Latest update 4th July

Organisers' anger at cycle race residents disgusting behavior

ORGANISERS of a cycle race in Kingsteignton have vowed never to hold it again after 'irate' residents hurled abuse at youngsters taking part in the official event. Mid Devon Cycling Club and Exeter Wheelers had permission from Devon County Council and the police for the two-hour event on Saturday evening. The race attracted up to 20 youngsters between the ages of eight and 14. But after some residents living in Exeter Road and Strap Lane are said to have shouted at the participants, both clubs say they will not hold another cycling event for children in the area. It is also alleged some motorists ignored road closure signs and mounted the curb during the race. Vice-chairman of Mid Devon Cycling Club, Ron Keegan, who lives in Torquay, said: "Some residents were furious, driving on pavements to get to their houses even though there was a one way system put in place. "They were driving around the barriers which could have endangered the lives of the children who were riding on a closed circuit. "Some residents were being abusive to officials and to the young children who were trying to race." Mr Keegan said the event, for children living in Kingsteignton, was organised to complement the economy-boosting Dartmoor Classic sportive, which took place on Sunday and attracts more than 2,000 riders from all over the world.

Warning as travelling gang targets cars

MOTORISTS are being urged to be on their guard after what police have described as an 'organised' spate of vehicle crime. Police have urged car owners in Teignbridge to clean out their cars after the wave of vehicle-related crime. And it is thought that travelling criminals may be coming from outside the district to raid cars. They are also targeting people who are parking their cars and hiding valuables before heading out for a walk on Dartmoor. Teignbridge senior officer, operations inspector Ian Curson said: "Empty your car. It's not worth the risk." On one occasion five cars were broken into in Heather Close, Teignmouth, but only one car had items stolen from it. On another night four cars were hit in Bishopsteignton. Teignmouth inspector Chris Shaw said: "It really is a problem and some people are still leaving cars unlocked. "We can play our part but the public needs to do their bit too." Police are carrying out a range of anti-crime measures across Teignbridge to raise awareness of the issue, including Moorwatch Action Days, the first of which is on Tuesday. Fran Bennett, Teignbridge's crime reduction officer, said: "The days cover the whole moor and look at a range of crime prevention measures, including securing outbuildings, but with a focus on vehicle related crime.

 

Devon doctors win high praise from patients

Doctors in Devon have earned high praise from patients for the care they provide, rating among the best in the country for their overall service. In a nationwide patient survey carried out for the Department of Health, Devon GPs scored well above the national average on a whole range of questions, from how easy patients find it to get an appointment to the level of care they get when they arrive. Across the county, 95% of patients surveyed said they were satisfied with the care they received, and a similarly high number expressed confidence and trust in their doctor.  In Devon, nine out of ten patients wanting to see a doctor quite quickly were able to be seen on the same day or within 48 hours, and eight out of ten found it easy to get through to their surgery by phone (compared with seven out of ten nationally). And the overwhelming majority (85%) of Devon patients said they were happy with the opening hours of their local surgery, including almost half (49%) who said they were very satisfied. In the Teignbridge area, an example of the good work going on is at the Kingskerswell and Ipplepen practice, where 98% of patients said they were satisfied with their care, 89% said they could book ahead if they needed to, and 95% could be seen fairly quickly when they wanted.   For more information please contact Nick Pearson on 01392 267 648 or Paul Hopkins on 01392 267 647.

Dawlish Housing Plans could be thrown out

Controversial plans for up to 270 new homes in Dawlish could be thrown out by planners. Teignbridge Council's planning boss Steve Robinson has recommended a proposal by Cavanna Homes and Bovis Homes for a new housing development in Secmaton Lane is refused because it does not have enough affordable homes.

Market town's enjoying a shopping boom

AT A time when many high streets are on their knees, Newton Abbot is enjoying a booming trade. Business leaders in the Teignbridge market town say shop occupancy rate is higher than the national average and trade is roaring. Sally Henley, town centre manager for Newton Abbot, said shop vacancy rate was 5.5 per cent which is less than half the 12 to 18 per cent national average. Only 15 shops are empty in the town and even those which are empty do not stay vacant long. A new baby shop, a new blinds and curtains shop and two estate agents have opened in recent weeks. In February, Bon Marche clothes shop moved into the town and created 20 jobs. Mrs Henley said the success of the town was down to its high level of independent traders. "Newton Abbot is not a clone town like so many others,"

Call for end to resort summer roadworks in Teignmouth

A PLEA is being made to call a halt to roadworks which cause chaos during the main summer season after days of traffic misery in Teignmouth. Furious drivers have been caught up in tailbacks for more than an hour trying to get into the town. Now county councillor James McMurray is demanding a rethink and wants to see future schemes rescheduled. Conservative Cllr McMurray said: "I will be asking the council to review the situation and make sure that, in the future, particularly for seaside resorts, works do not deter visitors during the peak summer season." Drivers have been stuck in jams after roadworks near the railway station caused knock-on effects, with queues stretching back more than two miles to Bishopsteignton. One Newton Abbot motorist gave up trying to reach the town and said: "It's absolutely outrageous." Devon County Council's decision to resurface nearly a mile of the main A379 through the town caused outrage earlier this month. The work, from Myrtle Hill near the railway station to First Avenue near Bitton House, started on Thursday, June 18. Members of Teignmouth Traders Association criticised the works when they were first announced, saying it was at the wrong time of year. Association secretary Chris Evans said: "A staff member of mine said it took nearly 40 minutes to get from Teignmouth to Dawlish — a journey that takes up to 10 minutes normally. Another motorist said: "I started queuing at Jack's Patch. It took an hour to get to Shaldon Bridge before things started to move. At just under one mile, the busy stretch of road provides access to the town centre, the train station, Shaldon, and is the main thoroughfare to Dawlish. The work is expected to finish on Thursday.

Rowcroft presents Opera at Torre Abbey

The Friends of Torre Abbey and Rowcroft Hospice are welcoming the return of the highly acclaimed Garden Opera Company this July, with their production of The Barber of Seville. After the success of the fundraising performance in the gardens of Rowcroft Hospice in 2007, this year Torre Abbey gardens will play host to this popular opera performed by the highly acclaimed Garden Opera Company, on Saturday 18th July. A fun-fair setting welcomes the audience before the opera even begins. Dodgy magicians, camp hairdressers, damsels in distress cavort together in this enchanting and hilarious production. Rossini's effervescent music will charm audiences whilst enjoying a picnic in the grounds, in front of the historic abbey with stunning sea views. This production is kindly sponsored, once again, by Newcross Healthcare Solutions and is raising funds for both the Friends of Torre Abbey and Rowcroft Hospice. The sponsors and organisers hope that the venue and the imaginatively staged production will welcome families and new comers alike to enjoy the delights of opera, as well as those who know their Rossini from their Puccini.