VACANCY FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR ON THE PARISH COUNCIL BY CO-OPTION.

Expressions of Interest to be co-opted are invited from parishioners to fill a vacancy on the Parish Council.  

Those who live in the Parish, or work in the Parish, or own land in the Parish or live within 3 miles of the Parish are eligible to apply.

For more information please contact the Parish Clerk, Mrs Sue Squire on 01598 710526 or email clovellypc@gmail.com

The next Parish Council meeting will be on:

Tuesday, 10 March 2026 

in Clovelly War Memorial Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

Clovelly Parish Council usually meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month (apart from August and January) at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall, Higher Clovelly.

Members of the public are welcome to attend any meeting and may speak during the open session at the beginning of the meeting. 

Torridge District Council is inviting cat and dog owners to attend two free microchip‑checking events on Wednesday 18th March. At these sessions, staff will scan each pet’s microchip and confirm which database the number is registered with. Owners will receive a card showing the chip number and the name of the database so they have a record and can check or update their own details if they wish.

Neighbourhood Officers from the Council will be available at the following locations:

• Stanhope Park, Holsworthy – 9:00am to 11:00am
• Northam Burrows Visitor Centre – 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to reunite lost pets with their owners. In the UK, all dogs must be microchipped and have their current owner details registered on an approved database, with failure to register a dog or keep details updated resulting in fines of up to £500.

Legal protection for cats has also been strengthened. Since 10th June 2024, it has been compulsory for all pet cats in England to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age, a measure designed to increase the likelihood of lost or stolen cats being returned home and to reduce pressure on animal welfare organisations.

Microchips, each about the size of a grain of rice, contain a unique 15‑digit code that can be easily scanned to identify the registered keeper. The implanting procedure is quick, simple, and generally no more uncomfortable for a pet than a routine vaccination.

See the link below for the North Devon Link Road Update – March 2026.

NDLR Traffic Bulletin March 2026

Many will be aware of the speedy ways you are able to report suspicious emails and text messages.

As a reminder –

• Suspicious Texts  can be forward to 7726 (it’s free and alerts mobile providers)
• Suspicious Emails can be forward to report@phishing.gov.uk 

But what do you do if you come across a suspicious website, maybe one you think is trying to scam you?

You can report those websites online here –  Report a suspicious website – NCSC.GOV.UK – and the National Cyber Security Centre will investigate.

How To Report Fraud and Cyber Crime

If you are a victim of cybercrime or fraud, you can report the matter to Report Fraud online here – UK’s Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud – Report Fraud – or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you think you have lost money or given out sensitive financial information to scammers, immediately alert your bank. Call them right away to inform them of the suspicious incident. You can quickly reach many UK banks’ fraud departments by calling 159.

Please feel free to share this information.

***Have Your Say On The Future Of Council Services in Devon***

Residents in North Devon and Torridge are being encouraged to take part in a landmark public survey that will help decide how council services are delivered across the county from 2028.

The structure of local government across England is set to change in a process called local government reorganisation. This means Devon’s current ‘two-tier’ system with a county council and eight district councils along with Torbay Council and Plymouth City Council will end.

Last year, councils across the county developed proposals for new unitary authorities. North Devon Council and Torridge District Council were part of a group of seven district councils in Devon to jointly submit the proposal Reimagining Devon, which would result in three unitary authorities:

• Exeter and Northern Devon – a unitary authority with East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon and Torridge
• Torbay and Southern Devon – a unitary authority with South Hams, Teignbridge, Torbay and West Devon
• Plymouth City Council remaining a standalone unitary authority.

The proposal, also known as the 4-5-1 model, is one of five proposals submitted by councils across Devon. A modified version of the proposal from the districts, known as 4-5-1+, has also been submitted and includes a modest expansion of Plymouth into four parishes within South Hams.

A public consultation is now open and runs until 11.59pm on Thursday 26 March. Responses to the consultation will help inform the UK Government’s final decision on which proposal will be carried forward.

Councillor David Clayton, Leader of North Devon Council, said:

“This is a generational change to local government and how so many of the services that affect all of our day-to-day lives are delivered, which is why it is vitally important that you have your say on these proposals.

“We believe the 4-5-1 and 4-5-1+ proposals offer three authorities that are big enough to be financially sustainable and deliver major services while remaining local and accessible, with communities at their hearts. We encourage everyone to look at all of the options on the table and respond to this consultation before it closes on 26 March.”

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said: 

“We believe the 4-5-1 and 4-5-1+ proposals will create balanced authorities which can thrive and ensure no community is left behind. Following a great deal of collaborative work across political and geographic boundaries we believe that we have created a structure that is financially robust, reflects Devon’s unique geography and identity, and will deliver high-quality, accessible public services in the heart of our communities. 

“The Government consultation is your last chance to influence how your area is governed for future decades and we want as many residents as possible to have their say. We have been assured by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government that every response will be treated equally, so I would strongly encourage every resident, business, local voluntary sector partner, parish and town council to complete the consultation.”

Details of all five proposals and links to the UK Government’s consultation can be found at www.devonlgr.co.uk or by heading directly to the consultation page on gov.uk.

Paper copies of the proposals and the consultation can be found at North Devon Council’s Town Centre Hub in Green Lanes Shopping Centre, at Torridge District Council, Riverbank House, Bideford, EX39 2QG, and in Devon’s libraries.

A decision on which proposal will be taken forward is expected from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government this summer. Elections for the new authority would take place in May 2027 before it commences in 2028.

You’ve heard of us but do you really know what we do ?! 

Did you know that 10 arrests are made across the UK daily because of 2000 reports that are made daily to Crimestoppers ?  In the South West alone we have an average of 800 pieces of actionable  information every month which we pass to the police.

Know something about a crime or a criminal but don’t want to go directly to the police ? We know that it can sometimes be difficult to come forward with information. You might have seen or heard something about a crime but don’t know what to do, or are scared to come forward. It’s easy to think there is nothing you can do, but we offer you a safe way to do this.

Crimestoppers is a charity and our service is unique and designed to protect your identity, whether you call us on 0800 555 111 or submit through  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online/

 We will listen to you about any crime that you have information about.

• We don’t record any personal details about you.
• We pass information to the relevant authority without revealing your identity.
• All of our call agents are trained to support you through the process.

In the 35 years that we have been running, no one has ever been identified after giving information. It is vital that we guarantee your anonymity because if your identity became known, our reputation would be seriously damaged.

Crimestoppers is not an emergency service and if you see a crime taking place you should ring 999 to report it immediately.

Please follow us locally  www.facebook.com/CrimestoppersintheWestCountry

We’re interested in your views on the Saturday Nightbus service.

This is a service that runs every Saturday night and provides evening and night-time transport to help keep people safe after a night out.

Currently services run from Torquay, Plymouth, North Devon and Exeter, but have also been run in Cornwall.
Please help us out by completing the survey at this link.

You can complete the survey regardless of whether or not you have used the service.

Please don’t share views in the comments or via email as these won’t be captured. Please take a few moments to fill out survey for us.

Scam Alert: Fake Parking Fine Messages

​During recent Cybercrime awareness public engagement events across Devon and Cornwall, several attendees have reported receiving fraudulent parking fine notifications sent via text message and email.

How to Spot the Scam

​As a general rule, real parking fines (Penalty Charge Notices) are never issued via a text or email message.

If you receive this sort of message, please look for these Red Flags:

• ​Missing Details: The message won’t include your vehicle registration number, the specific car park / location, or the exact date/time of the incident.
• ​False Urgency: They use “scare tactics,” threatening that the fine will double or triple if you don’t pay quickly.
• ​Suspicious Links: They will urge you to click a link to “pay now.” These links lead to fake websites designed to steal your bank details.

​What You Should Do

• ​Do Not Click: Never click links in unexpected texts or emails.
• ​Verify: If you are worried, check with your local council or the private parking firm directly using a trusted website or an independently verified phone number. NEVER call any phone numbers included in the original message.
• ​Report It:
  • ​Texts: Forward the message to 7726 (it’s free and alerts mobile providers).
  • ​Emails: Forward to report@phishing.gov.uk.
  • ​Fraud: Report to reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

If you think you have lost money or given out sensitive financial information to scammers, immediately alert your bank / financial institution. Call them right away to inform them of the suspicious incident. You can quickly reach many UK banks’ fraud departments by calling 159

Action Fraud is now REPORT FRAUD

Starting on the 4th of December 2025, the City of London Police began the soft launch of REPORT FRAUD, a new service that replaces Action Fraud as the national platform for reporting cyber crime and fraud. Throughout December, Action Fraud began transitioning to REPORT FRAUD.  Traffic to the old Action Fraud website was gradually redirected to REPORT FRAUD, helping to ensure a smooth transition for the public.  The soft launch is now complete.

                                       Keeping warm and well

Staying warm in winter is one of the best ways to protect your health, helping prevent colds, flu, and serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and pneumonia. Here are some simple steps:

• Heat your home safely: Keep main rooms at 18°C, close bedroom windows at night, fit smoke alarms on every level and a carbon monoxide alarm where fuel is burned. Use oil-filled heaters instead of exposed-element heaters, and have chimneys professionally swept.
• Dress in layers: Several thin layers keep you warmer than one thick layer.
• Stay active indoors: Move around or stretch regularly to maintain body heat.
• Plan ahead: Stock up on food and medication before bad weather hits.
• Look out for others: Check in on neighbours or relatives who may need extra support.

If you’re struggling to afford heating, government grants, benefits, and cost-of-living support are available to help with bills and improve energy efficiency.

Visit the UK Health Security Agency’s website for more cold weather guidance and Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for tips on heating your home safely.

                                         Winter vaccinations

Seasonal viruses like flu spread more during winter and can make people very ill. This year, flu is already circulating in our communities earlier than usual. When we spend more time indoors and mix with friends and family, we can pass infections on without realising.

Vaccines are available for people most at risk of serious illness from flu, Covid-19, RSV and pneumococcal infections. Last year in England, the flu vaccine alone is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions. That’s why it’s important to get your NHS vaccination as soon as possible each year. It gives you the best protection because immunity fades over time and these viruses change every year.

Visit the NHS website to find out more about who is eligible for the different vaccinations and how to get them.

                                   How we can all prevent illness

There are small things we can all do to protect ourselves, our families and others from illnesses that can spread in our communities.

Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop germs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Hand gels don’t kill all germs, including norovirus, so they’re not a substitute for proper handwashing.

Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, phones, and kitchen counters to prevent germs from spreading. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, dispose of tissues immediately, and wash your hands.

Stay home when you’re unwell

If you feel unwell, stay at home where possible and avoid work, school, nursery, and social gatherings. A fever can indicate infection, so remain at home until it has gone. If you have diarrhoea or sickness, stay home for 48 hours after your last symptoms. This can really help stop germs from spreading to others.

Keep vaccinations up to date

Vaccines protect you and those around you from serious illnesses and are offered throughout life. If you’re unsure whether you or your family have missed any, check the NHS website, look in your child’s red book, or speak to your GP.

Get advice if you feel unwell

If you feel unwell, there are quick ways to get advice and treatment.

Think Pharmacy First

Most pharmacies in Devon offer consultations, treatment, and prescriptions for common conditions like sore throat, earache, sinusitis, UTIs, shingles, impetigo, and infected insect bites. If you’re outside the age ranges for these services, pharmacists can still advise on self-care and over-the-counter medicines. Find your nearest pharmacy on the NHS website.

NHS 111

For urgent help, use NHS 111 online, via the app, or by phone. It can assess your symptoms, direct you to the right service, and even arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor, or paramedic. This helps avoid unnecessary A&E visits. Support is available for other languages, BSL users, and text relay.

NHS app

Download the NHS app to manage your health easily. You can order repeat prescriptions, book GP appointments, view your health record, manage vaccinations, and access other services without waiting for surgery hours. The app is free for anyone aged 13+ years old registered with an NHS GP. For advice on children’s illnesses, download the HANDi app.

                                                 Be prepared

Severe weather and holiday closures over winter can make everyday essentials harder to access. A little planning goes a long way:

• Priority Services Register: If you or someone you know is vulnerable due to age, health, or disability, sign up for this free service for extra support during power or water outages. Find out more and sign up.
• Power Cuts: Charge phones, power banks, and medical equipment before severe weather. Keep a torch, batteries, and a wind-up radio handy. Visit National Grid for more guidance.
• Water Supply: Store bottled water and basic supplies in case of burst pipes. Visit South West Water for more guidance.
• Medicines: Order repeat prescriptions early, check pharmacy holiday hours, and keep essential medicines stocked for a few days.
• Urgent Help: If your GP or pharmacy is closed, use NHS 111 online, via the app, or by phone for advice and to be directed to the right care.

Scroll down to see more general information about cost of living help.

Struggling with your energy bills? We can help!

If you’re worried about your energy bills or need advice on accessing financial support, Better Housing Better Health is here to help. We’re a free energy advice service working to improve your well-being and find ways to lower your bills.

Our trained advisers are ready to provide:

• Clear, practical bill advice to help you understand and manage your energy costs.
• Debt management support to guide you through challenging financial situations.
• Access to financial assistance and schemes you may be eligible for.
• Energy-saving tips and accessories to help you reduce costs and stay warm.

You may also be eligible for additional support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment, a yearly tax-free payment to help with energy costs.

No matter your situation, we’re here to offer expert advice and practical solutions to help you feel more confident about your energy usage and household expenses. Call our free phone line on 0800 107 0044 to get support or visit Better Housing Better Health for more information

The defibrillator is in an unlocked cabinet fixed on the wall of the Parish Hall EX39 6AN, available 24/7,  is registered with The Circuit, a national database giving locations of all defibrillators throughout the country.  Monthly checks are made and reported to The Circuit.

The defibrillator has dual use pads, meaning they can be used for adults and children, and expire in August 2025.

There is a second defibrillator in an unlocked cabinet, available 24/7 on the side wall of The New Inn Hotel, The Street, Clovelly, EX39 5TQ which has adult use pads, expiring in May 2027.  Monthy checks are also made and reported to The Circuit.