South Hams District Council has reopened the Torcross “tank” car park and toilets after further damage was caused this week and is taking action to protect parts of Beesands.

Following stormy weather on 2 February, sections of the A379 between Torcross and Slapton and part of South Hams District Council’s Torcross car park were washed away. Damage was also caused to properties and public toilets as well as other parts of the coastline.

South Hams District Council has been working closely with partners such as Devon County Council and the Environment Agency to respond to the emergency which has caused extensive damage to the Slapton Line, Torcross, Beesands and surrounding area.

Since the start of the storms, officers from South Hams District council have been working hard to support residents and local businesses. This includes:

• Helping residents with waste removal, clearing storm debris, street cleansing and tarmac lifted trip hazards over seafront areas, alleyways, lanes and footpaths.
• Deep cleaning and repairing the public toilets at Torcross Tank Car Park, which have now reopened.
• Assessing and monitoring damage in Beesands. This work will continue after the half term to avoid unnecessary disruption.
• Ongoing engagement with local communities.
• Liaising with partners to ensure that we are working together to achieve the best outcome for residents and local businesses in the area.

Unfortunately, on-going weather conditions and high tides have continued to hamper recovery efforts and the challenges continue. The recently reopened Torcross Tank Car Park and public toilets had to be closed again during half term for further repairs. Officers from South Hams District Council quickly cleaned up the debris and they’ve now reopened.

Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “Our main priority is to support our communities as quickly and efficiently as we can. This includes repairing, cleaning up and reopening as much as we can, such as the public toilets, Torcross carpark and access to the South West coastal path so people continue to visit this area and support local businesses, many of which remain open.

“There is still lots to do and we have a long journey ahead. It’s a complicated situation with lots of different organisations responsible for different parts of the recovery - from roads to flood defences and public facilities. As a council we are committed to working with all our partners and the local community to do all we can bring the funding and support that is needed into this beautiful part of the South Hams so it can flourish in years to come.”

Work is underway to continue the recovery. The Slapton Line Partnership met earlier today (Friday 20 February) to enable agencies to come together, discuss progress and identify next steps. Multi-agency meetings are also being arranged with affected businesses and local communities.

Next week South Hams District Council will continue to assess damage at Beesands to help inform a plan of action. It’s also progressing further works and has ordered more rock to repair defences.

Developed through extensive consultation in 2023–24, the ICEP reflects the priorities of residents, businesses, and young people, with over 700 responses shaping its actions. Now, those ideas are becoming reality.

Projects already making a difference

The District Council has funded a feasibility study to extend the Ivybridge station platform, enabling more high-speed trains to stop. Work with Network Rail and IRUG is progressing, with the study due later in the year.

John Pope, Chair of IRUG, said: “At long last we are moving towards being able to have CrossCountry trains stop at Ivybridge, but we still have yet to encourage GWR to stop more services at Ivybridge station for the benefit of the local community.”

The Council along with partners PL:21 Transition Initiative are developing plans to upgrade the Western Road junction at the A38 roundabout, making it safer and more accessible for walking, wheeling, and cycling. A feasibility study has already been commissioned.

Graham Wilson, trustee of PL:21, said: "We are thrilled that the Council is committed to improving this junction. It will help to make Ivybridge easier for people of all abilities to walk or cycle from the western side of the town to the shops and schools."

Young people

A new Skate/Pump Park—highlighted by residents as a top priority—is progressing, with design and planning applications underway. Volunteers are concentrating on securing funding and preparing the necessary documents for the planning application. The CEP consultation has played a crucial role in confirming the skate park as a key community project

Nick Harris from Skate South Devon who are leading the Ivybridge Skate Park Project, said: "The residents of Ivybridge continue to show strong support for this project, it's a complex site but the team are working hard to make the park a reality. Thanks to the community volunteers, who continue to give their time freely, and funding from Ivybridge Town council we are now close to submitting the planning application. Anyone out there wishing to help please do get in touch with me by email nick@skatesouthdevon.org."

Promoting the town

Ivybridge Town Council, said: “The Community Economic Plan for Ivybridge gives us a clear, shared direction for the future of the town, shaped by the voices of our residents, businesses, and young people. It sets out practical priorities that will help strengthen our town, support local businesses, and make the most of Ivybridge’s incredible community and natural assets. The appointment of our new team members comes at exactly the right time, giving us the capacity to turn the plan’s ambitions into action. Their role will be vital in supporting local projects, building strong partnerships, and working alongside our community to ensure the benefits of the plan are felt by everyone in Ivybridge.”

Better marketing and events for businesses in the town is being addressed plus extensive improvements to the Market.

Other issues such as improvements to the noticeboards, seating, planters, and tree maintenance are also being reviewed to create a more welcoming and attractive town centre.

Councillor John Birch, Lead Member for Economy, at South Hams District Council, said: “We are committed to helping our towns thrive. Ivybridge’s plan is just one example of how we’re working with communities to deliver projects that matter—creating opportunities, improving infrastructure, and supporting local businesses.”

The Ivybridge plan is part of a wider programme of community economic plans across South Hams, ensuring every town has the tools to grow and succeed.

Find out more at: www.southhams.gov.uk/south-hams-community-economic-plan

Anyone living in the district can now sign up for a garden waste subscription for 2026/27.

If you sign up before 31 March 2026, you’ll pay a lower “early bird” fee of £70 for a year-long subscription running from 1 April 2026 that covers collections for one brown wheelie bin. If you sign up after 31 March, the service will cost £73.

There is a maximum of two subscriptions (which would cover two bins) per household. Subscribers can put grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, cut flowers and plants, small branches, weeds, leaves, twigs, windfall fruit and vase flowers in their brown bin.

The price for the year-long subscription has risen from last year; this is to continue covering the cost of your waste services.

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Waste, said: “The paid garden waste collection service has been running in the South Hams for three years now, and the quality of service for residents has been consistently high, with reliable collections and real convenience for those who sign up.

“Compared to what private companies charge for collections, the annual fee represents very good value for money.

“The £70 early bird fee works out at around £1.35 a week, which is very reasonable for a service which saves on trips to the recycling centre, is good value and well worth considering if you have a garden.”

The quickest and easiest way to sign up is on our website: www.southhams.gov.uk/gardenwaste - the website is also full of information on the service.

If you’re already a subscriber to the garden waste service, there will be no changes to your service if you renew your subscription by 1 April, and you can continue to use your brown bin with no interruptions.

Those who decide not to sign up for the service can still take their garden waste to all three recycling centres in the South Hams. Full details, including opening hours, are available online here: www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/centre/

Alternatively, people can find out more on home composting possibilities here: www.recycledevon.org/in-the-garden/how-to-compost