Caroline Voaden MP has accepted an invitation to attend Strete Parish Council meeting on 19^th September at 7pm in Strete Village Hall to discuss progress on the protection of Slapton Line together with adaptation preparation proposals. The last Slapton Line Partnership (SLP) meeting took place in March 2024. This produced a number of action points following acceptance of the revised SLP strategy document. Unfortunately, due to the lead up to the General Election, updated information on SLP action points has not been forthcoming due to purdah for local government representatives. In addition, the General Election has been followed by a summer recess (holiday) for local government representatives. Strete PC, Stoke Fleming PC and Slapton PC are keen for SLP, SHDC and DCC representatives to recover the momentum and speed up progress on the action points detailed in SLP minutes including the upgrading of the minor road network outlined by DCC at Strete AGM in April. Many of you will recall that Anthony Mangnall, our previous MP, assumed the role of Chairman at SLP meetings in an effort to drive matters forward before Slapton Line is subjected to further storm damage. Changing weather patterns mean that Slapton Line is ever more liable to future damage and it may eventually be breached and rendered unrepairable. Until that day arrives, the primary aim of the SLP must be to ensure that defensive measures are promptly taken so that the road over Slapton Line remains usable for as long as possible. Julien Brazil, our DCC representative, reported at the Strete PC meeting in July that funding and allocation of funds are beyond the powers of both SHDC and DCC and need parliamentary involvement. That’s fine but nothing will happen on that front without a clear plan of action to achieve the end result needed. It is essential that the prompt actions agreed by all parties move forward with urgency. As Caroline is our parliamentary representative, the expectations of many in our area is that Slapton Line will receive high priority in the ‘jobs to do’ list inherited by Caroline. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting to stress how important protecting the A379 Slapton Line is to residents, businesses and tourists.

Paul Potgieter has agreed to be Strete Community Speedwatch Scheme Co-Ordinator. Paul has completed the Police training requirements of the role. We are now looking for three volunteers to join Paul in the Strete Community Speedwatch Scheme and help increase awareness of road safety in our beautiful village. 
We have many youngsters living in Strete as well as a large retired population, all of whom should be safe from vehicles travelling through the village where much of the village does not have pavements.
Together with Paul we plan to arrange an hour in the Village Hall to explain everything and talk to potential volunteers. Paul will assist in training and preparing volunteers.
The initial idea is to focus on known hotspots and times where we know vehicles are potentially travelling too fast. This will change throughout the seasons and will need to take into account visitors who are often unaware of our roads and their challenges.

Road surfacing works on the A3122 between Dartmouth and Halwell will commence in early September. The works will be take place at night to minimise disruption. Devon Highways have taken concerns about bus access into account and also the events due to take place in Dartmouth.
The operational times of the closure will be: -
Monday 2nd September until Saturday 20th September.
On Monday 2nd September because of events in Dartmouth, the road will be closed from 10pm until 6am.
Every other weekday the road will be closed from 7pm until 6am.
The road will be open over the weekends, but there will be sections which may be temporary in nature and care whilst driving must be taken when using the route. Full details here.

New research by Citizens Advice shows that more than 10,000 people in the South Devon and SW Devon constituencies, which cover the South Hams, are living on a negative monthly budget. This Summer CA Newsletter gives some helpful advice.

DAA are looking to expand their network of volunteers and wondered if you may be able to help them spread the word. The Devon Air Ambulance service is free of charge and available to all who reside or visit Devon! They are completely independent of government or lottery funding, so they rely on the goodwill of the people of Devon to support them. Volunteers directly influence their ability to deliver critical care. Every hour they give and every task they undertake helps them reach those in urgent need swiftly and effectively. Their support enables them to continue offering the highest level of medical assistance to people across Devon when it matters most.

Could you spare an hour or two to help your local community through volunteering for Devon Air Ambulance. They have a host of volunteering opportunities to offer

• Retail Volunteer – support one of their 20 charity shops & e-commerce team, warehouse operative,
• Fundraising Volunteer – box collections, supermarket collections, delivering community talks, support events and logistics
• Head Office Volunteer – support with administration
  No experience necessary as they offer a full induction, training, and friendly support.
  Volunteering is hugely rewarding and allows you to connect to your community and support others by raising important funds. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a big difference to the people of Devon and help save lives! Volunteering is a great way to meet people, boost your wellbeing, develop new skills and gain experience. Volunteering with DAA is fun and flexible and can fit in with your lifestyle and around other commitments.
  Call into your local DAA shop and chat to one of their store managers or a volunteer. You can also visit their website www.daat.org/volunteer-with-us to find out more about volunteering and it’s benefits or contact their Volunteer Engagement Officer, Charlotte Fleetwood on 01392 466 666 or email volunteer@daat.org”