Coronavirus (Covid-19) update - 4 September 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.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
You can also can share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using this link to the update on our website.
 Thank you to everyone who has volunteered during the Coronavirus pandemic.
We are writing to say a huge, heartfelt thank you for the support you gave, and indeed might still be giving, to other residents of East Devon during the Coronavirus pandemic.
We are incredibly impressed at how East Devon’s residents, such as yourself, pulled together to help each other in so many ways during this time of crisis. We have heard so many amazing examples of how volunteers made a massive difference to people in need in their local community. Without your efforts, and those of all the other volunteers, a lot of residents wouldn’t have received the help that they desperately needed.
Thank you, once again, on behalf of the whole of East Devon District Council.
5,000 free Coursera licences for individuals looking for their next job, changing roles or looking to upskill
The Heart of the South West LEP Digital Skills Partnership is excited to announce a partnership with Coursera to help you learn critical skills to succeed in this digital era, empower you to thrive in your job or pivot in your career. Coursera is a world-leading online learning platform for higher education. With more than 4000 short to medium courses from world-class universities and industry giants, the online platform is available 24/7 allowing you to learn something new anytime, anywhere. Through a local government offer, access to Coursera is now free for a limited period of time.
Help protect wild birds in the Exe estuary
 Soon, thousands of wildfowl will descend on the Exe estuary to feed on the delicious (to them!) Eelgrass to help them recover from their monumentous journey of at least 3000 miles from the Arctic Circle. This means that the wildlife refuge at Exmouth Duckpond becomes operational on the 15th September until 31st December. Please do give these highly-protected wild birds space to rest and feed by avoiding the area in and near the Duckpond during this time.
There is another wildlife refuge which protects wild birds all year round, just off Dawlish Warren. Visit South East Devon Wildlife’s website for more information and a map of the area.
Follow us on social media @SEDwildlife for up-to-the-minute wildlife news.
Play areas in Seaton and Honiton have benefitted from £175,000 of exciting new play activities chosen by local children and paid for by East Devon District Council
 The two play areas are Seafield Gardens play area in Seaton and Cherry Close play area in Honiton.
The most popular requests from the children and young people were sent to a number of play equipment suppliers, who competed to provide the best designs. A good selection of great quality designs were received and, after seeing which designs best provided what the children and young people wanted, Proludic were appointed to manufacture and construct the play areas.
£300,000 to spend on creating new sports facilities in Exmouth goes to the vote
East Devon District Council has £300,000 to spend on creating new sports facilities in Exmouth or improving ones that already exist. Residents now get to decide what the money is spent on!
Now residents get to decide which projects actually happen and 5,000 randomly selected Exmouth households will receive a letter in the post giving them a unique online code. They can use this code to go online and vote for their households favourite projects.
Consultation now open on Farringdon neighbourhood plan
Consultation is now open for people to have their say on Farringdon’s neighbourhood plan which has been submitted to East Devon District Council by the parish council.
The district council is inviting people to comment on the plan up until Tuesday 20th October.
East Devon Business Update
Growth Support Kickstart Grant
Businesses across Devon and Somerset can make a single application for a grant of between £1,000 and £3,000 to fund the purchase of:
- Specialist consultancy
- Minor items that enable the business to adopt new technology
- Minor items that enable the business to adapt existing technology
The fund aims to support as many businesses as possible, with grants being issued on a first come first served basis through an application form. Businesses should read the Information and Guidance sheet and FAQ . Please email Support.BSI@devon.gov.uk if you have any questions or telephone 03456 047 047
Heart of the SW Inward Investment Support Grant Scheme
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) has launched a new £900,000 grant scheme for foreign-owned companies investing in the area to create jobs in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. The scheme is open to local businesses which meet the eligibility criteria.
In brief
Heart of SW Growth Hub
Get tailored help for your business and read all the business latest news
Free training for your business
From complaint handling, event management, people management, marketing your business, handling conflict, to leadership and management. Brought to you from Cornwall Marine Network Training.
EU transition
Latest information on transition: https://www.gov.uk/transition
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Dates of next East Devon virtual Council meetings
Over the next fortnight the following East Devon District Council virtual meetings are taking place:
- Planning Committee on Wednesday 9th September at 10am
- Development Management Committee on Wednesday 9th September at 10am
- Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 10th September at 6pm
- Strategic Planning Committee on Wednesday 16th September at 10am
- Housing Review Board on Thursday 17th September at 2.30pm
The meetings can all be viewed on our YouTube channel by searching for 'East Devon District Council' or by subscribing.
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Replacement bridge between Burnside and Springfield Road, Exmouth now in place
Works to replace the closed bridge between Burnside and Springfield Road, Exmouth took place on Friday 4th September. A crane was used to lower a new metal bridge into place. The bridge was assessed as structurally unsafe last November when a large tree fell on it, damaging the railings and supporting joists. Repairs have been delayed due to a long insurance investigation and Covid-19 so it is great to have this much used route open again.
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Solar Panel group-buying scheme will save you money and help save the planet
 Devon’s householders have the chance to help the county become net-zero by joining Devon Climate Emergency’s (DCE) solar panel group-buying scheme.
The DCE’s latest project is Solar Together and, with group buying experts iChoosr Ltd, they are offering homeowners the chance to buy high quality solar PV more cheaply than if they were buying alone.
To register, click HERE.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery update
Creative cabin to host inspiring new events this autumn
 Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) and Wild East Devon are gearing up for a packed programme of events this autumn in their Creative Cabin. There will be a broad range of art activities, projects, talks, performances and workshops. The cabin will creatively explore our relationship with nature and the climate emergency.
Thursday 8, 15, 22, 29 September + 6 October, 11 – 12.30: Art of the Senses five week course in partnership with Devon Recovery Learning Community. Limited places, book here.
Saturday 12 September
5.00-5.45: Richard Long talk at THG.
5.45-6.15: Meet the Artist – informal Q&A in the Creative Cabin, THG garden
Saturday 19 September, 11 – 1 : (be)wilder workshop. Limited places, book here
October Half Term: Photography workshops and ‘Naturally Healthy October’ art and nature activities- more to follow.
For upcoming events near you, visit: thelmahulbert.com/creativecabin and follow #ourcreativecabin on social media
Wild East Devon update
Wild Honiton
The consultation for our newest project, Wild Honiton is now live! Please spare 5 mins to fill out the questionnaire to help decide the green future of Honiton and be in with a chance to win £40 worth of shopping vouchers!
For more info on the Wild Honiton project, visit our webpage: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/countryside/wild-honiton/
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 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:
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