'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."

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 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.

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

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

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/

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