► VOLUNTEERS at a Teignbridge charity are hit by an unwelcome parking ticket while helping a Ukrainian refugee family.

HITS, which helps homeless people and supplies food parcels in Teignbridge, appealed against the £60 fine, issued at a Torquay hotel, explaining why their van had been parked there. But the private parking firm refused.

The charity had declared it did not intended to pay the fine. But, since being contacted by this newspaper, the parking firm, Smart Parking, has confirmed it will cancel the charge as an ‘act of goodwill’.

► THE prolonged dry period sees reservoir levels fall dramatically over the summer, and agencies are keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

Already one region in the south of England has been issued with a hose pipe ban. With mutterings of more to come. However, at the moment households in Teignbridge aren’t yet facing similar restrictions – but they are being warned to moderate their water usage.

► FOLLOWING numerous complaints Newton Abbot police have warned they could seize e-scooters from people riding them in a public place.

The town’s police have taken to Facebook to say: ‘We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting, especially as you can get them from many popular retailers.

‘However the current law is clear, you can buy one, but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement.’

► THOUSANDS take to the streets of Teignmouth as the town’s hotly anticipated event of the summer made its triumphant return.

Absent from the calendar since 2019, Teignmouth Carnival finally came back this year, bringing with it live music, children’s activities, competitions, Teignmouth’s Got Talent and, of course, the procession.

Teignmouth Carnival 2022
Teignmouth Carnival 2022 (-)

► MEMBERS of the Bovey Tracey Army Cadet Force took part in a litter pick exercise in Heathfield.

It was the first of a planned series of similar events across part of Teignbridge. Sergeant Major Spence Bartlett said: ‘We’ll be doing similar clean-ups in other towns in Teignbridge.’

► VOLUNTEER immediate care doctors from Devon have been awarded their Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medals.

The medals, which were awarded by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Officer Will Warrender as a token of the nation’s thanks to those who diligently serve the public.

► A PARISH priest’s half century in office has been celebrated recently. Clergy and parishioners descended on the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bovey Tracey to celebrate 50 years since the Rev Canon Pat Costello was ordained.

Grateful parishioners had a cake baked and clubbed together to present him with a selection of gifts.

► A TEMPORARY ban on open fires and barbecues on all common land is introduced by the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The ban has been brought in due to the prolonged dry weather and the risk wild- fires can pose to people and animals, as well as damage to property and the natural environment.

► TESCO’S Kingsteignton superstore on Newton Road celebrates its 40th birthday, cutting an enormous Tesco-themed cake and celebrating in the sun, just outside the store.

Store manager, James Sanders, reflected: ‘It’s a great moment for the team.

'I’ve worked in a few stores and what always strikes me is the strong companionship between the staff.

'Here, it’s no different, we all feel like a family, and some of the ladies here have been at the store since the beginning.

► ‘THIS is the lady we need to win...’ That was the verdict of Newton Abbot’s MP following a visit to the town by PM hopeful Liz Truss.

As the selection process to choose the next party leader and Prime Minister gathers pace, Newton Abbot was visited by candidate Liz Truss who was welcomed by MP Anne Marie Morris and the town’s Conservatives.

A programme of visits to meet with local farmers, young Conservatives and local Conservative Party members was arranged by Phil Bullivant, chairman of the Newton Abbot Conservative Association.

Liz paid a visit to a farm in Teigngrace and meeting with more than 70 local members from the district at the Passage House Hotel.

► AS Devon is placed on Drought Status, South West Water warns it will ‘take the next step to introduce water restrictions’ if unprecedented levels dry weather and demand