Respecting neighbours during isolation. SHDC
We are all spending more time in our homes and while it might be tempting to clear out gardens and throw clippings on a bonfire, we need to guide our communities in remembering that this could create additional problems for people already dealing with breathing difficulties.
Bonfires come with additional risks, which could put extra pressure on our emergency services at this time.
 Services are operating mainly as normal as per last week’s report. Attached are the collection schedules over the Easter and May Bank Holidays.We understand that there is a perception that the closures of the recycling centres has caused additional fly tipping as this has been reported in other areas of the country. We are closely monitoring instances of fly tipping in South Hams and West Devon and to date we have not seen an increase in numbers compared to previous years. |
 Crews are reporting that they are experiencing significantly more recycling and waste being put out for collection than normal. While an increase at this time is expected with everyone at home we are asking the public to think very carefully about the waste they produce and be prepared to store waste they create from clear outs etc until the recycling centres reopen. |
The regular COVID-19 community response meetings have opened up additional channels of communication between officers, Members and communities. However, we ask that business as usual issues such as missed collections, full recycling banks (except textile banks) and fly tips continue to be reported via the website in the first instance. This will help such reports to be actioned as quickly as possible and avoid duplication.
Wednesday 8th April
This came over email from a company (Future Learn) gathering these links.
| Think you’ve seen the whole of the internet? Think again. We’ve put together a constantly expanding selection of our top boredom-buster courses to help you escape your home, so you can learn new skills and indulge your passions whilst staying safe at home. There are over 20 courses in the collection, including:exploring the many Moons of our solar system on The Open University’s courselearning How to Write your First Song, with instruction from established songwriterslearning basic Java programming to Build your First Mobile Game. If you’re embracing this as a time to slow down or if you’d like to explore techniques to help with mental health, we’ve also got courses made by Mindfulness and Wellbeing experts to help you understand, adjust and incorporate ways to adjust to the present reality. We hope you’re all safe and well, Lily and the FutureLearn team |
The most comprehensive list of help, contacts, and activities is available from the Town Council’s website, http://ivybridge.gov.uk
Use the Home Tab, with the detail following the message from the Mayor.
Further support is available from South Hams District Council, southhams.gov.uk
From the front page, there is a link to support for residents, businesses, and to support in the community.
I hope you’re well.
The support from central government is reaching the Town, principally directed through Devon County Council and South Hams District Council.
Local support is most evident through the Town Council, and local support groups. What’s hidden is all the individual work, the acts of kindness, the fetching and carrying.
We’re very fortunate to have so many helpers in our society. On the frontline, the wide range of NHS staff are working with shortages of materials and too few colleagues. The doctors and the nurses are most in our minds but they work with more specialisms than I’ll ever know. If I start with receptionists, cleaners, electricians, radiographers … you’ll be able to add many more.
In the Town, there are many groups working for others, for the elderly in the Care Homes, for the less well off needing help with food, for those with challenges to their mental health, those providing sport and recreation, looking after children, providing education and entertainment. Again, an incomplete list but evidence of the wealth of support in the Town.
It’s been so interesting to see the work of the the District Council. The staff (the Officers) are dedicated and versatile. They’ve changed their focus, supporting the District on many Covid-19 issues. For our local businesses, letters have gone out over the government support. Although we’re supposed to be at home, the car park charges have ceased. Bin collections continue.
A noticeable feature of the County Council’s work are the funds available to support easing the effects of Covid-19.
On all of these, more in another post. Just for now, thank you for the work and the contributions you make.