Ambassador and military top brass attend unveiling ceremony at Start Point

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Visitors to Start Point may notice the recently installed plaque to Alois Vasatko, a Czech airman who flew with the RAF out of Exeter and was lost over Start Bay on 23rd June 1942. The unveiling ceremony, held on the 84th anniversary of his death, was attended by the Czech ambassador, attaches from the Ministry of Defence, local dignitaries, and Councillor Tim Lynn, who presented a bench to the community on behalf of Stokenham Parish Council.

 

Government confirms four unitary model for local government reorganisation in Devon

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Map of Devon showing new boundary areas of the expanded Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay councils

Map of Devon showing new boundary areas of the expanded Exeter, Plymouth and Torbay councils

The Government has announced its decision on the future structure of local government in Devon, confirming that four unitary authorities will be created by local government reorganisation for the county. 

The option selected, proposed by Plymouth and Exeter City councils, will create four new unitary councils for Devon as you can see on the map above. Read Plymouth City and Exeter City councils Joint Submission on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon.

The decision follows the submission of proposals by councils across Devon in 2025 and a subsequent public consultation undertaken by Government earlier this year. Devon County Council, alongside other authorities, submitted business cases setting out alternative options for the future delivery of local government services.

The decision forms part of a wider programme to replace the current two-tier system of county and district councils with unitary authorities.

Local government reorganisation is intended to create councils that are responsible for the full range of local government services within their areas, replacing existing arrangements where responsibilities are shared between county and district councils.

The Government’s announcement marks the next stage in the reorganisation process. Work will now continue nationally and locally to develop detailed implementation plans, and the arrangements required to establish the new authorities. Devon County Council will work with partners, stakeholders and government to support the transition process.

Key milestones in the programme are expected to include the development of detailed transition arrangements, the introduction of the necessary legislative changes, elections to new authorities in 2027 and implementation of the new arrangements ahead of vesting day in 2028.

There are no immediate changes to the delivery of council services. Services will continue to operate as normal while further work is undertaken to plan and implement the new structures. Similar messaging has previously been provided to staff through local government reorganisation updates, which stated that no immediate changes to services, roles or structures would take place while decisions and future arrangements were being considered.

Further information about implementation arrangements and future governance structures is expected to be provided as the programme progresses. Devon County Council will continue to keep residents, staff, elected members and stakeholders informed as more details become available.

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution’s statement on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon can be read here.

A Grand Day Out at Stokenham Fête

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Sizzling foot-long sausages, a Pimm’s tent, strawberry cream teas, and dozens of stalls, from wellie tossing to spin-the-wheel, all raising money for a good cause under a bright blue sky and wall-to-wall sunshine – what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Stokenham! Mike Treleavan, Chair of SCOF, said a “decent amount” had been raised for the charity from the afternoon’s activities. Parish Council would like to thank all those who completed the parish opinion survey: some 60 response will be collated and analysed together with the results from a similar exercise to be carried out at Chillington Summer Fair, and we will publish the results here in due course.

 

 

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Be cautious about taking the plunge in warm weather

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When temperatures start to rise, nothing seems more inviting than the prospect of a quick dip in the sea. But cold water shock can affect anyone, even strong swimmers. Currents, tides and hidden hazards can also be dangerous. If you get into trouble in the water, remember: tilt your head back, relax, and control your breathing. Follow these steps and float to live. 

July Full Council Agenda published

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The agenda for July’s Full Council Meeting of Stokenham Parish Council has been published and is available here.

Meet your parish councillors at Stokenham Village Fête

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Residents are cordially invited to visit the Parish Council’s stall at tomorrow’s village fête in Stokenham for a glass of refreshing apple juice pressed from the fruit of the parish orchards. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet and talk to parish councillors, complete a survey on matters of interest in the parish, and enter a free raffle for a box of chocolates. We hope to see as many as possible of you there!

Full House at Stokenham for the Torcross Sea Defences drop-in

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More than 200 people visited the drop-in session at Stokenham Parish Hall between 1pm and 7pm on Tuesday 30 June to hear the latest from the Environment Agency on their plans to reinforce the sea defences at Torcross before next winter. With presentations from the EA, South Hams District Council, Devon County Highways, Stagecoach Buses, and the Slapton Line Partnership, it really was a one-stop-shop to catch up on everything that has been going on in the parish and beyond since the disastrous storm events of earlier this year. Those who were unable to make it to the session in person can catch up here: EA_30-06-2026_Displays

New Goals at Chillington Park

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Helmers Playing Field in Chillington now boasts a superb set of brand new Five-a-side goals, complete with nets, which were delivered and installed this week – and it didn’t take long before they were in use, as our photos below show!

The goals are designed to replace the rusting multi-use football and rugby posts installed ten years ago – these are due to be dismantled and disposed of, after which the playing area will be marked out for Five-a-side football.

A spokesperson for Stokenham Parish Council, who supplied the equipment, said: “We hope the provision of goals and a marked-out pitch will lead to the revival of organised football games in the parish, and maybe even host inter-village team matches at some point in the future.”

Anyone interested in organising a Five-a-side team from Chillington, Stokenham, or any of the other settlements in the parish is requested to contact the parish clerk, clerk@stokenham-pc.gov.uk.

Slapton Line Partnership minutes published

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Minutes of the 19 June meeting of the Slapton Line Partnership are now published and available here: SLP_Minutes_19-02-26