event off the ground with her knowledge and expertise and local businesses have offered their support.
Tickets are on sale from Pickles Hardware, Modbury and on the gate: £6 per adult £3 per child and £15 for a family ticket.
The event is a 12-hour Musicathon featuring local artists and is in aid of St Luke's Hospice.
It is a festival with a difference as all the musicians are required to ask their friends, families and supporters to sponsor them to perform.
The event takes place in the Modbury Recreation Field. There will be a barbecue, ram roast, ice creams, a beer tent, cakes stall and other stalls and games to keep people entertained.
The music will be varied throughout the day with songs from the shows, contemporary guitar and singing, gospel singing, folk, jazz and music from the '50s, '60s and '70s.
Bands include local players, Swampash, Corner Band and Party Fish with young well-known artists such as Chris Swainson and Heather Winstanley also performing.
During the day there will be a belly dancing show and the evening will be rounded off by DJ Paul Wyatt.
The event has been organised by Sarah Wyatt, the Modbury Players committee and many other Modbury residents who have given their time freely to help. Sue McCallum, St Luke's Fundraiser has also helped to get the event off the ground with her knowledge and expertise and local businesses have offered their support.
Tickets are on sale from Pickles Hardware, Modbury and on the gate: £6 per adult £3 per child and £15 for a family ticket.
Saturday 31 May 2008
Green Junction Boxed Saved
One of the unsung delights of Modbury, in Devon, is its electrical junction box. I should say former junction box - painted green, it was regarded as a thing of utility rather than loveliness by the electricity board, which took the obvious decision to remove it when it had ceased to serve any electrical purpose.
However, the town had other ideas. Read more about the story....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main.jhtml?xml=/property/2008/05/31/pvillage131.xml
However, the town had other ideas. Read more about the story....
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/main.jhtml?xml=/property/2008/05/31/pvillage131.xml
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Modbury Carers Offered Days Out
Carers of Adults with Learning Disabilities from Teignbridge, the South Hams and West Devon have been awarded a 14,000 grant to spend on short-term respite.
Carers are often under great pressure and this grant will allow Carers time off to look after their own needs, said Jackie Milan, Learning Disabilities Carers Worker.
We did consider organising specific activities though, due to Carers commitments, we decided it was easier for Carers to take advantage of the many tourist attractions and arts events that are going on all the time across the county. This grant will for the first time allow many Carers to visit and support community facilities in their local area. At our regular meetings across South Devon, we have so far identified a wide range of arts events, days out, tours, theatre and cinema visits - though we are still looking for ideas.
However, we do know that many Carers are not aware of the support and opportunities available. Therefore, if you look after an adult with learning disabilities, or know of someone who would like to take some time out from their very pressured lives, dont hesitate to get in touch.
Meetings for Carers with Learning Disabilities are regularly held in:
Ashburton
Tavistock
Ivybridge
Dawlish
Kingsbridge
Newton Abbot
Kingsteignton
Jackie Milan is Learning Disabilities Carers Worker for Teignbridge, the South Hams & West Devon:
Tel: 07879 881298
Email: jackiemilan.sdcc@tiscali.co.uk
Carers are often under great pressure and this grant will allow Carers time off to look after their own needs, said Jackie Milan, Learning Disabilities Carers Worker.
We did consider organising specific activities though, due to Carers commitments, we decided it was easier for Carers to take advantage of the many tourist attractions and arts events that are going on all the time across the county. This grant will for the first time allow many Carers to visit and support community facilities in their local area. At our regular meetings across South Devon, we have so far identified a wide range of arts events, days out, tours, theatre and cinema visits - though we are still looking for ideas.
However, we do know that many Carers are not aware of the support and opportunities available. Therefore, if you look after an adult with learning disabilities, or know of someone who would like to take some time out from their very pressured lives, dont hesitate to get in touch.
Meetings for Carers with Learning Disabilities are regularly held in:
Ashburton
Tavistock
Ivybridge
Dawlish
Kingsbridge
Newton Abbot
Kingsteignton
Jackie Milan is Learning Disabilities Carers Worker for Teignbridge, the South Hams & West Devon:
Tel: 07879 881298
Email: jackiemilan.sdcc@tiscali.co.uk
Tuesday 22 April 2008
West Sussex Village Inspired
Henfield, a village in West Sussex is aiming to consign plastic bags to history.
Henfield consigns Plastic Bags to History (Story from the "Argos Lite")
For more details of Henfields story , visit http://www.plasticbagfreehenfield.co.uk/
Henfield consigns Plastic Bags to History (Story from the "Argos Lite")
For more details of Henfields story , visit http://www.plasticbagfreehenfield.co.uk/
Monday 21 April 2008
USA News Item regarding a year without Plastic
I spotted this item on a daily news site called gimundo.com which is based in Los Angeles.
British Town Celebrates a Year without Plastic
http://www.gimundo.com/Articles/Daily/980
British Town Celebrates a Year without Plastic
http://www.gimundo.com/Articles/Daily/980
Sunday 20 April 2008
Plans Submitted for Traveller Site
A romany gypsy has applied for planning permission to build a 25-pitch site for travellers and gypsies on his land near Modbury. In his application to South Hams Council, he says he wants to convert a barn into a toilet and shower block along with a small school and shop.
Mr Small, who bought the seven acres of land four years ago, said he felt his application helped address a shortage of official sites in Devon. South Hams District Council spokesman Stuart Davis confirmed that the application had been submitted, but had not been registered, as planning officers required further information.
Mr Small and his agent are expected to supply this within two weeks, and the plans can then be registered.The application is expected to go before the district council's full planning committee in mid-July, or in late August if it is considered to be a major application
Mr Small, who bought the seven acres of land four years ago, said he felt his application helped address a shortage of official sites in Devon. South Hams District Council spokesman Stuart Davis confirmed that the application had been submitted, but had not been registered, as planning officers required further information.
Mr Small and his agent are expected to supply this within two weeks, and the plans can then be registered.The application is expected to go before the district council's full planning committee in mid-July, or in late August if it is considered to be a major application
Saturday 19 April 2008
Local anger over lack of Trade Waste Recycling facility
BBC News item describes how local television production company are frustrated by the lack of trade waste recycling facilites offered by South Hams District Council.
Read more about the story HERE
Read more about the story HERE
Cornwalls Libraries Ban the Bag
News item on thisiscornwall.co.uk (dated 19th April) can be seen highlighting the fact that Cornwall County Council is replacing plastic bags in all its libraries.
The full news story can be read HERE
The full news story can be read HERE
Thursday 10 April 2008
Plastic Bag Free - One Year on.
A year after Modbury in Devon became the first town in Europe to ban plastic bags. Journalist Hannah Pool payed a visit to see how life has changed for shoppers and traders.
Read the complete article at the following link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/10/plasticbags.ethicalliving
This article appeared in the Guardian on Thursday April 10 2008 on p18 of the Comment & features section.
Read the complete article at the following link:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/apr/10/plasticbags.ethicalliving
This article appeared in the Guardian on Thursday April 10 2008 on p18 of the Comment & features section.
Monday 7 April 2008
Modbury School Given an OFSTED rating of Outstanding
INSPECTORS FROM OFSTED RATE Modbury School OUTSTANDING
A SCHOOL at the heart of the town behind the national campaign against plastic bags has been rated outstanding.
Modbury Primary was given the rare accolade by Ofsted following a recent inspection.
It won praise in all five main inspection categories - overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development and well-being, quality of provision, and leadership and management.
The inspectors said: "Pupils' personal development and well-being, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, are simply outstanding. They have very positive attitudes to learning and high quality work is celebrated. Pupils enjoy school and their behaviour is exemplary."
For the last two years the school has been in the top 5 per cent nationally for value added, which measures the progress children make in their learning from Years Three to Six.
Parent governor Julie Janes said: "This inspection recognises the truly outstanding qualities of our local school - a school we cherish." Headteacher Bridie Thong said: "It is a school where every child genuinely matters; feeling included, involved and enjoying school."
The school was asked to expand use of its foundation stage and pre-school children's outdoor adventure park so that more children can improve their learning through play.
A SCHOOL at the heart of the town behind the national campaign against plastic bags has been rated outstanding.
Modbury Primary was given the rare accolade by Ofsted following a recent inspection.
It won praise in all five main inspection categories - overall effectiveness, achievement and standards, personal development and well-being, quality of provision, and leadership and management.
The inspectors said: "Pupils' personal development and well-being, including their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, are simply outstanding. They have very positive attitudes to learning and high quality work is celebrated. Pupils enjoy school and their behaviour is exemplary."
For the last two years the school has been in the top 5 per cent nationally for value added, which measures the progress children make in their learning from Years Three to Six.
Parent governor Julie Janes said: "This inspection recognises the truly outstanding qualities of our local school - a school we cherish." Headteacher Bridie Thong said: "It is a school where every child genuinely matters; feeling included, involved and enjoying school."
The school was asked to expand use of its foundation stage and pre-school children's outdoor adventure park so that more children can improve their learning through play.
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