Coronavirus (Covid-19) update - 24 July 2020

Welcome to the weekly Coronavirus (Covid-19) update for East Devon residents. We are working to keep you informed through this email update and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pages on our website, which have all our latest information, and links to the Government, the NHS and our community.

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East Devon District Council to re-open a further 12 play areas from Monday 27 July

Phased re-opening of play areas continues

East Devon District Council will be re-opening a further 12 play areas from Monday (27^th July) following the relaxation of restrictions around the coronavirus lockdown.

Of the 71 play areas and eight outdoor gyms managed by the council, this announcement brings the total number of play areas open across the district to 24. We will continue to assess the remaining play areas and outdoor gym equipment and hope to have them all reopened by the 17^th August once safety inspections, risk assessments and mitigation measures have been put in place.

The following sites will re-open from Monday:

• Greenway Lane, Budleigh Salterton
• Carter Avenue, Exmouth
• Lady Byron, Exmouth
• Littleham Village Hall, Exmouth
• Liverton Copse, Exmouth
• The Crescent, Exmouth
• Davey's Playing Field, Honiton
• Whitebridges, Honiton
• Winters Lane, Ottery St Mary
• Recreation Ground, Sidford
• Slewton Crescent, Whimple

East Devon Business Update

Business support and EU transition Sign up for the Heart of the South West Growth Hub e-newsletters for the latest Government and local business support to help you address the impacts of Covid-19, EU transition and to support your business adaption, resilience, recovery and growth. Find links to the latest information, advice and support on the Growth Hub Covid-19 Support for Business. Reduced VAT rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions Businesses can check if they can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies including Retail Schemes. Catering businesses using retail schemes may have to alter their accounting systems for the period 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021. We are interested to hear about the impact this cut is having on businesses – please email your comments. The new Business and Planning Act Read guidance on the temporary alcohol licensing provisions in the Business and Planning Act. The guidance includes information on: ·        the purpose of the temporary off-sales extension ·        the difference between pavement licences and alcohol licence ·        the new summary off-sales review process ·        general advice on conducting off-sales. ·        Read the planning guidance. More East Devon business news next week.

Dates of next East Devon virtual Council meetings

This week East Devon District Council virtual meetings are: Licensing and Enforcement sub-committee on Wednesday 29th July at 9.30am Planning Committee on Wednesday 29th July at 10am The meetings can all be viewed on our YouTube channel by searching for 'East Devon District Council' or by subscribing. Agendas

Sidmouth Folk Festival Online is Coming!

Plans are coming together for a memorable Online Sidmouth Folk Festival.  Central to it will be four hour ‘live’ shows from a secret location in Sidmouth on Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd August  5-9pm.  Hosted by Matthew Crampton and Kitty Macfarlane, the shows will feature live appearances by Steve Knightley and Jim Causley and specially recorded performances by Martin Simpson, Quebec’s Yves Lambert Trio, Jez Lowe, Talisk, Bruce Molsky from the U.S, Ewan McLennan, Jackie Oates & John Spiers, Damien Barber, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Rosie Hood, Cohen Braithwaite- Kilcoyne, Zoe Wren and many more. Look out for special contributions from The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Blowzabella, Rachel Hair, Seth Lakeman and Jon Boden. As well as the two live shows, there’s events throughout festival week. Check the programme out on the website from Tuesday 28th July

Thelma Hulbert Gallery update

Abode of Love update

This sea defence, which is 342 feet long, has become a popular area with both local residents and tourists who use the bays in various different ways, from picnics and music practice, to sheltering from the sun.

In 2019, East Devon District Council invited Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) to develop an ambitious arts commission for the area complementing the new waterfront developments in 2020. It was part of a wider initiative celebrating Exmouth, placing culture and creativity at its heart. Due to Covid-19, the project could no longer go ahead, however THG and artist Anna Fitzgerald are pledging their commitment by refreshing the walls of the Abode of Love with a mural recognising the melting pot of creativity in Exmouth.

We would like Exmouth-based singers, writers, dancers, musicians, makers, sculptors, poets, photographers, performance artists, film producers, crafters, stand-up artists, actors, designers and everyone in between to be named on a ‘pixel’.

There are only 50 pixels available.

The selection will be made by a panel including local artist Anna Fitzgerald, designer Gary Cook, Councillor Joe Whibley, THG and local business owners.

Deadline: 26 July. We will confirm if you are selected by 3 August.

We look forward to seeing the project completed on 8 August – see you on the beach!

Complete the survey

Wild East Devon update

Summer Holiday Fun with Wild East Devon

As we emerge from Covid-19, Wild East Devon have got the summer holidays covered: Our ten nature reserves remain open every day, free of charge. Residents of East Devon can still use the green, open spaces while observing recommended social distancing measures. Family Activity Days will be running at Seaton Wetlands every Thursday throughout August, book your pond dipping session, bug hunting and more now! The Wild East Devon 2020 Art Competition has just been launched. Get creative this summer and have your masterpiece featured in the 2021 Wild East Devon Calendar! Private small group Guided Walks of Seaton Wetlands are running throughout August. All July dates now sold out, book your walk now! We’re working with our partners to put safe and exciting events on including Outdoor Yoga & Meditation as well as Willow Weaving Workshops, all covid-compliant. To book an event, check out the art competition or for more information on any of our reserves, visit wildeastdevon.co.uk

To keep in touch with the Wild East Devon Team follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Trusted sources of advice and information

Please make sure that you only follow advice from trusted, official sources:

• Devon County Council 
• Gov.UK 
• NHS England 
• Public Health England
• East Devon District Council
• Every mind matters (NHS)

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