Community news, including stories and photos from across East Devon, Exmouth, Sidmouth and Exeter. Send your community news and photos to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
Exmouth
Fly-tippers who illegally dumped construction waste in public bins along Exmouth seafront have been fined by the district council.
CCTV footage helped catch the culprits after large amounts of waste was dumped in public litter bins over nine months.
Following an investigation by environmental protection officers at East Devon District Council, two offenders were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices for allowing vehicles under their control to be used to fly tip construction waste. They were each ordered to pay £400.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) said large amounts of waste had been dumped in seafront litter bins multiple times.
EDDC said bins were damaged and the health of a council worker was put at risk as the result of the illegally-dumped waste.
An EDDC spokesperson said: “ At the end of the summer, the council was made aware of multiple incidents where a large amount of waste had been improperly deposited in seafront bins designed for general litter.
“Fly-tipping is against the law, negatively impacts the local community, and undermines the hard work of council staff who are committed to maintaining Exmouth’s stunning coastline. In this case, the bins had also been damaged and the health of StreetScene staff was put at risk.
“As part of its investigation, the council reviewed CCTV footage and received information from council officers and members of the public. It is thought that the fly-tipping activity had been happening several times a week over a nine-month period.
“Two offenders were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices for allowing vehicles under their control to be used to fly tip construction waste. They were each ordered to pay £400.”
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC portfolio holder coast, country and environment, said: “Public bins are there for small items of everyday waste, not large-scale commercial rubbish which should be disposed of via a licensed company. We will not tolerate fly-tipping, and I would like to thank our officers who are vigilant in monitoring and enforcing waste crime. I hope this example of enforcement action deters others from acting irresponsibly, or they will be held to account.”
East Devon
Work costing £500,000 to improve eight car parks at an East Devon beauty spot has been completed after four years.
The improvements were made around the Pebblebed Heaths at car parks Four Firs, Woodbury Castle, Estuary View, The Warren, Model Airfield, Wheathills, Uphams and Joney’s Cross.
Roadside improvements took place at Stowford, Frying Pans and Squabmoor.
Work included improving access for emergency vehicles, increased visibility in car parks to reduce theft, criminal incidents and antisocial behaviour.
Kim Strawbridge, Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust reserves manager, said: “The project has made the reserve more robust and better able to cope with the increased footfall we have seen in recent years.
“It is vital that we help people share this space responsibly and protect the wildlife of this internationally important conservation site.
“The layout changes have reduced antisocial behaviour and made maintenance easier, while the new signs make it easier for us to share information with visitors, this makes it easier for our team to focus on caring for the reserve.
“It may seem a simple thing, but by making use of our car parks rather than parking at the roadside or in entrances, visitors are helping to protect wildlife by reducing disturbance, enabling us to focus our resources on caring for the nature reserve, and enabling reserve staff and the emergency services to access the site more easily.”
l-r Cllr Jackie Hook, Neil Harris, Cllr Paul Knott, Cllr Geoff Jung, Kim Strawbridge, Sama Euridge, Julie Owen.
Photo: with permission.
East Devon
Freemasons from across the county have boosted four East Devon charities with donations of £1,500 for individual projects.
Twice a year Freemasons from across Devon support charities and organisations needing a funding boost, thanks to the Wake fund.
Exmouth Gateway Club, Pete’s Dragons, Colyton Caterpillars and Budleigh Unpaid Carers were each awarded £1,500 to help fund individual projects.
Devon Freemasons pictured with recipients of the Wake fund donations.
Photo: with permission.
Nicholas Ball, Provincial Grand Master of Devonshire Freemasons, said: “One of the highlights of our masonic calendar. To be able to support small local charities who do so much for our communities is very special. It is so moving to hear about their efforts and the fantastic work that they do.
“I feel extremely proud to support such worthy causes on behalf of the members of Devonshire Freemasons.”
The funds were presented at Uffculme masonic hall in the second of the annual charity distributions this year.
Grants totalling more than £30,000 were presented to 20 ‘deserving causes’ drawn from across the county, each sponsored by a Devonshire masonic lodge.
Exmouth
Exmouth primary school pupils spread Christmas cheer when they sang carols to care home residents.
Brixington Primary Academy youngsters annually sing Christmas carols to Raleigh Manor residents as part of the care home’s festive celebrations and lights switch-on.
The youngsters sang carols to the care home residents.
Photo: with permission.
The children, who have kick-started the care home’s Christmas for the last three years, also said goodbye to residents because they move to secondary school next year.
A new group of pupils will continue the tradition in 2025, the care home said.
Gill Pratt care home general manager, said: We can’t imagine starting the festive season without the talented children of Brixington Primary Academy coming to sing carols and count down for our lights to be turned on.
“This has become a heart-warming tradition that well and truly puts us in the Christmas spirit.”
Exmouth
Exmouth RNLI will add an extra 5,000 names to its lifeboat, joining thousands already set to be inscribed on the side of the vessel.
Some 10,000 names are due to be added to decals – the lettering and numbering on the side of the boat Shannon-class lifeboat – and now space will be found for an extra 5,000 on a third decal positioned on the roof of the lifeboat’s wheelhouse.
The RNLI has agreed to extend its launch a memory campaign so the names of 1000s more loved-ones can be added to the boat, in exchange for a donation.
Faye Stammers, RNLI marketing manager, said: ‘Opening the wheelhouse decal for submissions means we will be able to welcome up to a further 5,000 names to the lifeboat.
“We know that supporters who have submitted names to previous launch a memory campaigns often take great comfort knowing that their name is alongside our crews when they receive a call for help, so it is wonderful to be able to offer that opportunity to many more people.
“We look forward to seeing Exmouth’s roof decal filled with names to sit alongside those already submitted.”
See here for more information.
Budleigh Salterton
Residents were treated to a panto performance. Photo: with permission.
Residents joined in with the performance of Mother Goose. Photo: with permission.
These photos show the festive fun had by residents at the Firs Care Home, in Budleigh Salterton, thanks to a pantomime performance of Mother Goose.
Staff at the care home said the residents’ lounge was transformed into a stage for the afternoon panto.
A spokesperson for the home said: “The room came alive as everyone joined in, singing along to Christmas classics that had us all feeling merry and bright.”
Exeter
Reindeer runners from Exeter Junior School raised funds for Hospiscare thanks to a group of sixth form charity champions.
Exeter School and Hospiscare teamed up on a project to give sixth form pupils the chance to become young ambassadors for end-of-life care, with opportunities to fundraise, volunteer for the charity.
Pupils ran for Hospsicare.
Photo: with permission.
The school’s eight pupil ambassadors organised a lunchtime reindeer run for the junior pupils.
Aoife-Jane Culley, Exeter School upper sixth head of year, said: “We were delighted to be part of the young changemakers programme and are grateful to Hospiscare for creating such a valuable opportunity for our pupils.
“As a school, we place a lot of emphasis on character development and this programme allows the lower sixth pupils involved the chance to develop their understanding of what it means to serve the community and to learn more about the vital work that Hospiscare undertakes.”
Exmouth
Celebrations have been held by a group of residents living in a retirement home in Exmouth after their manager won an award at the Great British Care Awards.
Deborah Lovering-Roddis, was recently crowned Registered Estate Manager Award at the 2024 South West Regional final of the Great British Care Awards.
Residents and staff at Roswell Court, in Exmouth, celebrated Debbie’s win with a party.
Pictured here (L to R) is Debbie and Natalie enjoying the party with Shirley Sindon, Janet Newbold, Rita Field, Pamela Wedlake, Debbie Lovering-Roddis, John Dye, and Natalie Bonney.
Photo: Tracey Harding.
Devon
Devon County Council (DCC) is to launch an all-party protest to the Government about cuts in funding for rural communities.
The move comes after the Government announced it plans to “re-purpose” the Rural Services Delivery Grant and instead target funds to deprived areas.
Devon received £10.1 million from the grant this year – the highest in the region.
The county council has agreed unanimously to lobby the Government, with the backing of the county’s MPs, amid fears local services will now be cut to make savings.
James McInnes, DCC leader, urged the Government to provide more cash in Devon’s overall grant settlement due later this month to mitigate the £10million loss.
He said: “The Rural Services Delivery Grant is meant to support councils like Devon in helping with the increased cost of providing services in a sparsely-populated county.
“For example our bill for getting children to school is one of the highest in the country – particularly in the secondary sector where students can live miles away from their nearest college.
“It costs more to provide social care for our elderly and vulnerable residents because of the increased costs of carers getting from one rural village to the next rather than looking after people who live in the same street or neighbourhood.
“And we have one of the biggest road networks in the country to maintain and repair.”
He added: “This all smacks of a Government whose MPs mostly represent urban areas and don’t have a clue about life in rural communities.”
Exmouth
A pop-up repair café in Exmouth to fixed mobility aids for free when Raleigh Manor care home, in Exmouth, joined forced with East Devon business, Coastline Mobility.
The repair session included equipment checks, and free adjustments for walkers, wheelchairs, and rollators.
David Gerry from Coastline Mobility Exmouth.
Photo: with permission.
Gill Pratt, care home manager, thanked Dave Gerry who gave his time to check the equipment, and said the repair cafe could become an annual event.
Gill said: “The objective for this café was to promote safety this Christmas to those in the community using mobility aids.
“Every device presented to Dave needed the brakes adjusting! It was quite surprising.”
Photo: David Gerry from Coastline Mobility Exmouth
Exeter
Readings, carols, and quiet reflection will make up part of an annual Exeter Christmas memorial service to remember loved-ones.
Exeter & Devon Crematorium is holding the free service at 7pm in St Peter’s Chapel, Topsham Road,, on Wednesday December 18, with proceeds from a raffle benefiting suicide bereaved charity Pete’s Dragons.
The event is held to support grieving families and individuals facing a difficult festive season without those they love.
Those attending can place a personalised star on the crematorium’s memorial tree, dedicated to loved-ones.
All are welcome to attend the free service, which will be followed by complimentary refreshments.
Martin Saunders, Exeter & Devon Crematorium, spokesman, said: “Our Christmas memorial service offers a supportive environment for the community to come together in remembrance and reflection.
“We are especially proud to support Pete’s Dragons this year, whose vital work provides guidance and assistance to those navigating the devastating impact of suicide.
“We hope this event fosters a sense of connection and comfort for all who attend.”
Devon
A Christmas cracker weekend was held on Dartmoor by Devon Army Cadets, who combined festive fun with training and skill-building exercises.
More than 200 Devon Army Cadets from across the county attended the first-ever festive fun event event, where they were tasked to save Santa and an Elf, make a gift, take part in a Christmas jumper competition, plus hone their skills in dementia awareness.
And there was a visit from the British Forces Broadcasting Service ice cream van.
A presentation of Four-Star and Master Cadet badges, Good Service Awards and a Cadet Force medal were awarded in recognition of ‘hard work and commitment’
An AFC spokesperson said: “Over 200 Cadets from across the county attended for a festive fun, learning, and camaraderie weekend.
“The event brought cadets and adult volunteers together for an unforgettable experience packed with seasonal spirit and skill-building activities.”
Photo: with permission.
Pictured here with their awards are Good service – Capt Matthew Sanders, Four Star – S/Sgt Maddison Fairchild, Master Cdt – S/Sgt Abigail Hollyoak, Good service award – SMI Michael Davey, Cadet Force Medal – SSI Neil Shaw
East Devon
East Devon has secured £4million taxpayer cash aimed at stopping river pollution when scores of new homes are built near Axminster.
Pollution concerns and improving the water quality of the River Axe has resulted in East Devon securing government funding to upgrade sewage prevention.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) has revealed it will receive the government funding boost to address the impacts of wastewater on the River Axe.
EDDC said the money ‘will address pollution and unlock around 1,000 homes that are due to be built over the next 15 years in the area’.
The district council said: “The Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund will make sure that building the homes local people need will not come at the expense of the environment, with the £4 million-plus boost being used to protect local rivers and precious habitats.”
The district council will use the funding to upgrade sewage treatment plants and septic tanks, and flood prevention.
Wetlands will be ‘constructed’ and water saving measures on council homes will be introduced.
The cash handout will also be used in the River Axe catchment in Dorset and Somerset.
Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said the cash would help EDDC ‘unlock much needed new homes in Axminster and address the River Axe Special Area of Conservation catchment to support the local economy’.
Cllr Todd Olive, portfolio holder for strategic planning at EDDC, said: “Nutrient pollution is an urgent and complex problem across England, where increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorous from a variety of sources – including both homes and agriculture – can have serious consequences for natural habitats and wildlife.
“While helpful in unlocking housebuilding projects currently blocked due to this pollution, first and foremost this funding will help protect our natural world, which is so crucial to East Devon in so many ways.”
Sidmouth
Mr Foord learned what it takes to deliver letters and parcels in the peak Christmas period.
Photo: with permission.
Posties in Sidmouth gave Richard Foord MP a look behind the scenes in the town’s delivery office ahead of the festive rush.
Mr Foord learned what it takes to deliver letters and parcels in the peak Christmas period.
Royal mail said Sidmouth Delivery Office has hired a temporary member of staff and two extra vans to meet increased demand for deliveries in the local area.
This is in addition to the seven permanent members of staff who have joined in the past year.
Richard Foord, Member of Parliament for Honiton and Sidmouth, said: “Royal Mail is an iconic part of Christmas in the UK – the posties deliver sacks of joy at Christmas, just as they do all year round.
“I’ve got a newfound appreciation for what they do after seeing how the operation works on the inside.”
Matthew Goss, customer operations manager for Sidmouth, said: “It was great to have Richard visit our delivery office, and to show him how we are gearing up for our peak period. We are pulling out all the stops to deliver Christmas for our customers.”
East Devon
Storm Darragh recently battered the county, resulting in 100s of fallen trees, road and event closures and amid severe winds.
Devon County Council said The Strand in Exmouth closed when Exmouth Indoor Market roof suffered storm damage.
The county council highways team received more than 300 calls reporting fallen trees, including debris on the B3165 Hawkchurch road, near Axminster.
In Exeter, New North Road was closed because of unsafe signage on a building.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, DCC cabinet member for highway management, said: “Storm Darragh has been extremely destructive and I’d say it was one of the most challenging storms I can recall during my 32 years with the county council. Our teams deserve huge credit for their hard work and commitment over the weekend. Everyone has gone the extra mile and I would like to express my thanks to all of our teams on the ground, many working in appalling conditions.”
East Devon: Fresh plans for village new homes are approved amid access concerns
