Covid-19 Buckfastleigh Response

The Buckfastleigh Helpline has been discontinued. The Food Bank remains active and can be contacted on 01364 643120.

Extraordinary Town Council Meeting 3rd August 2022 – Key Messages

1.   Buckfastleigh Swimming Pool – Representatives of the Victoria Park charity provided an update at the July meeting regarding the situation with the increasing energy costs of running the swimming pool.  The trustees are consulting with the Town Council and the community to see if the difference can be met from an increase to the Council Tax. Members agreed that no decision could be made until we have received their grant application, due by the end of August, and that we should consult with the community on this issue.  This may be in the form of a Parish Poll.

2.   Gateway Town project - Further to a proposal by Dartmoor National Park to include Buckfastleigh in a Heritage Lottery Fund bid to pilot a Gateway Town project, a letter of support has been sent on behalf of the Town Council.  If successful, the funds will promote tourism and help improve the visitor journey by linking directly to the town’s heritage through better signage and access.

Small Grants Available

Small grants of up to £500 are available to local community and voluntary organisations who operate for the benefit of local residents within the Parish and who can demonstrate a clear need for financial support.  The next deadline for applications is 31st August, 2022.  Further information here.

Phone Box Arrives in France

A red phone box, a gift from the Scoriton & Buckfastleigh Twinning Association is now in pride of place in the centre of the village of Fontaine-Henry, a symbol of the friendship between the two communities.

Read the full story here.

Barn Park Planning Application – Update

The Town Council has recently been advised by Dartmoor National Park Authority who, having taken legal advice, have made the decision to re-present the application to their Development Management Committee to ensure all matters are brought up to date. This will also provide an opportunity for those who are interested to take advantage of the public speaking arrangements.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities received a request that it calls in the application for determination.  This request has been refused.  Read the text of the letter here.

At present we do not have any indication of timescale, but will inform the community when we are advised to this effect.

You can read here an account of the meeting held with DNP on 3rd March 2022 to discuss the Barn Park planning application.

Wildspace Garden Now Open!

The Wildspace Garden is now open to the public.  Read the story and find out spring/summer opening times here.

Proposed New Housing Developments

Here you can read a current summary of the major housing developments in our town that are either currently being considered by Dartmoor National Park planners or are proposed.

Defibrillator Locations

Make sure you know where all the town defibrillators are located.  Have a look here

Join the Buckfastleigh Volunteer Network!

Would you like to volunteer occasionally to help out with events or activities in town?  The Town Council is creating a list of people who are happy to be contacted when help is needed.  No long-term commitment is required.  You can select what kind of volunteer opportunity you're interested in (e.g. events, driving, social media) and will then be notified when something relevant comes up.  Sign up here.

Covid Testing from 1st April & Covid Vaccinations in the Town Hall.

Free Covid testing for all ends on 1st April, but will continue for some people.  Find out here if you are eligible to continue receiving free tests.

There will be no further walk-in vaccinations at the Town Hall until further notice

Need advice on money, employment, benefits etc? Buckfastleigh Citizens Advice Outreach Service is back

We are pleased to announce the return of the Buckfastleigh Citizens Advice outreach service with effect from Friday 28 January 2022 in the Town Hall - more details here

Citizens Advice Teignbridge can also be contacted by email: citizensadvice.org.uk and by telephoning the Adviceline: 0808 278 7997

COVID-19 & the Town Council/Town Hall

 
The Town Council office can still be reached by leaving a message on the office answerphone - 01364 642576 - or phoning the Town Clerk on 07904 033616.  
 
You can read the key messages from the last Town Council meeting on 20th July here.

Natural Flood Management

Buckfastleigh is one of the Dartmoor communities that will most benefit from the natural flood management techniques being employed on Holne and Dean Moors.   Read all about the project here.

Buckfastleigh Youth Strategy

Young Devon was commissioned by the Town Council in 2018 to formulate a Youth Strategy and mission statement to meet the gaps in youth provision left by the withdrawal of services and funding. Following consultation with all the youth activity providers in the town, this new strategy has now been adopted and the Council looks forward to working in partnership with all our youth groups.   You can read the full Youth Strategy here.

Buckfastleigh Verges Have a Brighter Future

Deputy Mayor Erin Kohler-Ockmore and Councillor Huw Cox joined members of the Buckfastleigh Action for Nature Group for the launch of their verge management project.  Read more here.