Archive for category: News

From South Hams District Council

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Since announcing that the South Hams’ waste and recycling service would be coming back in-house to be run by the Council again from 3 October, we’re now in a position to provide you with an update on what we’ve been doing.

What We’ve Been Doing

Our officers have been working extremely hard to make sure that the transition from FCC Environment to an in-house service is a smooth one. It’s essential that the service is compliant, legal and safe from day one. To make that happen, there’s a huge amount to get ready in time; everything from obtaining the environmental permits to engaging with staff to ensure they know what to expect when joining the Council. Our team are doing everything they possibly can to make sure that the service runs as smoothly as possible.

What to Expect on Day One

Initially, the service will run as it is now, and the Council will inherit the same challenges that have faced FCC Environment. In the short term, there will be no noticeable changes to the service, only that South Hams District Council will be operating the service.

In parallel with the work to make sure the service is working safely from day one, officers are also undertaking work to improve the service.

How you can help us

We understand that the challenges with our waste service began when the new rounds were introduced.

We’re looking at all of the service data that FCC have provided, but understand that residents, Councillors, Towns and Parishes will be pivotal in helping us to improve the service; many residents have already dutifully reported to us when they have had missed collections and we are asking them to continue doing so on our website here.

However, if you as a town or parish council are aware of specific waste and recycling collection problems in your area ahead of the service coming in-house, we’d appreciate hearing from you.

• Are there particular streets, estates or areas that have had recurring problems with collections?
• Do you know of residents who have assisted collections and have had problems?
• Are there other issues affecting the service?

Please let us know by dropping us an email to wastefeedback@swdevon.gov.uk

 

 

On 12th July 2022, a joint statement about the recycling, waste, street and toilet cleaning services of the South Hams was issued by South Hams District Council and FCC Environment Limited

“This morning the Executive of South Hams District Council considered a report, with advice from the Council’s Waste Working Group, advising that the authority and FCC Environment have reached mutual agreement to end their contract for waste, recycling, street and toilet cleaning services.

“Both parties agree that the past few years have presented a number of extremely challenging circumstances. In the best interests of the residents of the South Hams, it is proposed that the services will be operated by the Council from Monday, 3 October, 2022.

“We will work closely together to ensure a smooth transfer of the services, and keep you informed as we make progress.

“The Executive are recommending that the Council approves the proposals when it meets on Thursday 14 July.”

From the “Get Safe Online Team” via a Devon & Cornwall Neighbourhood Alert

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Get Safe Online has partnered with Cifas, the UK’s leading fraud prevention service, to launch ‘Check a Website’.

‘Check a Website’ is a new, easy-to-use online tool which helps determine whether a website is likely to be legitimate or a scam — before you visit it. It is hoped to prevent thousands of people in the UK falling victim to unwanted online scams every year.

To use, simply type in the address of the website you want to check, and your results will appear within seconds. To try it out simply visit www.getsafeonline.org/checkawebsite/

South Hams District Council released the following about car charging in Dartmouth and across Devon on 20th June 2022:

The first of 80 new Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points planned for 38 public car parks across Devon are now ready for public use in Dartmouth’s Mayors Avenue Car Park.

EV charge points at the South Hams District Council owned car park are now available to be used by the public. It’ll be possible to charge two vehicles at one time; the two charging bays are fully accessible, converted from three regular parking spaces, available for the sole use of electric vehicle charging.

Cllr Tom Holway, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “Since declaring our Climate Emergency, South Hams District Council has been committed to working with our partners through the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group to aim to reduce carbon emissions across the South Hams district to net zero by 2050.

“Infrastructure projects such as this are vital to being able to reach that goal. We need to be able to encourage residents and visitors alike to make more sustainable choices; projects like these facilitate those choices and help to make net zero a realistic and achievable target.”

The charging point scheme is being rolled out across 38 public car parks in the county over the next 12 months. The scheme is being delivered through a partnership of Devon County Council, South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council, North Devon Council, Teignbridge District Council, East Devon District Council and ScottishPower on behalf of Devon Climate Emergency (DCE).

The remaining sites will be installed in phases this summer.

Powered by the renewable energy through a green tariff, the charge points are compatible with all makes of EVs and will fully charge a 50 kWh battery in two to four hours, providing a range of up to 200 miles depending on vehicle specification.

The rate of charge is dictated by the vehicle’s inverter however these chargers can deliver enough electricity for up to 88 miles of travel in one hour. This means the points are ideal for both shorter stops, such as shopping trips, and regular charges by residents. As these points are for public use, they are also available for visitors of Devon wishing to charge their electric vehicle.

The cost to fully charge a 50 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 200 miles, would be in the region of £17.50.

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport said:“When seeking to reduce Devon’s carbon emissions it is essential that we provide the tools which will enable our residents to access certain lifestyle changes. On-road transportation makes up a large percentage of Devon’s carbon emissions, meaning taking petrol and diesel cars off the roads could make a significant impact towards our goal of net zero by 2050.

“Providing reliable electric vehicle charging points helps us to facilitate our community’s involvement in reducing their personal carbon footprints, from which everyone will benefit.”

ScottishPower’s Smart Solutions Director, Chris Carberry said: “ScottishPower is excited to be working with Devon and all the project partners involved in the Deletti programme. This is one of many such projects that demonstrates our commitment to speeding up the transition to cleaner electric transport, improving air quality and over time, driving down cost, all to deliver a better future, quicker for everyone.”

Through the scheme, nine car parks in the South Hams will get new charging points, including in Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe and Modbury.

These charging points are part of the larger DELETTI programme, a £1.3 million project which is being largely funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

It’s an essential part of Devon’s Carbon Plan, the county’s road-map to net-zero, which is being published by the DCE this summer.

The Plan calls for the ‘decarbonisation’ of on-road transportation which causes almost 30 per cent of Devon’s carbon emissions.

 

South Hams District Council issued the following statement about Waste Service on 7th June 2022

A spokesperson for South Hams District Council, said: “The Council has taken legal advice and has written to FCC demanding that they rectify the situation as a matter of priority. The situation has gone on far too long and it urgently requires a resolution for residents.

“Unfortunately, the Council is unable to provide further details at this stage, but they will provide an update as soon as they are able to.

“At all stages, the Council has sought to work with the contractor to improve and resolve the situation.”

This was issued in response to a previous press statement issued by FCC Environment Limited.