Phil Bullivant
TDC Councillor for Bradley Ward Newton Abbot
Monthly update
October 2018
When issues are raised with me that affect people in our ward, I try to gather the facts and see what can be done to address any questions and provide answers or help direct people to where help can be obtained. This is often about things that are of specific relevance to an individual or sometimes, an issue that has some impact on the wider public. My month has included assisting with getting information for homes, cajoling developers into doing what they should be doing, reading 100’s of pages of planning applications, walking the streets to look at issues that have been raised with me and challenging decisions made by the council on behalf of residents. This is in addition to working with the officers on the delivery of services and development of strategic plans for my Role as Portfolio Holder for Recreation and Leisure. So, a busy time that has given me a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment and hopefully provided some solutions to issues. There are also times when being able to ask questions on behalf of residents can help throw light onto an issue and bring a greater degree of clarity to an issue, even when this challenge entrenched positions. It is always important to remember that Councillors work on your behalf, and we should never be afraid to challenge the authorities on your behalf if you believe something is wrong.
Things going on that relate to Highweek and Bradley this month focussed on the Persimmon’s site at Hele Park and getting action to address the outstanding issues. I am pleased to say that following my site meeting with their representative I have now received details of their plans for the LEAP installation, the repair of street lighting and replacement of missing trees and bushes. I have also received details of the plans for the completion of the Allotments which include reconstructing the entrance, providing car parking spaces and replacing the missing top soil. I also spoke with the developers to check on the progress on Valerian Way where the missing land drains are causing local flooding. A plan of action involving both Redrow and Taylor Wimpey is now in place which should result in the works being completed before Christmas. (access for the heavy equipment will be possible when the gas main replacement is completed) I also have been working in support of residents and officers on the Linden Development to make them comply with the requirements laid down in their planning consent. I know that they are somewhat cavalier in some of their approaches and we need to maintain vigilance. People living next to the site are keeping a close eye on progress and helping police the ongoing works.
In the wider TDC arena, there has been some discussion about the control of dogs in the area. Unfortunately, the irresponsible attitudes of some owners is causing a greater level of fouling and unsocial behaviour in parks, on pitches and beaches. I receive a constant supply of complaints from clubs using our pitches about the amount of dog faeces left by owners. To address this issue the introduction of control order was discussed and agreed that would enable TDC to take action where appropriate. One contentious issue was allowing dogs onto our beaches in the summer months. We agreed on a start date of 1st April for the restrictions to apply on the beaches where restrictions currently apply, (this was to bring all beaches into line with each other, Dawlish has always had the 1st April start date following the death of a young girl some years ago) the 1 month between the 1st April and 1ST May when the bathing water standards apply gives the beaches time to self-clean any dog faeces. There were also limits to how many dogs a person could be in charge of (4) and the need for dogs on the highways to have leads. There were exceptions for working dogs and assistance dogs.
I am pleased to confirm that the Christmas Party planned at Highweek Village Hall for people who will be on their own over Christmas has been booked for Friday December 21st. If you know of someone who will be on their own, please let me know so I can contact them. We have 42 spaces available. Transport can be arranged. Helpers are always welcome so if you can join us, we will be starting at 1.00pm and closing at 5.00pm.
As usual, please let me know if you have an issue that you think I can help with.
Phil Bullivant
07768355544
(The views expressed in this letter are my personal opinio