 In this issue...
- Massive step forward for Sidmouth coastal protection announced
- International Women’s Day: East Devon’s inspirational leaders
- Summer opening for Public Toilets agreed by East Devon District Council
- Newly raised road across the Lower Otter Valley at Budleigh Salterton now open
- Take action on food waste and save money
 News and updates:
Massive step forward for Sidmouth coastal protection announced
 An illustration of Sidmouth's new coastal defences that have been given the green light
A range of coastal defence measures have been announced, which will better protect 113 residential and 70 commercial properties in Sidmouth from increased flood and erosion risk.
These improved defences will include the construction of offshore breakwaters, replacement splash-walls, the construction of a 120m long 'super groyne' and works that will provide speedier lifeboat launching.
International Women’s Day: East Devon’s inspirational leaders
 Amy Gilbert-Jeans on the left and Jo Fellows on the right
On Wednesday, 8 March, East Devon District Council (EDDC) celebrated both International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women’s History Month.
As an employer, EDDC is proud of its record of developing female leaders and wants to encourage more women to consider applying for vacancies at the council.
We interviewed two of our inspirational leaders, HR Manager, Jo Fellows, and Assistant Director of Housing, Amy Gilbert-Jeans to hear why International Women’s Day is important to them.
To find out more about careers with EDDC, visit our website www.eastdevon.gov.uk/careers.
Summer opening for Public Toilets agreed by East Devon District Council
 Public toilets across the district will open again this summer as EDDC’s Cabinet agree to keep 28 sites open. From 1 April, public toilets will be open from 8am to 10pm each day.
The Council remain committed to a £3 million refurbishment programme of its Category A toilets agreed by Council in February 2022 and will be announcing details of this later this year.
Cliff inspections to take place over the next two weeks
Annual inspections include removing loose material and additional safety works such as installation of rock netting
Cliff inspections will be taking place across the district over the next two weeks, starting at Seaton (13 March - 14 March), before moving on to Beer (15 March - 17 March), then to Budleigh Salterton (20 March), and Sidmouth's Connaught Gardens (21 March).
Rolling cordons will be in place below the cliffs for public safety. In Seaton and Sidmouth, while pathways are closed, diversion signage will be in place.
Newly raised road across the Lower Otter Valley at Budleigh Salterton now open
 South Farm Road across the Lower Otter Valley at Budleigh Salterton. Credit: Lower Otter Restoration Project
The raising of the South Farm Road embankment and 30-metre span bridge has now been completed, following extensive engineering work which started in 2021, as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project.
This project, due to complete later this year, will reconnect the River Otter and its estuary to its floodplain for the first time in over 200 years. The need and benefit of the raised road was clearly demonstrated last November and December when there was extensive flooding to the valley following heavy rain.
Take action on food waste and save money
 Watch the video to learn about our partnership with Fareshare, foodbanks and East Devon community organisations
Across Devon 37,000 tonnes of food is wasted, 79% of which is avoidable. This costs some households up to £800 a year. To mark Food Waste Action Week, Love Food Hate Waste has shared some handy tips and recipe ideas that could save you money.
EDDC works in partnership with FareShare and eight foodbanks and community organisations across East Devon to distribute surplus food to residents. Watch the Food for Thought video on YouTube to find out more.
Free wellbeing walk and Easter wreath making session
Join LED for a wellbeing walk to the Geoneedle to collect some greenery for a free Easter Wreath making session at Ocean Exmouth. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Book your space by emailing kate.hind@devon.gov.uk.
Join Devon's dog lovers and keep your pets’ paws on paths
 Some of the UK’s most endangered birds make their nests on the ground during spring and summer so it’s important not to disturb them when you’re out enjoying walks. Birds such as dartford warbler and nightjar make their nests on or near the ground which means parent birds can be frightened off their nests and eggs can easily be damaged by dogs.
You'll need ID for upcoming elections
If you vote in person you'll need to bring a valid form of ID
Have you heard you'll need to bring along ID if you're voting in person in the upcoming elections? Head to our website to find out more.
Latest news, consultations and newsletters
East Devon District Council hold regular consultations and also produce regular newsletters and news on different topics, in the last week we have issued the following which may be of interest:
Closing soon: Broadclyst's new green space consultation
 Click here, before 20 March, to have your say on 25 acres of land in Broadclyst that'll be transformed into a new nature-rich, accessible green space.
 Council meetings dates
Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place. Any public meetings will be streamed live to the Council’s YouTube channel, and in the event of difficulties these will be streamed on our Facebook page instead.
13 March
14 March
15 March
16 March
17 March
 Recycling news
Did you know that aluminium is the most valuable material we collect from households?
 Please recycle all of your aluminium items including drinks cans, foil, foil trays, aerosols and jar lids. These materials are a valuable resource and can be recycled over and over again.
Making aluminium from virgin ore uses huge amounts of energy. By recycling your aluminium packaging you are helping to reduce energy use and helping fight climate change.
Keep your aluminium in the ‘loop’!
Thank you for recycling.
The Recycling Team
Have you downloaded our free East Devon App yet?
Join over 50,000 people using our smartphone app and get simple personalised collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection.
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 Thelma Hulbert Gallery
Paradise Found: New Visions of the Blackdown Hills
Exhibition opening: Saturday 18 March, 3-5pm
Exhibition featuring works by 36 artists depicting scenes from the Blackdown Hills alongside original works by Robert Bevan and Stanislawa de Karlowska.
RSVP by 15 March to info@thelmahulbert.com to join the opening night, which includes a talk at 4pm with Patrick Baty about Stanisława de Karłowska.
Do you remember seeing winter messages from Devon’s NHS?
 Take just five minutes to fill out this short survey to help the NHS decide how to approach campaigns and marketing next winter to ensure they are reaching people with important messages in the right way.
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 17 March 2023.
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