The Locals Network Teignbridge

14/01/2026

Plans for Home Bargains to relocate closer to reality after its flood warning and evacuation plan has been officially approved.

The discount retailer is set to move from Kingsteignton Retail Park to Newton Road Retail Park, where two existing units will be combined into one much larger store.

Planning permission was granted last year, but final sign-off depended on additional safety documents, which have now been approved.

The move would see Home Bargains more than double its store size, upgrading from a cramped 1,100sqm unit to a new space of over 2,000sqm.

Alongside the bigger shop, plans include:
- Reworked car parking with more parent & child and accessible bays
- EV charging points
- A covered cycle shelter
- Major refurbishment of the existing retail site

Developers say the relocation will help keep Home Bargains in the area long-term, while also securing the future of retail space where current leases are nearing their end.

The investment is expected to top £3 million, with over 100 jobs retained and created, and a strong focus on hiring locally from Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton and surrounding areas.

Bottom line:
A bigger Home Bargains, more jobs, and a fresh boost for the retail park and it’s now one step closer to happening.

14/01/2026

Torbay Hospital is asking people not to attend A&E unless it’s a life-threatening emergency, as the department is currently under heavy pressure.

Health bosses say the emergency department is extremely busy, with many patients arriving who could be treated elsewhere. This is making it harder for doctors and nurses to focus on people who urgently need life-saving care.

A&E should only be used for serious conditions such as chest pain, breathing problems, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness or other critical emergencies.

Anyone arriving with a minor injury or illness may be redirected to:
- Newton Abbot Urgent Treatment Centre
- Totnes Minor Injuries Unit

These services can handle things like suspected fractures, cuts needing stitches, animal bites, slips on ice and injuries requiring X-rays.

Hospital staff say using the right service helps protect emergency care for those who need it most and they’re thanking the public for their patience and understanding.

Bottom line:
If it’s not life-threatening, there’s a better place to go and it helps everyone when you do.

12/01/2026

Drivers in Newton Abbot are being warned to brace for more traffic delays as utility work begins on Ashburton Road (A383) next month.

The work, linked to the Houghton Barton housing development, will start in February after being pushed back following public backlash late last year. Temporary traffic lights will be in place for around 30 weeks.

Originally expected to last almost a year, the timeline has been cut down after talks between councils and developer Bloor Homes. Extra staff, longer working hours and manual control of traffic lights are all planned to reduce disruption.

Where possible, work will be done on verges and pavements instead of the road, and all utility services will be installed at once to avoid future roadworks.

The works are needed to support plans for 1,100 new homes at Houghton Barton and councils say delaying the project further would put housing targets at risk.

Bottom line:
From February, expect queues, delays and patience-testing journeys on a key route in and out of Newton Abbot. Planning ahead is advised.

12/01/2026

Drivers using Halcyon Road car park in Newton Abbot are being warned to expect reduced parking over the next few days.

Teignbridge District Council has started repainting the parking bay lines, meaning sections of the car park will be closed off at different times while work is carried out. The car park will stay open, but there will be fewer spaces available.

The work is expected to take around three days, although that could change depending on the weather.

If you’re heading into town, the council says the nearby multi-storey car park has plenty of space and cheaper parking fees.

Bottom line: plan ahead, allow extra time, and don’t expect your usual spot.

30/12/2025

30/12/2025

Teignbridge Council is inviting local businesses to apply for pop-up trading spaces across the district and there are some seriously good locations up for grabs.

Around 15 sites are available, including car parks, parks, playing fields and scenic seafront spots in places like Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, Bovey Tracey, Shaldon and more.

The council says it’s open to all kinds of ideas, from food and drink traders to more creative concepts like mobile saunas, dog washing services and coffee vans. Previous pop-ups have included ice cream vans, street food trailers and seafront saunas.
The aim?

To bring unused spaces to life, support local businesses, and improve the experience for residents and visitors alike.

If you’ve got a business that could work on the move, this could be your sign 👀

https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/business/commercial-property/business-pop-ups/about-pop-up-sites/

30/12/2025

Drivers are being warned to expect road closures, traffic lights and delays around the Steep Hill area of Maidencombe as major gas works get underway in January.

Wales & West Utilities will begin upgrading underground gas pipes from 5 January, with work expected to run until late March. The upgrades are designed to keep gas supplies safe and reliable for years to come.

🚦 What drivers need to know:

• Teignmouth Road – two-way traffic lights
🗓️ 5 January – 2 February

• Rock House Lane – road closed
🗓️ 5 January – 2 February

• Steep Hill – road closed
🗓️ 2 – 23 February

• Brim Hill – road closed
🗓️ 2 February – 2 April

The company says it’s working with Torbay Council to manage disruption, but admits the work will be inconvenient while it’s ongoing.

The upgrades are part of a wider programme to future-proof the gas network, including preparing it to carry greener energy in the years ahead.

If you travel through this area regularly, it’s worth planning alternative routes and allowing extra time for journeys.

29/12/2025

A man who went missing during a Christmas Day sea swim in Budleigh Salterton reportedly entered the water to help a woman who was in trouble, according to a close friend.

Matthew Upham, 63, has not been found following a major rescue operation launched on Christmas morning after swimmers got into difficulty in rough conditions. Several people were pulled from the water and treated by paramedics, but two men were never located.

Friends say Matthew did what he always did, put others first.
“He saw someone struggling and went in to help,” one friend said. “He paid the ultimate price in a place he loved.”

Matthew was described as a strong, experienced sea swimmer who swam regularly and deeply respected the sea. Locals have paid tribute to him as a kind, generous and well-loved member of the Budleigh community.

The loss has rippled far beyond the town, with friends and loved ones describing shock, heartbreak and disbelief. Among those paying tribute was singer Kate Bush, who said Matthew was “extraordinarily kind”, full of life, and someone who touched everyone he met.

Emergency services carried out extensive searches throughout Christmas Day, but the operation was later stood down. Police say families are being kept fully informed.

Following the incident, local authorities urged people to think twice before sea swimming in winter, warning that cold water shock, strong currents and unpredictable weather can turn a quick dip into a life-threatening situation.

A tragic reminder that even confident swimmers can be caught out and that bravery sometimes comes at the highest cost.

29/12/2025

If you’re driving this week, heads up, speed cameras will be active across Devon and Cornwall, with police stepping up checks during the festive period.

Devon & Cornwall Police have confirmed where speed detection teams will be operating, alongside a reminder not to drink and drive. Officers say they’ll be keeping a close eye on roads while Christmas and New Year celebrations continue.

⚠️ Important update for Plymouth drivers:
There’s now a permanent 60mph limit on the A38 between Marsh Mills and the Tamar Bridge. Speed enforcement is coming soon, once drivers have had time to adjust.

📍 Speed camera locations this week:

Monday:
• North Devon
• Plymouth
• Dartmouth
• Totnes

Tuesday:
• Taw & Torridge
• Plymouth
• Torquay
• Teignmouth

Wednesday:
• Launceston
• Bodmin
• Dartmoor
• Plymouth

Friday:
• Bodmin
• Wadebridge
• Pentyn
• Truro
• Plymouth
• Exeter
• Crediton

Saturday:
• Camborne
• Helston
• Tavistock
• Okehampton
• Plymouth
• A380/A38 South Devon

Sunday
• Plymouth
• Dartmoor
• Totnes

Bottom line: drive smart, stick to the limits, and if you’ve had a drink, don’t drive. No fine, points or ban is worth ruining your start to the year.