BOVEY Tracey Town Council has awarded grants of almost £16,000, reinvesting tax payers' money into the local community.
The beneficiaries include Bovey Tracey Youth Action which is set to receive £7,000 to help with costs at the Youth Cafe where the number of youngsters attending is rising.
Also in line for a financial boost is Teignbridge Citizens Advice whose request for £5,363 was approved by members.
A further £1,500 will go to Moorland Community Caring for projects such as the older people's support Hub at the Methodist Hall, £1,028 was allocated to the Bovey Tracey Information Centre and £940 to Better Places CIC, the group which offers free children's holiday activities.
Members of the Council's Finance, Resources and General Purposes Committee approved the payments at their latest meeting in the Riverside Centre on Monday March 2.
They heard from Bovey Youth Action Operations Manager Jez Butcher who reported an increasing demand for their services.
He said one of the reasons for the Youth Cafe having to offer more was a reduction in the support once provided by Devon County Council and other official bodies.
The meeting heard that an increasing number of children were either not receiving the correct type of education or had left the school system entirely.
The group has extended its offer to 18-year-olds and hopes to increase the number of evenings the cafe opens from two to three.
As many as 40 youngsters attend each session with 25 - 35 being commonplace.
One of the most valued aspects of the cafe, members heard, was a safe space in which the youngsters could discuss personal problems.
Bullying and the increasing use of 'weed vapes' were common issues, the latter particularly worrying as they are cheap, readily available and can contain toxic substances.
'It's a massive issue,' said Mr Butcher. 'There is no other youth service of this ilk. You need to fight and you need to complain to get the services you need as a voluntary organisation.
'We can't fix everything, we can't wave a magic wand, but the young people of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield deserve osmewhere they can get these things.'
Committee Chair Corin Burton said: 'As a Town Council we are entrusted to use tax payers' money wisely and we feel these awards are an essential investment in our community.
'We're just so grateful to have groups such as those we've supported with these awards, acting on all our behalves.
'We thank them all and wish them every success in their respective endeavours.'
More news
-
Staff Vacancy - Finance Officer
Shape the future of Bovey Tracey – Join our team and help deliver services that make a real difference to our community.
Added: 04 March 2026
Roadside verges in Bovey Tracey to get eco boost
ROADSIDE verges in Bovey Tracey are set to get even more eco-friendly after the Town Council agreed to replace annual wildflower planting with year-round perennials.
Added: 25 February 2026
Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan
A meeting in January of Bovey Tracey Town Council discussed and agreed a Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan for the Riverside Community Centre and its associated operations.
Added: 02 February 2026
Heathfield families set to enjoy better play park
Families in Heathfield are set to benefit from improved children’s play facilities after Bovey Tracey Town Council (BTTC) agreed to seek ownership of a district play park.
Added: 21 January 2026
The Bovey Tracey and Heathfield Community Awards
This year the council will be seeking to make three Awards.
Added: 21 January 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council sets the budget for 2026/27
BAND D households in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being asked for an extra 62p per week to help cover unavoidable costs so the Town Council can stay in good shape for the future.
Added: 20 January 2026
Volunteers offer some African-inspired TLC at Heathfield Community Centre
VOLUNTEERS have started to give Heathfield Community Centre a little TLC, including a green makeover and new link to Zimbabwe! The team got busy before Christmas, clearing a site where rotten fencing is due to be replaced by a native hedge, planted in partnership with nearby St Catherine’s C of E Primary School.
Added: 12 January 2026
Benefits and tax credits top issues for Bovey Tracey and Heathfield residents
QUERIES about benefits and tax credits remained the biggest issue for residents in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield in the last quarter of 2025, according to Citizens Advice.
Added: 09 January 2026
New school for Bovey Tracey by 2029?
BOVEY Tracey could be set to have a new 420-pupil primary school before the end of the decade, if fresh survey work proves positive.
Added: 15 December 2025
Bovey Tracey Town Council recognised for excellence in local government
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has been awarded the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) Silver Quality Award.
Added: 12 November 2025
Help our hedgehogs in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield
FAMILIES in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield are being encouraged to make their communities more hedgehog-friendly by introducing a few simple changes such as lowering driving speeds and creating holes in garden fences.
Added: 06 November 2025
Blooming marvellous response to Bovey Tracey bulb-planting and litter-pick
A COMMUNITY litter-pick and bulb-planting event organised by Bovey Tracey Town Council has been hailed a success with scores of volunteers turning up on the day.
Added: 03 November 2025
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.