Brixton Parish Council has had a busy year with supporting its community during the pandemic and continuing their other projects such as their ‘owl seat’.

Like many other town and parish councils (some Devon case studies here) Brixton Parish Council acted swiftly to meet the demands of the pandemic, and activated its Community Emergency Plan at the time of the first Covid-19 lockdown. The council recruited volunteers to provide a prescription delivery service to people who were self isolating and shielding; volunteer local leaders were alert to any changes in their neighbourhood so they could inform the coordinator of the Emergency Plan or the relevant emergency services if required.  These volunteer services were very much appreciated by the community. A weekly newsletter was produced by Brixton Parish Council updating residents on what was happening as well as signposting to other services like funding, shopping services etc. The Emergency Plan was stood down on the 10^th July 2020 and since then our community has become more self sufficient.

Despite all their work with the pandemic, Brixton Parish Council continued to progress their projects, including:

• improving land at Cofflete Creek, which was purchased by the council in 2019 as an amenity space in the South Devon AONB on the River Yealm for the parish
• restoring a historic dry stone wall along a Public Right of Way
• replacing a major piece of play equipment in one of their play areas
• renovating their ‘owl seat’ (pictured) and stepping stones as part of the village play trail
• working with Yealmpton & Brixton WI and the landowner to agree the site for a seat marking the 100^th Anniversary of the WI on a community path which links the villages of Brixton and Yealmpton.

Brixton Parish Council has been proactive in responding to the Climate Change and protecting our environment agenda. Along with six other parish councils in the catchment of the River Yealm they have set up a Water Quality Group specifically addressing the issue of the spillage of raw sewage into the River Yealm at times of high rainfall. The council held a public open meeting to look at the impact of climate change and what individuals, and the community, can do. One of the outcomes of the meeting is a monthly article in the ‘Brixton Magazine’ with top tips for parishioners to consider in playing their part.  A Bee Friendly Brixton group has been set up to promote pollinating plants and trees across the parish. In collaboration with St. Mary’s Primary School, Sherford School  and Surfers Against Sewage the council is working on two art projects to promote the reduction of use of single use plastics.

During the past year Brixton Parish Council along with their 4 neighbouring parish councils has continued to reduce isolation and loneliness for people living with dementia and their families as a dementia friendly parish council themselves and as a member of Dementia Friendly Parishes around the Yealm. This project has received international recognition.

We love to hear stories from our members that we can share on our website and social media, please do tell us what you’ve been up to!