Winter 2008
Barnstaple
Residents make a difference
for whole community
WELCOME to the fourth Barnstaple
Alliance magazine, sent to every
home in the town.
One of the most exciting areas of
progress in Barnstaple is that residents
are coming together, driving forward
the projects that will improve their
communities and lives.
This edition celebrates the difference
that Barnstaple residents are making in
the community, winning hearts and
minds by doing and achieving rather
than waiting and hoping.
Almost all of us have occasionally
dropped a piece of litter. At the same
time, most of us would prefer to live in
clean, litter-free environment.
Taking responsibility for our own
Cllr Faye Webber, Chair of
Barnstaple Community Alliance
and Executive Member North
Devon District Council
actions and behaviour is key to
making real and lasting change where
we live, now and for future
generations.
The magazine also includes our
Annual Report presenting our
achievements from the second year of
our 10 year Plan and setting out what
you can expect to see happen in 2009.
Cllr Brian Greenslade,
Cllr Jeremy Phillips,
Vice Chair of the Community
Alliance and Leader Devon
County Council
Mayor of Barnstaple
Barnstaple Our Town Winter 2008
Community Safety...
Working together to solve problem
A PUBLIC led initiative resulted in the eviction of the occupant of
premises in Gloster Road, Newport.
Complaints of anti social behaviour escalated and fears about the
misuse of drugs at the address over a period of 12 months rose to a level
that led the community to identify this house as their number one
local concern.
Police held a street Briefing in the road itself as well as sending
out PACT (Partners and Community Together) surveys, issuing
nuisance diaries and going door to door collating the evidence
required to support North Devon Homes (the landlord) to take
action against the tenant.
The public, North Devon Homes, police, and the council
worked together to solve the problem. Police led several
successful raids on the premises seizing drugs and drug-related
equipment. North Devon Homes worked closely with their
customers around the property to reassure them.
Letters, warnings and offers of support were sent to the
occupant before finally the level of complaints and evidence
against them led to a court appearance and subsequent eviction.
Residents in the local area expressed their joy and relief at the
result. Sgt Mark Harper stated “This was an excellent example of
agencies working together with residents to resolve a local problem.
Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated but this successful
result could not have been achieved without the tremendous support of
the local residents.”
Crime reduced
by partnership
I WANT people to
A message from Barnstaple Sector
feel confident that
Inspector Toby Davies
they are safe and
that Barnstaple is a safe place
you, the community, and our
to live, work and visit.
partner agencies.
We are having real success in
I know how important it is for
reducing the already low levels of
you to have an opportunity to
crime and anti social behaviour
have a say about how we police
in Barnstaple, with crime levels
your area and we will continue to
falling year on year.
build on our strong relationships
At the same time we can
with the community.
proudly boast of having one of
By listening to your needs and
the highest detection rates for
concerns, we are much better
crime in the country, meaning
placed to put the right resources
more offenders are brought to
in the right places at the right
justice.
times and I ask for your support
We are not complacent,
in helping us achieve that.
however, and we will continue
North Devon remains one of
to work hard to make a
the safest areas of the country
difference.
and with your help we
Success cannot be achieved
intend to keep it that way.
without working closely with
“
2
”
Winter 2008 Barnstaple Our Town
Partners and Community Together (PACT)...
Maria
Cook, Street
Champion for
Martin Road,
monitoring
graffitti.
Community involvement?
They are the champions!
STREET Champion schemes are run by
residents for residents supported by Safer
North Devon, District and County
Councils, Housing Providers and the
Police.
A Street Champion is interested in
improving the area in which they live to
benefit themselves and their neighbours.
They cover an area as large or small as
they wish.
The Street Champion scheme aims to
reduce crime and improve reassurance by:
● Empowering communities, alerting
them to opportunities and services
● Improving the environment and
addressing crime and disorder issues
● Increasing participation in local projects
● Improving people’s sense of ownership
of their community
Street Champions will:
● Conduct regular street inspections
noting problems
● Act as another link alongside local
councillors between residents and
agencies
● Monitor the neighbourhood for
problems and alert agencies early for a
quicker resolution
● Look out for elderly and vulnerable
neighbours
The scheme amalgamates Neighbourhood
Watch and the Cleaner, Safer, Greener
agenda, all coming under the banner of
PACT (Partners and Communities
Together).
The first scheme was piloted in Frankmarsh,
Barnstaple on 29th April 2008 with members
stating:
“It’s a good idea, we now know what’s going on“
C.B.
“It works well, it’s brilliant. I used the booklet and the
problem of fly tipping was solved the next day, in the
past it took weeks” M.C.
“It works well, it has generated community spirit ,
people feel empowered and a neighbourhood watch
is starting up. Street Champions talk to each other
now – that didn’t happen before” L.B.
As a result of this success the pilot has been
extended and the project will expand across
Barnstaple. If you would be interested in
becoming a Street Champion contact Clare
Lemmy at Safer North Devon on 01271 341200
or email at [email protected]
3
Barnstaple Our Town Winter 2008
Winter 2008 Barnstaple Our Town
FOCUS FOR 2009
Starting the enhancement of The
Strand (anticipated Spring 2008)
Highway Scheme completed
Working with business and other partners to
promote business, social and cultural
opportunities
Obtaining approvals for a new Park
and Change site at Pottington
Awaiting Environment Agency
flood study report and revised
land use development brief
Contribution to development brief for the
area
Ongoing involvement in Queen St,
Bear St, Seven Brethren and Anchor
Wood development plans
Detailed plans for these
developments continue to be
prepared
As planning applications are submitted and
secured the Alliance will promote public
involvement alongside the involvement of
specialists
Continuing to further the
development of the new
North Devon College build
Planning application was
submitted to North Devon
Council in Autumn 2008.
Discussions with agencies are
ongoing. AONB advising on
landscaping informally
If planning permission is granted, the
new build could start as early as Sept 09
Investigating the skills and
learning needs of voluntary
and community organisations,
including training for volunteers
At least 50 voluntary
organisations in Barnstaple
have participated in networking
and training over the last year
On-going development of this
programme
Devon Adult & Community Learning
In September 2008, 44 new
learners enrolled across eight
courses
The new 2009 Spring/Summer Brochure will
be available from 1st December which will
have a wider range of courses available in
and around Barnstaple. To find out more
about these and other courses visit the ACL
website www.devon.gov.uk/adultlearning or
telephone My Devon 0845 1551014
Completion of the Barnstaple Guide
to promote the economy and diversity
of the town, attracting visitors,
businesses and investment into the
area
Barnstaple Town Council has
printed the new Town guide
(2008-2010), which is available
from various locations around
the town
Barnstaple Town Council will produce the
biannual Town Map to promote the town to
visitors and businesses
Addressing needs of people in receipt
of incapacity benefit, supporting the
further development of the Credit
Union
Credit Union membership has
continued to grow. South West
Pound staff have delivered more
financial advice in Barnstaple
than anywhere else in Devon
Continued growth of Credit Union
membership and reductions in debt, with
more options made available to avoid
expensive doorstep lenders
The Town Council will be working up
a partnership with South West Pound
looking to provide collection points
and publicity to support the
“Christmas Smart” Savings Scheme
Buildings and office facilities
made available for South West
Pond to use by Barnstaple Town
Council
Increased range of collection points to be
developed across the town
Neighbourhood Regeneration in
Forches – North Devon Homes are
planning to launch the Charter for
Change in the community in
September which will contain
commitments from the agencies
they work with, and will include plans
for 2008
A meeting of agencies took
place in October 2008 to discuss
an outline strategy for the
Forches, Yeo Valley and Gorwell
areas. It is hoped a model based
on the Transform programme in
Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and
Bratton Fleming will be
established
Strategy and action plan in place by April 09
Regeneration of The Strand
Work completed on schedule
Opportunities to be pursued for developing
the area
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT – NEW ACTION
UNDER DEVELOPMENT
Consult businesses in Town Centre on the
formation of a Business Improvement District
and implement from Summer 09 if approved
Revamp of the Tarka Trail – clearing
rubbish, cutting back and maintaining
foliage and installation of an art
project near the Newport section
Art Project was not viable as
submitted – further application
to be made
Biosphere Reserve management plan shows
development of an investment plan to take
forward maintenance and development
opportunities for public pathways including
the Tarka Trail in conjunction with Highways
Development of a Town Design
Statement by Town Centre
Management
In progress by North Devon
Council planning team
Completion in 2009
Improving our town...
improving lives
BUILT & NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT
4
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE
ECONOMY
LIFE LONG LEARNING
THEME
FOCUS FOR 2008
PROGRESS
FOCUS FOR 2009
Improving the
co-ordination of services
such as Children’s
Centres, Social Services,
Education, Youth
Services and Health
including sharing
training
Joint working has been strengthened
through the development of the new
Children’s Trust local Planning and
Implementation Partnership. Youth
Services, Youth Offending team and
Connexions are joining together
under one organisation – Integrated
Youth Services
Improve youth engagement.
Improve facilities for children and young
people
Completion of the new
Children’s Centre
Sticklepath Sure Start Centre opened
September 08 on schedule
A wide ranging programme of Childrens
Centre Services will run during 2009
from Victoria House and Sticklepath Sure
Start Centres
Increasing access to
Summer play schemes
and youth activities
During Summer 2007 239 children
took up 319 places over four weeks
and during Summer 2008 335
children took up 523 places over five
weeks
North Devon Council to consider
Government proposals to provide free
swims for under 16’s
Supporting the further
development of the
Youth Council
Youth Council has grown in strength
and confidence and begun to
establish working relationships with
other local groups and organisations
• Joint spray art project at Yeo Valley
School with the Senior Council
• Work with Festival organisers and
North Devon College to produce
“The Summer Sound” as part of
the North Devon festival
• Youth councillors participate in the
monthly Council surgeries held in
the Pannier Market
• Working with young people in the
town to identify their priorities and
how these can be delivered
• Production of a health education film
for distribution in secondary schools
• Continue to work with the police to
address concerns about anti social
behaviour, graffiti and in particular to
develop the dedicated Graffiti Wall
project on the underpass of the new
bridge
Increasing opportunities for
sport and leisure activities for
older people
Free swims from April 09 announced
in October 08 for all over sixties.
North Devon Council in partnership
with its leisure contractor Parkwood
Leisure will provide the new service
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
partnership developing bid for access to
nature, to increase quality of
environment with the community for the
community
Supporting the development
of a Senior Council
Senior Council has now formed and
has a strong North Devon membership
• Monitoring impact of the Community
Mentoring Scheme with NHS trust.
• Monitoring Barnstaple Area residential
homes and day care services
particularly rehabilitation services
• Following up with North Devon
Council regards better parking
facilities for blue badge holders
• Negotiating with Councils regarding
earlier start of free bus pass
Supporting the Voluntary and
Community Sector to develop
inter-generational work
Joint work between Senior Council
and Youth Council on Yeo Valley Spray
Art project
Develop joint proposals for further work
Adult and Community
Services – improve access to
services
A new service is now available
through Care Direct
Tel. 0845 155 1007
email: [email protected]
and is dramatically speeding up access
to services. Health and Social Care
teams have combined to form the
new Complex Care Teams – joining up
services for vulnerable people
Health & Social Care will join with the
Voluntary Sector to develop integrated
Care Packages – services from social
care, health and the volunteer sector,
tailored to meet individual needs with
an allocated case manager/key worker
PROGRESS
FOCUS FOR 2009
HERITAGE, SPORT,
CULTURE & LEISURE
PROGRESS
FOCUS FOR 2008
Phase 2 of Rock Park –
BMX and Skate Park
Contract awarded to Gravity Engineering
October 08
Start date for the SK8 park has been
agreed as Monday 12th January 2009
duration 12 weeks. Third and final
phase to be considered for 09/10
Development of the
Heritage Trail
Project to begin late 2008/2009, including
restoration of the Albert Clock. This is a
Town Council/Heritage Lottery scheme
Completion of restoration of Albert
Clock and continued expansion of
Heritage Trail
Preparing conservation area
character appraisals
North Devon Council (NDC) has prepared
draft character appraisals for Pilton and
Town Centre
Public consultation and adoption of
character appraisals and
management plans which will assist
new developments to preserve or
enhance the character of these areas
HOUSING
FOCUS FOR 2008
THEME
To work with our Registered
Social Landlord (RSL) partners
to regenerate existing housing
estates and look for new
opportunities to provide more
affordable housing
North Devon Homes has completed
work at John Smale Road and is starting
work at Beechfield Road. They are also
considering options for Forches Estate
Work with North Devon Homes
regarding options for Forches Estate
NDC has adopted the Affordable Housing
Delivery plan which sets out the priority
areas and actions for the Council.
Barnstaple is a priority area and NDC has
agreed to use land it owns to progress
affordable housing and to seek an
exception site adjoining the town.
Work to achieve the Barnstaple
Area Delivery Plan
Continuing to secure
affordable housing on
developments, for example
on the Anchorwood Bank site
NDC continues to secure affordable
housing as part of the planning process.
37 units have been identified for
Barnstaple in the current year
Revise the Affordable Housing Code
(SPD). Revise the thresholds in the
Local Development Framework with
a target of 59 affordable units for
years 2009 to 2011
Action to address criminal
damage
Criminal damage levels have fallen with
100 less offences this year. Activities
include;
• Several successful graffiti wall schemes
have been initiated
• Officers directed to areas experiencing
repeat damage
• Crime prevention measures
implemented in repeat problem locations
Maintain Current Progress
Measures to reassure the
public and reinforce the low
crime rate
• Provide regular updates to local media
outlets
• Officer patrols focused to be as visible
as possible
Providing feedback to communities who
have raised PACT issues
Concentrate resources at peak
times and problematic areas to
increase visibility
Seeking further bases for officers
in the community
Development and expansion
of the Partners and
Community Together
(PACT) meetings
PACT meetings are regularly taking place
in several wards across the Sector. The
meetings have enabled communities to
influence partnership activities in their
area
Not everyone is suited to
attending such meetings. 2009
will see policing teams looking at
finding other ways to engage with
different communities
Further Community Action
Days in neighbourhoods
across Barnstaple
Community action days and fun days have
been successfully implemented on a number
of wards around Barnstaple with large
numbers of residents attending and getting
involved in improving their communities
Plans being made for several
action/fun days across the same
neighbourhoods as this year
Improved signage for footpath
routes with interpretation
boards and mile markers
Barnstaple Town Council (BTC) has finger
pointers on the 13 parish footpaths
which they maintain around the town
Barnstaple Town Council will
continue to monitor and improve
the footpath network
Further development of
community facilities at Yeo
Valley
Devon County Council approved £80,000
to do detailed feasibility work on the
project, which aims to include community
facilities and MUGA
Complete feasibility work by
Summer 2009
More Community Action Days
across neighbourhoods
In June 2008 BTC facilitated and took
part in a “Tidy up Our Town” event. This
week-long event involved the Council,
local groups and service providers, such
as the Allotment Associations and Police,
taking part in a clear up in certain areas
of the town.
The police held clean up days in certain
wards
Continue “clean up days to
promote cleanliness of the town”
Regular PACT meetings held for each
ward, with an assigned Police Officer and
PCSO, sorting out local policing matters
and other issues such as fly tipping or
illegal parking
Expand public involvement in PACT
meetings. Parking – respond to
resident concerns about illegal
parking in their streets by the
enforcement of permits
COMMUNITY
SAFETY
TRAFFIC
and wider infrastructure
development
THEME
Forward Focus on 2009
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Update on Focus 2008...
Further development of
Partners and Community
Together (PACT) meetings
Hold further community action
days
5
Barnstaple Our Town Winter 2008
Health... Leisure and learning
Trainers coach residents in
leading a healthy lifestyle
AGED 16 years or over and
looking to make positive
lifestyle changes? Thinking of
giving up smoking or reducing
your alcohol intake? Wanting
to become fitter, stronger,
more mobile or more active?
Thinking of changing to a
healthier diet? Then a Health
Trainer may be able to help
you.
What is a Health Trainer?
Accredited Health Trainers are a
new NHS workforce employed
across England as part of the
Skateaway
success story
ROCK Park Skate Committee is
one of our longest standing
project groups, with some
members involved for
almost four years.
Young people
have learned
committee
skills and
how to form their own
organisation and have
raised £32,000.
The group has worked
alongside
North Devon
Council and
lobbied hard
for what they
believe in.
It now seems that their
aim of getting a free, open
access skate facility in their
town is likely to become a
reality.
As major stakeholders, both
financially and as future users,
the group will now begin work
with NDDC relating to the
design and build of the skate
park including the tendering
and contract process. It is
anticipated that construction
should finish by April 2009.
6
Government strategy to
prevent ill health and
promote healthy lifestyles.
In Devon, Health
Trainers are employed by
Health Promotion Devon
part of Devon Primary
Care Trust.
There are currently three
Health Trainers working in
the North Devon area;
Ben Boswell, Jacqui Beer
and Linda Smith.
They work with
individuals who would like
to change some aspect of
their everyday behaviour
in order to improve their
health.
This is achieved through
FREE, confidential one-to-one
clinics, based in convenient
venues in local community
settings (support can also come
via text messaging and phone
calls).
They help people make small
changes to their everyday
lifestyle, with the aim of
improving their overall health.
Every person is monitored to
help them reach their personal
goals. Health Trainers also help
identify barriers towards
becoming healthier and give
support to overcome them. All
information is treated in the
strictest confidence.
Working with other health
professionals and organisations,
Health Trainers are helping
people to stop smoking
(Nicotine Replacement Therapy
is available on prescription), eat
healthily, increase physical
activity and drink sensibly.
To find out more about
Health Trainer Clinics or Quit
Smoking clinics, contact a
Health Trainer for advice on
01769 575181, or email
[email protected]
Crew helps young people with IT
The IT Crew is a new project for young people
who are interested in Information Technology.
The group uses the information technology
suite at Georgies, the Youth Centre provided by
Devon Youth Service, to further their skills and
knowledge. Initially the group has focused on
letting other young people know about their
experiences and the opportunities available at
Georgies. They have created web-pages to help
young people find out what’s going on and what
has happened.
In December 2007, the IT crew helped those
in less fortunate positions than themselves by
joining “The Rice Project”, an international
campaign for food.
By alerting others to
the project, the IT crew
helped other young
people in the town to
contribute 28,000 grains
of rice through their
efforts.
This fantastic effort will
have provided meals for
280 people in the world’s
poorest countries.
A full report of what young people in Barnstaple are doing is available
on www.devonyouthservice.org.uk/docs/reports/north-2007.pdf
Winter 2008 Barnstaple Our Town
Volunteering in the community...
Restoring
traditional walling
at Yeo Valley
Community Woodland
Photo: Tom Hynes,
courtesy Northern Devon
Coast and Countryside
Service.
Volunteers named as the
area’s unsung heroes
THE role of the volunteer is one of the
most valuable, yet possibly the most
underrated, contributions to
community life.
North Devon Voluntary Services has
over 400 voluntary organisations on its
database, the majority of which would
not be able to deliver their services
without volunteers. The volunteers may
be working in the offices or delivering
the services directly. Many of the trustees
and management committee members
are volunteers.
The Volunteer Centre in Barnstaple
has recruited 388 volunteers in the last
year. Many of these are clear about what
they want to do and are placed straight
away, whilst others may try several
different organisations until they decide
where they most want to give their time.
Volunteering can lead to training and
employment as with a recent young
client who volunteered with a local
riding school and subsequently
undertook an NVQ in horse training
and has started a part time job.
The Volunteer Centre in Barnstaple
has volunteer support staff working in
the office. They are invaluable and enable
paid staff to have time to do the core
work. The volunteers work on the
reception desk and help by answering
calls, meeting and greeting visitors and
doing work on the computers.
When events are held the volunteers
come along and assist with the organising
and, to be truthful, the Volunteer Centre
would be a poorer place without them.
They are a great bunch of people.
SALLY’S STORY
When Sally came to the Volunteer
Centre, we were based at the Castle
Centre. She was a stay-at-home mum of
four. She had no office experience and
no recent work experience, but what she
did have was oodles of personality.
A bright and cheerful woman with a
really good telephone manner and a real
people-person, Sally soon became a part
of the team (there were six paid staff at
that time – we now have three very
part-time). Sally came in three times a
week and was soon using the computer
and working alongside the staff in the
office and at events. When we moved
the Volunteer Centre to the Forches
Estate, Sally came with us – and was
soon doing an NVQ in Business and
Administration. Sally is now a part-time
paid staff member and has qualifications
in English and Computer Studies.
WHY I VOLUNTEER IN THE
BARNSTAPLE VOLUNTEER CENTRE
by Peter
Due to family circumstances I had been away from
employment for some years. I felt I needed to do
something to get me back into circulation; back into
contact with people and at the same time to feel as
though I was doing something useful, to make use of
a lifetime’s working experience to help others.
Volunteering has fulfilled all these needs: I am
back amongst people and no longer isolated, my
time is occupied with varied interesting work, and I
am making use of what skills I have to put something
back into the community.
● You can contact the Barnstaple Volunteer Centre
by email [email protected] or call them
on 01271 344492.
7
Barnstaple Our Town Winter 2008
Changing where you live...
Joining up to
achieve some
great results
By Barnstaple Town Councillor Jo Barton Constable
I
SET up the Sunflower Road Residents Association and
Neighbourhood Watch as there were many problems in
the street including vandalism to property and vehicles,
drug dealing at various properties, noise at night, litter and
fly tipping, bad street lighting, parking and issues with
refuse collections.
In the January I had tried to move house but could not afford
to. This was very upsetting but inspired by a friend’s quote “If you
can’t change where you live then you will have to change where
you live!” I decided to see what I could do.
What my friend meant was that if you can’t change your
location then you have to try and improve it.
I put surveys through the doors asking people their views on
whether or not they wanted to start a residents association and
asking them what they thought were the problems in the street.
I collated the results and began to contact the relevant people
including the Police, Greensweep, North Devon Council, Brian
Greenslade, John Wilsher and Faye Webber (County and District
Councillors) about solving the issues.
The reason I did this before the meeting was that I wanted to
have something positive to say at the first meeting rather than just
have a group of angry people to deal with.
The first meeting was well attended. I was very nervous but I was
able to announce that a new bin had been installed, we had a new
street light and that in future the street would be cleaned on a
regular weekly basis.
One other positive result of the meetings is that people have been
able to get to know one another a little better and there has been a
removal of fear. The residents have become more proactive and
willing to help and there seems to be a shift towards more old
fashioned values of looking out for each other.
I would like to encourage other like minded residents to get
involved and start a Residents Association and Neighbourhood
Watch. When I started there was little help available but now
there’s support from the Police, the Neighbourhood Watch office,
local councillors and myself. Please don’t be afraid to ask, you are
not alone.
For me a Residents Association is about people joining together
as a single force to achieve positive results in their community.
Over 20 Residents Associations and Neighbourhood Watch
groups now exist across Barnstaple including Sunflower Road,
Trinity Street, Litchdon Street and Fort Road.
If you want to know if there is a group near you or you would
like support to start one in your own neighbourhood then please
contact your local Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or
Ali Boyd on 01271 388912 or email [email protected]
For more information about the Barnstaple Alliance or to
talk to someone about the Barnstaple Action Plan, contact
any of the members of the Barnstaple Community Alliance
or Email: [email protected] Tel: 01271 388912
8
Jo Barton Constable is
committed to helping change
where she lives for the better.
Jo is the chair of the Sunflower
Road Residents Association
and Neighbourhood Watch.
She is also a Barnstaple Town
Councillor.
Barnstaple Community Alliance
Chair:
Councillor Faye Webber.
Tel: 01271 345667
[email protected]
Vice-Chair:
Councillor Brian Greenslade.
Tel: 01271 372065
[email protected]
North Devon
District Council
Brian Holme, Civic Centre,
North Walk, Barnstaple,
EX31 1EA.
Tel: 01271 388315
brian.holme@northdevon.
gov.uk
www.northdevon.gov.uk
Barnstaple Town Council:
Mayor: Cllr. Jeremy Phillips
Town Clerk: Anne Jenkins
Tel: 01271 373311
Barum House, The Square,
Barnstaple EX32 8LS.
townclerk@barnstapletown
council.co.uk
Devon County
Council
Ian Hobbs. Civic Centre,
North Walk, Barnstaple,
EX3 1EA.
Tel: 01271 344103
[email protected]
www.devon.gov.uk
Published by Barnstaple Community Alliance