A round-up of community news, photos, what’s on, school events, and celebrations, from across East Devon and Exeter – including Cranbrook, Axminster, Sidmouth, Honiton, Exmouth.
East Devon and Exeter
Homes and businesses in an East Devon village and an area of Exeter will soon have faster broadband amid a government rollout to upgrade rural communities.
The government’s full fibre rollout of faster more reliable broadband is expected to reach more properties in Dunkeswell and Rockbeare, both in East Devon, plus Cowley, on the edge of Exeter.
Also included in the roll-out are Bradninch, Chulmleigh, Winkleigh, Harracott, Kentisbury, Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, Umberleigh, High Bickington, Chapelton, Atherington, Burrington, Burlescombe, and Newton St Cyres, all in Devon.
The work is being carried out by Openreach and will give hard-to-reach areas access to gigabit-capable broadband
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The upgrades are part of Project Gigabit, a government-funded programme so communities can access fast, reliable broadband, targeting homes and businesses that might otherwise miss out.
Martin Williams, Openreach Partnership Director for Wales and the South West, said:“We’re bringing faster, more reliable broadband to some of the most rural properties in the region and letting local people know what to expect.
“This is a major infrastructure upgrade, so there will be more engineering teams, equipment and vans around town, and we’re working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.
“Wherever possible, we’ll use our existing network of ducts and poles to avoid roadworks, new street furniture and disturbance. But there may be places where we need to install new poles, underground ducts and fibre cables because it’s the only way to make sure households get included in the upgrade.”
Sidmouth
Walkers are urged to keep off closed footpaths along Sidmouth seafront while essential cliff safety work continues.
Recent cliff inspections found a large crack in a wall structure above the Millennium Walkway, sparking a move by the district council to close the path below to protect the public.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) said the undercliff, Millennium Walkway, remains closed until further notice, from Jacob’s Ladder to the beach access steps near the offshore breakwaters.
In addition, a section of the cliff‑top path inside Connaught Gardens, near the glasshouse, is also closed for safety reasons.
The district council said the latest cliff inspection by geotechnical engineers found an existing crack behind a cobblestone wall above the Millennium Walkway had opened up in the last 12 months.
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC portfolio holder for environment operations, said: “Public safety has to come first. We know how frustrating these closures can be, but the risks along this stretch of the Jurassic Coast are very real.
“We’ve seen many cliff falls in recent months and years, and even areas that look stable can give way without warning.
“Please follow the signage, stick to the safe routes, and help us keep everyone out of harm’s way while we work quickly to assess the situation.”
The district council said the latest cliff inspection by geotechnical engineers found an existing crack behind a cobblestone wall above the Millennium Walkway had opened up in the last 12 months.
The council said West Beach can be reached safely using an alternative route along the esplanade and Peak Hill.
Photos: EDDC
Axminster – what’s on
Pictured here are some of the Axminster neighbourhood police team.
Photo: D& C Police
A community Easter egg hunt is being held around Axminster town centre on Saturday, April 4.
The hunt has been organised by the town’s neighbourhood police team, who will be Minster Church, in Silver Street, Axminster, from 10am until 2pm, handing out activity sheets needed to find the hidden eggs.
Completed activity sheets can be exchanged for an Easter egg.
Last week youngsters from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Axminster Community Primary Academy handed their Easter colouring competition sheets into the police team. Winning designs will be displayed around the town over the Easter holiday.
PCSO Hayley Widger said: “We launched this competition as a fun way to involve our young people in a community event that will bring people together and add some colour to the town centre.”
Honiton
Students from Honiton Community College visited the Met Office where they learned about the different careers open to them.
During a tour of the organisation students learned Met Office jobs were not limited to science backgrounds, and employment opportunities included apprenticeships, degree programmes, and internships.
Students from Honiton Community College visited the Met Office Photo: with permission.
Students spoke climate scientists, forecasters, content creators, communications officers and photographers, learning how they fit into the organisation’s work.
Caroline Brothwood, Honiton Community College headteacher, said: “It was fascinating for our students to see that the Met Office is about so much more than forecasting the weather.
“From climate science to media and communications, they discovered the wide range of careers involved in helping us understand our changing planet and make informed decisions for the future.”
Cranbrook
Pupils at Cranbrook Education Campus stepped back in time when classrooms were transformed back to the 19th century and Victorian Britain.
The youngsters and staff dressed the part in Victorian-style costumes amid discussions about social class, factory work, schooling and daily life.
Staff and students dressed the part in Victorian-style costumes Photo: with permission.
Hannah Wickens, assistant headteacher kick-started the day in character, introducing strict Victorian-style classroom rules including standing when an adult enters the room, speaking only when invited, and writing with the right hand.
And pupils were addressed by their surnames throughout the day, adding to the authentic feel.
Stephen Farmer, Cranbrook Education Campus head, said: “What a brilliant day, packed with learning and laughter in equal measure. From the strict Victorian classroom rules to being addressed by their surnames, pupils fully embraced the experience and made it one to remember.”
Cranbrook Education Campus students in their Victorian costumes. Photo: with permission.
Sidmouth
Budding actors at Sidmouth College learned about the consequences of drink-driving during a workshop where invited police gave an insight into alcohol-related road emergencies.
The performing arts students studying the play Too Much Punch for Judy, heard from officers about the legal consequences of drink driving, its impact on families, and the realities the emergency services face at crashes.
Alex Evans, Sidmouth College headteacher, said: “We are very grateful to the officers for giving their time to speak with our students. It was a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the issues they are exploring in their studies and to learn from real-life experiences.”
Pictured here are the performing arts students with visiting police officers. Photo: with permission.
East Devon
An audit of council-owned leisure centres in East Devon, which sparked bids from potential operators, will be followed by the authority awarding a contract at the end of 2026.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) launched tender applications at the end of 2025, as part of a review into how its leisure centres are run.
The district council said feedback from the leisure centre users, currently run by LED Community Leisure, continues to be positive.
The authority said the aim of the review of the current services was to ensure it was offering ‘good quality and value for money’
Councillor Nick Hookway said: “Our leisure centres are highly valued by residents across East Devon.
“Maintaining the quality of these services is very important in helping residents to be active, fit and healthy. The decision to go out to tender followed a thorough review of current services and costs.
“By having a new contract, the council will be able to ensure that its leisure services are fit for purpose, sustainable and delivered with the best possible value for the foreseeable future. The response to the tendering process has been encouraging.”
Once the contract is awarded, any new operator will take over running the leisure centres from 2027.
Until then, all leisure services will continue as usual without any interruption to current facilities, activities or programmes.
EDDC is responsible for nine leisure centres, one theatre and several outdoor sports and recreation sites across East Devon – in Axminster, Broadclyst, Colyton, Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Sidmouth and Seaton.
An EDDC spokesperson said: “The tender process opened late last year and attracted interest from a number of potential operators. The council has now assessed the initial submissions against the agreed criteria and will move to the next stage of the process.
“All leisure services will continue as normal during this process. There will be no changes to facilities, activities or programmes. The council is also keeping key partners informed, including local schools that use the leisure centres.”
Exeter
The fundraising appeal started in October 2024 and reached its target in under 18 months. Photo: with permission.
A new state-of-the-art operating theatre at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital has hit its £1.4million target.
The cash, raised through Royal Devon Hospitals Charity’s super theatre appeal, has funded ’ultra-modern imaging technology set to revolutionise surgery for thousands of patients across Devon’.
A spokesperson for the hospital said the new hybrid theatre technology reduced the need for open surgery, multiple operations and travel out of area.
Hannah Travers, consultant vascular surgeon, said: “For patients, it means fewer procedures, reduced risk of complications, faster recovery times after surgery, and less time spent in hospital.
“For the surgical team at the Royal Devon, it means we can deliver the care that we were trained to give using the most modern and advanced surgical techniques.
“The new theatre is an absolute game-changer and we are so grateful to the local community for helping us to deliver this life-saving facility.”
Lucy Ashton, head of the charity, said the fundraising appeal started in October 2024 and reached its target in under 18 months.
She said: “We can’t thank the local community enough for rallying behind this appeal and helping us to deliver an incredible new facility that will save lives and do so much to enhance patient care for generations to come.”
Exmouth and Exeter
A slice of £2.7million funding pledged by Devon County Council will support flood risk management action projects and studies in Exeter and Exmouth.
The cash will pay for flood investigations, planning advice, watercourse regulation and emergency response.
Some of the funding will support flood improvement projects across the county.
The county council agreed the funding after 80 properties across Devon were flooded during winter storms in January and December 2025, and more than 180 properties following Storm Chandra in 2026.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: “The flooding we experienced this winter showed just how vulnerable many communities already are and we face increased risk of devastating storms.
“This action plan is about learning from those events and investing in practical measures that reduce risk, protect homes and help communities become more resilient as our climate continues to change.
“The action plan builds on Devon’s local flood risk management strategy and will remain flexible, allowing priorities to be reviewed if further flooding occurs.”
Exmouth
Exmouth Town Council has announced it will buy the town hall amid a ‘long-standing ambition’ to turn the building into a community hub.
District council staff, currently based in offices at the town hall, will move out once the sale of the building is complete. EDDC be contacted on a dedicated free phone line based inside the property.
The Exmouth Town Hall building.
Photo: with permission.
Councillor Graham Deasy, Exmouth Mayor, said: “By bringing it back under the stewardship of Exmouth Town Council, we are safeguarding an important civic building, while strengthening our ability to deliver services and support community activities.”
He added: At a time when the future of local government remains uncertain, this investment ensures a secure and welcoming home for community groups and organisations, and will provide a town centre venue for meetings and events that serve our residents.”
Exeter
Schools in Exeter celebrated a love of reading, taking part in a. host of activities and events to mark World Book Day.
Whipton Barton federation pupils dressed as favourite book characters. Photos: with permission.
Pupils and staff at Whipton Barton Federation dressed as their favourite book characters, while taking part treasure hunts and reading activities.
Staff from Whipton Barton Federation joined in with World Book Day
Photo: with permission.
St Luke’s CofE School held a World Book Day quiz, plus a book swap, and took part in the national book token design competition and young writers poetry competition.
West Exe school was visited by bestselling young adult author Madeline Dyer for a day of creative writing workshops.
Author Madeline Dyer with West Exe pupils on World Book Day.
Photo: with permission.
Exwick Heights Primary School pupils enjoyed a visit from author and illustrator Alex Milway, which launched a weeklong celebration of reading.
Author and illustrator Alex Milway visited pupils at Exwick Heights. Photo: with permission.
Exwick Heights pupils held a week-long celebration of reading. Photo: with permission.
Exwick Heights pupils with their illustrations. Photo: with permission.
Moira Marder, Ted Wragg Trust CEO, said: “World Book Day is always a memorable occasion across our schools. It’s been wonderful to see all the exciting activities taking place across our schools.
“From author visits to quizzes and creative challenges, it’s clear that pupils are enjoying reading and being inspired to explore new stories.”
