Mid Devon Notices

T

The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The Winter 2025 Holiday Activities & Food Programme from Devon County Council is now live and there are plenty of spaces available for children in Devon, but please be quick. This year there are also some opportunities for family pantomime tickets available to book via the booking system and a wide range of fantastic provision for all eligible families. Some schemes this year also include hampers, and all provide either a hot or cold nutritious meal, alongside a variety of physical activities. The funded programme is open to children aged 5 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, with 4 sessions available per child.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/were-taking-christmas-bookings-for-the-holiday-activities-and-food-programme/

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JOINT SURGERY DATES FOR RESIDENTS

Your Devon County Councillor Steve Lodge and
Mid Devon District Councillor David Wulff, will be
holding a joint surgery for residents

When: Saturday November 8 2025
10am to 12pm
Where: Tiverton Town Hall, Mayoralty Room,
St Andrew St, Tiverton EX16 6PG.

Your Devon County Councillor Steve Lodge, and Mid
Devon District Councillors Chris Adcock and

Martyn Stratton, will be holding a joint surgery for residents.

When: Saturday November 8 2025
2pm to 4pm
Where: Bampton Town Council Office,
Newton Square EX16 9NE.

We can assist with matters including:

• Highway and transport issues
• Education and schools
• Adult and children’s services
• Planning and development concerns
• Other local issues such as housing,
waste collection and council tax.
No appointment necessary*. All residents welcome.
* 10-minute slots subject to time available. We can arrange follow-up meetings if needed.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Royal British Legion will once again be observing two minutes silence on Armistice Day, which this year will be held on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.

This is a mark of respect and acknowledgement for the sacrifices made by others in order that we may enjoy the benefits of freedom in a democratic society. Mid Devon District Council is pleased to join with representatives from the Royal British Legion in Crediton, Cullompton and Tiverton and to encourage people in the community to show their respect in observing the two-minute silence.

Read the full press release: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/observance-of-armistice-day-with-the-royal-british-legion-1/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Workshops in Mid Devon

Please see below, information about the latest workshop series that is available for Mid Devon businesses as part of Prosper programme.  

Bid Writing Masterclass, Crediton

Thursday 13^th November, 10-2 at The Bookery, Crediton

Practical masterclass equipping businesses and potential entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to secure funding for their next project.

AI and Automation Workshop, Exeter

Monday 24^th November, 9-1 at Future Skills Centre, Exeter

Practical workshop introducing businesses and potential entrepreneurs to AI and automation, with speakers from Techosaurus, Digital Link, and Cosmic.

Packaging & Waste Event (Food & Drink businesses), Stoodleigh, Tiverton

Tuesday 2^nd December, 10-2 at Hawke Barn in Tiverton

Find out how your Devon food or drink business can cut costs and lower its carbon footprint by improving packaging and waste management

These workshops are delivered by Prosper, a UK Shared Prosperity Funded business support programme, delivered by Devon County Council in partnership with Mid Devon District Council, East Devon District Council, and Exeter City Council.

For more information about Prosper, please visit www.heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk/prosper-sign-up

Prosper is funded by the UK Government and is receiving up to £181.790 of Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF). The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Governments is the managing authority for these funds. The accountable body for this programme is Devon County Council.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Filming Information Event

Please find attached a press release about a Filming Information Event in Mid Devon. Filming in Mid Devon - Information Event

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Free Parking before Christmas

Please find attached details of some free parking before Christmas. Free Parking in the Run Up to Christmas

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The 2025 Residents Survey from Mid Devon District Council. There is a direct link to the survey here:  Resident Survey 2025 | Let's Talk Mid Devon

Residents in Mid Devon are being asked to share their views about services provided
by Mid Devon District Council.
A new residents’ survey is now open and we are encouraging you all to take part, to share your
views and priorities for your council.
The survey is open for six weeks and the results will feed into the Council’s budget setting
process, as well as future plans for prioritising services.
This year’s survey continues on from last year’s, with questions that include topics such as climate
change and dealing with economic pressures, as well as listening to how communities feel about
current service provision and where the Council can improve.
The survey is anonymous and a summary of the results will be published on the Council website.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In response to unauthorised encampments at two of its leisure sites, Mid Devon District Council is installing new preventative measures at both Active Crediton and Active Cullompton.

Height barriers will be installed at both sites to help prevent unlawful vehicle access while still allowing regular users, such as leisure members, schools, and clubs, to continue accessing facilities.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-to-install-height-barriers-at-two-leisure-sites/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council has supported Devon County Council in submitting further information to support its bid for critical upgrading works at Cullompton’s Junction 28 of the M5.

The scheme proposes the creation of new south-facing slip roads onto the M5, together with a new overbridge that will accommodate walking, cycling and bus facilities.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/further-information-submitted-to-government-for-crucial-j28-upgrade/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Local Government Reorganisation

please see link below concerning a press release, published on behalf of the district councils in Devon, regarding Local Government Reorganisation.

Devon councils announce proposal for new local government structure for the county

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council is continuing to investigate a number of complaints regarding an odour in the Tiverton area.

The Council has received multiple complaints about a smell affecting parts of Tiverton, the cause of which is still being determined. To support officers resolve the matter residents affected are being asked to complete diary sheets until the end of the month.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/environmental-health-issues-advice-over-mysterious-tiverton-odour/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon recently welcomed local unpaid carers to a special wellbeing drop-in session at Active Tiverton.

The session offered carers the chance to unwind, connect, and recharge, with activities including a free swim, a fitness class, and refreshments, alongside the opportunity to chat with care ambassadors and share experiences.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-hosts-wellbeing-drop-in-for-unpaid-carers/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon (AMD) is teaming up with Libraries Unlimited to support the community’s health and wellbeing with a free drop-in event at Tiverton Library.

On Friday 7 November, from 10am until 4pm, a team from Active Mid Devon will be based in The Pod at Tiverton Library offering free health checks. The checks include blood pressure monitoring to assess heart and artery health, and cholesterol testing which indicates your risk of heart disease and whether lifestyle changes could help reduce it.

Read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/free-health-checks-at-tiverton-library-this-november/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon is excited to announce the refreshed Health Seekers programme, designed for people who want to improve their health and wellbeing without traditional gym workouts or classes.

The Health Seekers programme has been updated to provide even greater flexibility and affordability.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/track-your-health-with-active-mid-devon-s-new-offer/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon’s new online swimming lesson tracker, Course Pro, has now launched.

Our team have been busy behind the scenes getting the system up and running and we are excited to support your child’s swimming lesson journey with us, online as well as in the pool.

Course Pro is a digital platform giving parents, carers and Active Mid Devon instructors real time access to individual swimmer progress and goals. The platform, which is easily accessible via the Active Mid Devon app or on our website, allows our instructors to track progress on the spot, recording skills achieved and areas to develop at the touch of a button.

To read the full press release: https://www.middevon.gov.uk/swimming-tracker-now-live/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Council’s new look leisure service, Active Mid Devon, has now been in operation for six months and it continues to grow and improve.

Since its launch in March, Active Mid Devon has seen its membership grow to its highest ever numbers, as well as introduced incentives for families, students and carers to get active.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-s-six-months-of-success/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From Monday 15 September, Mid Devon residents will be able to recycle unusable metal pots and pans as part of their regular kerbside recycling collections.

Following a successful trial in Willand and Uffculme between February and May 2025, and a subsequent Cabinet decision in August, this new service has now been made a permanent feature of the district’s recycling service.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/mid-devon-launches-permanent-recycling-collections-for-unusable-metal-pots-and-pans/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council is offering free parking to support Cullompton’s Autumn Festival this October.

Drivers will be able to park for free in Station Road Car Park all day on Saturday 11 October. The Council is keen to encourage visitors to the town and Members are looking forward to supporting the popular event.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-supports-cullompton-s-autumn-festival-with-free-parking/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon has launched an exciting autumn initiative to reward members for sharing the benefits of an active lifestyle. The “Friends that train together, stay together” campaign, gives members the opportunity to earn one month of free membership for every friend they refer who joins.

Running from 1 September to 30 November 2025, the offer gives all new members referred through the scheme a £15 saving by waiving the joining fee, making it the perfect time to get involved in local fitness and wellbeing activities.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-s-autumn-offer-rewards-you-and-your-friends/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon, the Council’s new look leisure service, has been shortlisted in the UK Active Awards 2025.

The annual awards recognise organisations and individuals who are driving innovation and making a positive change to the physical activity sector across the UK.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-shortlisted-for-national-award/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council is currently developing eight sites across the district to address housing needs, with the latest development in School Close, Bampton capturing the interest of Homes England.

In partnership with ZED PODS, the Council is transforming the School Close site to provide 18 zero-carbon homes on council-owned land which was previously 10 outdated council properties.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/council-continuing-to-deliver-new-zero-carbon-homes-across-mid-devon/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There’s still time to have your say and help shape the future of local government in Devon by telling us what matters most to you and your community.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/don-t-miss-your-chance-to-have-your-say-on-the-future-of-devon-s-councils

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Leader of Mid Devon District Council has shared a review of the past year and highlighted achievements across the district.

Please see the link below:

Council Shares A Year of Achievements

Annual Infographics 2024/25

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please see below press release and link to the Household Support Fund which can provide help towards for food and energy costs.

Household Support Funding Now Available

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council is working with Devon and Cornwall Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide additional foot patrols in Tiverton as part of a £1.3m crime prevention project.

The town is one of two new areas to be included in the Hotspot policing scheme for Devon & Cornwall, which aims to prevent incidents of antisocial behaviour (ASB) and violent crime.

Read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/tiverton-to-get-extra-patrols-to-prevent-antisocial-behaviour-and-violence/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Business Grants and Financial Support - MIDDEVON.GOV.UK

Love your Town Centre funding – (Shopfront Enhancement Scheme (town centres only) and Creative Communities)

‘Love Your Town Centre’ is a flexible funding mechanism offering small grants through a competitive bidding process with four strands aimed at improving the town centre

Green Enterprise Grants (2025) - NOW OPEN

This scheme offers capital grants of up to 50% of the cost of investments that shrink the annual carbon of your enterprise. Projects that deliver savings on carbon / greenhouse gas emissions either directly or from e.g. saving energy, water or other resources / materials

New Grant Scheme NOW OPEN - Improving our Visitor Economy Assets - CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A capital grant scheme to improve Mid Devon’s Visitor Economy assets (tourism, cultural or heritage assets

New Grant Scheme NOW OPEN - Community Commercial Hubs - CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

A Capital grant scheme to support the creation of or improvements to community delivered commercial space* located in Mid Devon’s towns and villages. This could include but are not limited to – the creation or improvement of community retail spaces, pubs, cafes and workspace i.e. hot desk facilities, work hubs and industrial space.  These can be ‘standalone’ spaces or incorporated into multi use centres such as town, village and community halls.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council has launched a new Business e-newsletter. 

To subscribe, please use the following link:

SUBSCRIBE to the Mid Devon Business e-newsletter

The e-newsletter will keep businesses informed about initiatives including grant schemes, training and events, as well as a roundup of information and useful resources to support them.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council has partnered with ECOE Advice to provide an improved energy reduction advice service.

ECOE Advice will help more Mid Devon households to save energy, money and carbon thanks to a new Council partnership project.

Read the full press release at:

https://sustainablemiddevon.org.uk/events-and-news/energy-boost-mid-devon/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon residents can now manage local services relevant to them with the My Mid Devon portal, all from the comfort of their home.

The portal provides residents access to various online facilities, from leaving feedback to reporting issues, finding information about local councillors and much much more!

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/my-mid-devon-the-personalised-online-self-service-portal/

Access the My Mid Devon portal:

https://my.middevon.gov.uk/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Active Mid Devon has launched a new Student Summer Membership offer, giving young people aged 16 to 22 all-inclusive access to its centres for just £25 per month with no joining fee.

Running from 1 June to 30 September, the offer allows students to enjoy gym workouts, swimming sessions, group exercise classes, and sports hall activities throughout the summer.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/25-student-membership-offers-full-leisure-access-this-summer/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council has launched an e-newsletter to ensure that the Mid Devon businesses hear information on emerging opportunities and initiatives.

The e-newsletter will keep businesses informed about initiatives including grant schemes, training and events, as well as a roundup of information and useful resources to support them.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/new-e-newsletter-launched-for-mid-devon-businesses/

Subscribe to receive the e-newsletter here:

https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMIDDEVON/subscriber/new?topic_id=0311

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council’s 2025 Green Enterprise Grant is now available to small and medium businesses in the district.

The Green Enterprise Grant scheme offers capital grants from £500 to £5,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Funded by Mid Devon District Council, it is open to small and medium sized local businesses who want to reduce their carbon footprint by investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, or by efficient use of resources or materials.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/grants-now-available-to-help-mid-devon-businesses-go-green/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon’s new look leisure service, Active Mid Devon, is introducing fee reductions to unpaid carers who use its facilities and classes.

The new fees mean adult carers will receive a 25% discount on membership, or a 20% discount on casual sessions, while carers under the age of 18 will be granted free access to Active Mid Devon’s facilities. The changes come into effect from 1 May 2025 and will be trialled for a year.

Read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/active-mid-devon-introduces-discounts-to-carers/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACTIVE MID DEVON

Following the launch of Active Mid Devon our leisure customers can now benefit from a new Mid Devon Active app.

The app works alongside Active Mid Devon’s new online booking system, which launched last month and is available on our website.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/dive-in-to-active-mid-devon-s-new-app/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Building on the success of previous years Mid Devon District Council’s popular Landlord Networking Event is back

If you own a rental property business within Mid Devon, this worthwhile event will help guide you through your legal obligations and help you provide a good quality, well managed and safe home for your tenants.

To read the full press release:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/local-property-landlords-don-t-miss-your-opportunity-to-attend-mid-devon-s-popular-landlord-networking-event/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mid Devon District Council has introduced new features to its self-service portal, My Mid Devon, making it easier than ever for residents to report issues, access essential services, and stay informed about their local community.

Read the full press release at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/new-features-added-to-the-council-s-self-service-portal/

Access the self-service portal at:

https://my.middevon.gov.uk/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

National government signalled in December 2024 its intent to end the current system of District and County Councils and smaller unitary Councils. Instead, these are to be replaced by unitary Councils covering much larger areas, with a guideline minimum population of 500,000 people.

We are proud of our track record in delivering high quality and cost-effective public services. Each of our Councils is well established and has, over many years, built a connection with local communities such that we understand how best to tailor the delivery of these services to meet the needs of local residents.

We are also very concerned that the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as stipulated by government including the timetable runs the real risk of financial unsustainability from inception. The most significant funding challenges facing the people of Devon concern Adult and Children Social Care, SEND, and NHS funding. Government proposals address none of these, but rather risks uprooting the very organisations holding the line today.Na

However, it is our duty to respond to answer national government’s demand for structural change through LGR.

We are united in our belief that the interests of the nearly 1 million people of Devon and Torbay will not best be served by a single ‘mega’ Council covering the entirety of this area. As districts, we have therefore reached initial agreement to work towards the formation of two new Councils that combine our existing areas as follows;

• A Unitary combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay
• A Unitary including East, Mid and North Devon alongside Torridge District and the City of Exeter

There is considerable further work to do to develop these proposals. We want to maintain local distinctiveness whilst seeking to secure ongoing service improvements. We are having to move at pace to meet the initial deadline set by national government for Interim Plans to be submitted by the 21st March. Final decisions on the content of the Interim Plans will continue to be made by individual Councils and we will engage with all our Devon council colleagues on an ongoing basis. We are mindful that the LGR process is fast-changing still and until submission date further options may need to be considered in addition to the currently preferred option.

We are in active dialogue with Torbay Council concerning the potential for a new unitary council covering a wider geography encompassing the 4 areas described above.

We also recognise that Plymouth City will be looking to change their boundaries, which is a matter for government to decide on.

We are resolute in our shared commitment to engaging with our residents, partners and stakeholders to help shape these proposals going forward. This includes in the period through to November and the submission of final proposals. We will provide ongoing updates as we reach key milestones.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon, Cllr Luke Taylor, Leader of Mid Devon, Cllr David Clayton, Leader of North Devon, Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of South Hams, Cllr Richard Keeling, Leader of Teignbridge, Cllr Ken James, Leader of Torridge, Cllr Mandy Ewings, Leader of West Devon                          

28 February 2025