As of today, in line with government guidance on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the provision of all non-essential Torbay Council environmental services and facilities are either being suspended, reduced or closed temporarily.

Closure of public toilets

Healthmatic have closed all public toilets around Torbay, with a number of other environmental services also being impacted by the latest government information.

Tree works

All planned and non-essential tree work has been suspended until further notice. Planned woodland works are continuing at this time with the timber being used at local biomass and power stations. Tree safety surveys and inspection works is continuing with our consultants.

Parks and Open Spaces

All playgrounds within the area should be considered closed and should not be visited, this is in accordance with government direction.

Grass cutting will be carried out only as required, where it is related to highways safety to ensure adequate visibility particularly when approaching or using junctions and roundabouts.

Flower bed maintenance and planting has also been suspended until further notice.

Park waste bins and dog bin emptying is likely to be a significantly reduced service. Please be mindful that in light of this dog walkers are being asked to take their litter home with them. Routine park inspections will not be carried out for the time being.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture for Torbay Council, said “Whilst we recognise that the closure of public toilets is an inconvenience, the closures are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure the public adhere to latest information from the government.  We had hoped to keep some of them open but things have been moving so fast it became clear that we would not be able to.

“With the significant reduction in litter and dog bin collections, we are asking the public to take all litter home with them and place it in their household waste bin for normal collection by TOR2.”

Household waste and recycling collections will be continuing as normal but please remember that the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Tor Park Road, Paignton remains closed following government advice.

These changes to services have been discussed with our contractors to ensure the ongoing safety of the public and the workforce.

Further information and advice on Coronavirus is at www.gov.uk/coronavirus