Update: Badock Gardens & the Sun Lounge Improvements

The Sun Lounge project is now in phase 2, whereby the aims are to provide disabled access from the newly improved pathway into the Sun Lounge. The improvements aim to create a versatile venue that can host a variety of events and activities. Upon completion, the Sun Lounge will be available for hire, offering a fully accessible space for meetings, events and other community activities.

Today, Cllr. Nigel Kenneally, Cllr. Lyndon Piper, Cllr. Helen Parker, Town Clerk Allison, Town Ranger George and the local contractors, Blackman Builders, met at the Sun Lounge in Badock Gardens to discuss the next steps for the Sun Lounge Project.
Blackman Builders won the tendering process and will be working alongside our councillors to complete this project. This meeting was very productive and we look forward to moving ahead.

This project is part of a larger effort to improve public spaces, promote community engagement and create more opportunities for residents, local groups and visitors. This project aligns with our goals of making Holsworthy a vibrant, inclusive place where people of all ages can come together to enjoy shared experiences.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses.

Written by Assistant to the Town Clerk, Miss Tegan Parry

468295440 975424757961478 6161129225269714997 n

Holsworthy Leisure Centre and Sports Hall – Temporary Closure

In October we were delighted to announce that Holsworthy Leisure Centre has received over £1,000,000 in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures. The money will be used to install new air to water heat pumps which will replace the existing oil boiler. The new heating system will not only help to significantly the costs associated with heating the building, swimming pool and hot water, but it will dramatically reduce carbon emissions.

 

The project is moving forward, and preparatory works have now started as we begin to develop the detail. This has involved undertaking studies and surveys to help us plan out the work in a safe sequence that will limit disruption to the local community and users of the facilities. Inspecting the parts of the premises that will be affected by the project works has identified internal areas where asbestos material is present.

 

Before any further work can take place in these areas the material needs to be safely removed by our specialist contractors. To facilitate these works the decision has been taken to temporarily close the facilities to enable the work to be completed in the safest and shortest time possible.

 

We appreciate that this closure is at short notice and is not part of our wider project plan, but it is important that we act responsibly in managing this part of the project in the appropriate manner. We will therefore be conducting further survey and monitoring work throughout the removal process to provide assurance to members that the facilities will only be re-opened when the works have been completed and the areas are cleared for ongoing use.

 

At this stage we expect the premises to remain closed during December, but open again for the New Year. There will be further periods of closure necessary throughout 2025 and these will be planned as part of the main works. In the meantime, we apologise to the community for any inconvenience caused and commit to doing everything possible to complete this initial phase of preparatory work as quickly as possible. Active Torridge will be contacting Holsworthy Members directly.

 

Further updates will be available on both Active Torridge and Torridge District Council websites and social media pages as the project progresses.

 

Written by Torridge District Council

jhoots 2024

Opening of Jhoots Pharmacy

Holsworthy Mayor, Councillor Nigel Kenneally was kindly invited to reopen up Jhoots Pharmacy.

Although the Pharmacy is reopening, it hasn’t moved far, it is now located in the former Lloyds bank building by the entrance/ exit of Holsworthy Square.

The Mayor stated ‘It was a great honour to meet the team and officially open the new pharmacy (located in the old Lloyds bank building) this morning. I wish them success for the future.’

Their opening times are as follows:
Monday – Friday / 9am – 6pm

Furthermore, they will be welcoming a permanent pharmacist from the beginning of September!

Mayor Councillor Nigel Kenneally & Chapman Machinery Ltd

On Friday 1st March 2024, the Mayor Councillor Nigel Kenneally met with James Chapman, owner of Chapman Machinery Ltd & Nathan Evans to thank them for their hard work in recoating the metal framework for the historic Pump in the Square, Holsworthy.

Open photo

Pictured is Mayor Councillor Nigel Kenneally shaking hands with James Chapman, alongside Nathan Evans, in front of the Historic Pump.

 

Holsworthy Town Council’s Budget and Precept for 2024/2025

Holsworthy Town Council will be levying a precept of £188350 in the coming financial year to pay for the ongoing running costs of the Town Council. The precept is collected on the Town Council’s behalf by Torridge District Council and the Town Council’s share of the precept represents an increase of 57 pence per month for a person paying the full Council Tax Charge on a Band D property compared to last year. However, 76.5% of the properties in the Town fall in into Council Tax bands A to C and will therefore be paying less than this.
Holsworthy Town Council own and manage most of the recreational green spaces as well as five public footpaths in the town. The Council also run and organise a number of community events throughout the year. Its budgeted expenditure is in excess of £225,900 for 2024/25 versus an estimated income of £37550
Councillors felt that in the context of very real threats to some of the frontline services which are maintained by the District and County Councils in the Town (e.g. emptying of waste and dog waste bins, toilets, counter service, grass cutting, highways maintenance etc.), it was imperative to levy a realistic precept.
The local precept covers the upkeep of Stanhope Park along with Badock and Rowland Gardens, as well as the management of the weekly Pannier Market, and events throughout the town including the very successful Christmas Switch on.
The Mayor of Holsworthy Councillor Nigel Kenneally said ‘During 2023/24 the Council has been involved in many projects throughout the town such as installing new lights in the Park, work to improve the access to Badock Gardens and also sought to source external funding as much as possible including the successful funding bid that helped to enable the Coronation Celebrations and the Christmas Switch On Event. In 2024/25 funding for projects will be pursued that will further improve the facilities in the Town including refurbishing the Sun Lounge in Badock Gardens, extending the CCTV coverage in the town and working with partners at Torridge District Council to progress an off road cycle path between Bude and Holsworthy, the refurbishment and reopening of Coles Mill Viaduct and improvements to both Manor Office and the Market Hall .
Other projects to be pursued in 2024/25 include improving the appearance of the Town Centre, renewing some of the paths within the Park and the continuance of working with partners including Torridge District Council and Devon County Council to improve facilities and access to services for all the community of Holsworthy.’
In setting the Council's budget for the financial year ahead, the Town Council has kept expenditure down to a minimum and endeavoured to make as many savings as it can within the town budget. Councillors will continue to weigh up the cost of any expenditure against the benefit to the community.

----------------

Previous Posts

DOC160124 16012024123814 0001

Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer Vacancy

We are seeking a motivated, proactive individual for the role of Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). This is an exciting opportunity and would suit a community-minded individual who has the relevant experience to undertake an interesting and varied post within our Town Council. The role is approximately 33 hours per week with evening, flexible working and some weekend working.

The role requires someone with the confidence and interpersonal skills to deal with a wide range of individuals from the local and wider communities. The ideal candidate will have good verbal and written communication skills, be computer literate and also have the ability to work on their own initiative. Strong financial management and organisational skills are required, together with a positive outlook.

The Clerk will be responsible for managing the day to day business of the Council, including the production of the agenda/ minutes for all Council meetings liaising with outside bodies as well as providing and implementing Council decisions. The Clerk/ RFO will also be responsible for and carry out the administration associated with all the financial transactions and records of the Council.

A Certificate in Local Council Administration is desirable but not essential, there will be a requirement to attain this qualification within an agreed period. Training will be provided and supported.

TC/RFO Information Pack

TC/RFO Application form

For further information please contact:

Holsworthy Town Council
Manor Offices
North Road
Holsworthy
Devon
EX22 6DJ

Tel No: 01409 253312

Email townclerk@holsworthytowncouncil.gov.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 16th February 2024

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 4th March 2024

Holsworthy Town Council’s Christmas Opening Hours

Monday 25th December                   Closed

Tuesday 26th December                   Closed

Wednesday 27th December              Closed

Thursday 28th December                 Closed

Friday 29th December                      Closed

Monday 1st January                         Closed

Tuesday 2nd January                       9am-4pm

Vacancy for Holsworthy Town Councillor – Closing: Friday 21st July 2023

Holsworthy Town Council

 

VACANCY FOR HOLSWORTHY TOWN COUNCILLOR

Notice is hereby given that Holsworthy Town Council has one vacancy for a Councillor to be filled by co-option.

 

Those wishing to apply for the position should obtain an application pack and further information from:

 

Vanessa Saunders

Town Clerk

Holsworthy Town Council

Manor Offices, North Road, Holsworthy

EX22 6DJ

Telephone 01409 253312

E-mail: townclerk@holsworthytowncouncil.gov.uk

 

Completed application forms should be returned to the above address no later than Noon on Friday 21st July 2023

 

Applications will be considered at the Full Council Meeting of Holsworthy Town Council at a date to be confirmed

BigHelpOut Poster Draft.pdf

Kings Coronation -Big Help Out Day – Holsworthy

Tidy, Titivate & Tart up the Town- Monday 8th May

The King has suggested that as part of the Coronation Celebrations communities across the country get involved in volunteering on a Big Help Out day on Monday 8th May and highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the Nation.

Holsworthy Town Council would like to encourage organisations and individuals in the Town to come up with a one day project which aims to enhance the appearance of Holsworthy to be carried out on Monday 8th May 2023. It is hoped that local organisations could work on their ‘own patch’, help another organisation or choose an area of the town to enhance.

Some Suggestions brought forward are:

– Litter picking
– Cleaning signs
– Renovating flower beds
– Cleaning & Painting of community facilities
– Cleaning public areas
– Emptying gutters
– Help a Neighbour
– Tidy up Manor Car Park after the Coronation Celebrations

The Council would love organisations to contact them at townclerk@holsworthytowncouncil.gov.uk with any small project they wish to do as part of the Big Help Out Day which can be advertised in the run up to the day. Individuals who want to get involved can also email the Council or pick a project which may suit them best and join in! Please make contact with the town council if you are interested and we will put you on the list!

The Town Council may be able to provide support through supply of equipment such as hi-vis jackets, litter picking tools, bin bags and cleaning materials subject to availability – feel free to enquire.
Currently the ideal times for volunteering on this day would be between 11am and 4pm. You do not need to volunteer the whole duration.
No project too small! We welcome all project suggestions and look forward to hearing them!

The important bit – The Town Council would also like to invite all those who take part in the day to a ‘Pasty and a drink’ event in Holsworthy Memorial Hall from 4pm on the 8th May as a thank you to all volunteers in the town. This will be a chance to recognise the amazing work volunteers carry out all year round and get everybody together to celebrate, network and share our volunteering experiences.

Last updated 3rd April 2023 – Further updates will be added