DUMPING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE IN BRIM HILL

Believed to have taken place between  approximately 1:30pm and 3pm Sunday September 30th.  Anyone with information please contact local police. Broken asbestos is extremely dangerous. Do not open or approach these bags.

Flashback to 2001 and 2003

 Extracted from

The Volunteers - http://www.stmarychurchdag.co.uk DAG

Maidencombe

The ancient settlement of Maidencombe is a picturesque long shore hamlet on the northern boundary of Torbay characterized by thatched buildings and open countryside with spectacular Red Devon cliffs reaching down to the sea. The settlement has a long history mentioned in the Doomsday Book and is one of the last few undeveloped Coombes in Torbay. Records show that the area, which boasts a beach cafe as well as a car park and toilets, has been popular with locals and tourist since at least the thirties. Residents have enjoyed the use of these facilities for decades and feel privileged to live in such a beautiful rural location, which lies in an area designated as a Heritage Coastline and through which the South West Coast Path passes.

Lack of investment and neglect by the previous leaseholder tenant (legal action resulted in the forfeiture of lease). Along with vandalism and a major landslide in 2001, the facilities at Maidencombe beach required urgent attention. Maidencombe Residents Association extensively canvassed residents as to future arrangements for the area.

There was overwhelming support for the transfer of the land to the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust managers of some coastal farmland in Maidencombe. The residents Association held discussions with councilors and the Trust. The idea was adopted and the transfer took place in April 2003. Maidencombe Orchard and Beach Project in conjunction with Maidencombe Residents Association, Torbay & Coast Countryside Trust, businesses and the local community

In 2003, Maidencombe residents, Torbay & Coast Countryside Trust helped by St Marychurch Action Group open up the vista view cleaned up the car park and watercourse. Large amounts of rubbish were removed and improvements appreciated by locals and visitors.

New to the combe

Popped by to welcome the new occupants to Coombe Close,  Diane and Kevin.  They're country folk and are very keen to find out everything about Maidencombe. I'll revisit when they've unpacked a few boxes!

Youngest occupant in the combe

Only a few weeks old, this calf was lying down some way from its parents and hadn't spotted me.

However, on seeing me about 60 yards away, it became frightened and rushed to mum for protection.
Dear old dad was taking a keen interest in my filming and I slowly retreated.

Probably pushed

Upon closer inspection in daylight hours, it now appears more likely that the signpost adjacent to the bus shelter at Maidencombe Cross was pushed over rather than accidentally struck by a vehicle.  A sad state of affairs indeed.

Was it pushed or was it hit?

That is the question after I observed the stricken signpost adjacent to the bus shelter at Maidencombe Cross in the early hours of today.  It may have been struck by a vehicle as there seems to be part of a car on the ground nearby.  I'll try and replace it later, if  possible.

Blackberry tart

And it tasted all the better for being free!

First blackberries!

I'd been sampling the blackberries for a few days as they gradually ripen but there weren't that many to justify taking a bag.  However, yesterday So Cruise and I came across a section of hedge with enough for a  tart topped with good old quick jel.  No bag but after scratching my head, puzzling over the problem, I saw my cap in my hand!   And here's the result!  They're a tiny bit hard but should be ok in the tart.  Mum makes the pastry herself and a treat awaits this evening!

Comment in from concerned resident re safety issues

This already posted under a different post but highlighted as I've already had identical comment from other residents and I consider this an important issue:

As a new local resident, this is one stretch of road that needs some serious attention from the local council ! Having to cross the road outside Brunel Manor to get to the Torquay bound side in order to catch the bus in said direction, my wife and I have twice come close to being run down by motorists either coming up the hill towards Teignmouth or coming round the corner in the direction of Torquay ! Its also true to say that HOWEVER often and hard you look before crossing that road at that point, you can still be part way across the road when a car appears over the hill or around that corner at speed ! VERY DANGEROUS !

Decidedly autumnal

As ever,  people can seldom agree.  The start dates of the seasons is no exception.  There are those folks that go with the vernal equinoxes and those that desire simplicity - the seasons neatly packaged into the first of the month as in March April and May being spring and so on.  The vernal equinox system does have questions to answer such as why does summer start on June 21st and mid summer's day come one day later?   Being a good old country boy, my preference is for simplicity and the first of the month start date for the seasons.  It is a system favoured by the much maligned met office after all.  For a few nights we've broken the hot water bottles out of storage and talk of it still being summer is readily dismissed.  The air is crisper and the blackberries are ripening - all signs to combers that autumn is with us.

LAYBY

I've seen the emails regarding this and will contact Wednesday at 2pm.  Thanks P.

LAYBY DECISION

Further to the previous post, I contacted John Clewer, Senior Engineer - Highways Development & Traffic  for clarification of the ruling.
He states that there will be a report and discussion on October 25th.  I have the details of the five objectors to the proposed restrictions and they all cite the fact that they oppose the restrictions on the grounds that they use the layby for parking their cars in order to walk around the coastal paths.  
Mr Clewer said it would be valuable for a submission from concerned residents supporting the restrictions to be tendered by the end of this week.

It should be mentioned that at present - and how it has been for many months now - no cars can be parked in this layby at any time owing to the continued parking of the horse truck.  Whenever the horse box departs (usually at weekends) two vehicles are at hand to immediately take up position.
Residents have noted that when the horse box returns,  two occupants get out of the lorry and move the vehicles to let the horse box take up its original position - to the exclusion of any other road user.

For this reason alone, the objectors' statements have little validity as they are unable to avail themselves of parking in the layby at any time.  I will keep you informed of this ongoing saga.

LAYBY DECISION

There is feedback from a resident regarding the proposed waiting restrictions at the layby between the phone box and bus stop at Maidencombe Cross.
I copy the following open letter from one of our residents affixed near the bus stop:

RE:  ANTISOCIAL PARKING OF PINK HORSEBOX.
To: The 45 people who signed the petition to remove the (permanent parking of = my insert) pink horsebox.
Having consulted our local councillor he agreed to having an overnight parking restriction on our layby.  At the very last minute without any consultation it was altered by the highways department to 2 hours restriction.
I phoned on the closing day Sept 13th 2012, and was told by our councillor no objection had been received and enforcement would start within two weeks, as soon as signs were put up.
On the 14th September I was informed that 5 objections had been received and an extended period of consultation would be necessary.
I have now tried all legal means known to me to have the antisocial pink truck removed and I have failed. So please accept my sincere apologies for raising your expectations only to have them dashed on the altar of bureaucracy.  
Signed P Coxill

Murder In Maidencombe!

We had only just ordered our drinks and sat down next to a blazing log fire at the Orestone Manor Hotel when a blood-curdling scream emanated from the restaurant.  Shortly afterwards, a stream of concerned diners filed past us towards the lobby.  Thereupon, a ghastly sight of a body sprawled face down between some furniture revealed itself to the horrified diners.  A plain clothes police inspector appeared and began to question the assembled dinner guests.  Clearly, a murder most horrid had been committed at the Orestone Manor ..

Well, not quite, you'll be relieved to hear.  Neal and I had inadvertently stumbled upon a Murder Mystery Night 'executed' by the cast of the Candlelight Theatre Company which continues to be an exciting night out, enjoyed by all who attend.  Some well-known residents were recognised among the diners.  I was quite taken aback to find that I knew the 'police inspector' well in 'real-life'.
I'll be posting details of forthcoming evenings when I get them.

Orders for the Maidencombe 2013 calendar

A big thank you to all the residents (and beyond) who have placed orders for the first ever Maidencombe 2013 Calendar.  Still a limited window to reserve a calendar but please do not delay as the print is imminent.

Brim Hill road repair Thursday Sept 13th at 11:45 am

Repairs to Brim Hill complete

Brim Hill open for traffic from 1 pm after new tarmac strip put in place to repair subsidence.

More checks at Sladnor bus stop

All residents be aware of continued police checks on the stretch of road from Brunel Manor entrance to Maidencombe Cross.  Drive safely and within the speed limit of 30 mph.

HOPEFULLY ONLINE TO POST THURSDAY

A quick line to say my modem blew up earlier this evening and internet connection lost.  Posting this from the Thatched Tavern free Wifi connection which has been a godsend - thanks Mick and Fiona. Booked an Argos emergency replacement from the pub.  Hopefully reconnected tomorrow.

BREAK-INS DOWN STOKE ROAD

Received news today of reported break-ins down Stoke Road and Kirtons Road area.  Believed to have taken place in daylight hours.  All residents should ensure the security of their properties and be on the lookout for anyone acting suspiciously in their area. 

BRIM HILL CLOSED ALL DAY THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 13:

 Weather permitting, the long awaited repairs to the top of Brim Hill (now has become dangerous) will take place by Highways. Exit from the village only from Rock House Lane. Unsure whether contractors to Brim Hill Villa will have a day off, if not, Steep Hill may suffer the same fate as the residents of Brim Hill with upwards of 15 cars/vans parking.

Maidencombe Calendar

Our first ever Maidencombe Calendar for 2013 is now ready to print and includes the Winner of this year's Maidencombe Photo Competition as well as submissions from other Maidencombe residents. Considerable support for this was noted at the last meeting of the MRA down at the Thatched Tavern. To enable us to decide on numbers for printing, we would be grateful for feedback as to requirements for this collector's item. You will appreciate that time is pressing and if you could reply promptly it would be most helpful. It is estimated that the cost per calendar - on near A4 (actual size US letter format) quality gloss paper - will be in the order of £6.50 each. Bear in mind that this would make an ideal stocking filler for family or friend due to its undoubted uniqueness. A previously unpublished 1935 photo is also included and is bound to surprise. If you would like to reserve one or more calendars, please email me at preconruiser@aol.com ... thanks, Jim Campbell

The Neighbourhood Plan and how it affects Maidencombe

Submissions by individual areas in Torquay have to be registered by the end of this month. A glance at the areas (see clickable link below) reveals that both Maidencombe and Babbacombe come under the St Marychurch ward segment though both will submit a separate chapter representation.

In each 'chapter', the area concerned should examine (succinctly) the needs of the community and what course it takes over the next 15-20 years. Areas for preservation/protection from development should be cited.
Without a submission, there would be an open invitation for developers to march in and earmark swathes of land for building upon.

It is most likely that each and every area in Torbay will put forward arguments why they should not have new housing imposed within their boundaries but nimbyism alone will not suffice to keep the developers at bay.

In conclusion, our submission will have to be a powerful and passionate document to provide a solid defence of our area.

The Maidencombe Residents Association is in the process of preparing our submission.

CLICK HERE for the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan Area

Coastal path clear

The fallen trees/branches from last winter's storms have finally been cleared from the southern approach coastal path (Beach car park up to Goats Path) and the overgrowing hedge has also been cut back. A joy to be able to run around this section unhindered once more.