Residents' Update - Friday, 10 May 2024

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Hello,

In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:

There is also a round-up of events taking place in East Devon this week.


White bell icon on a red banner

News and updates: 


Tracy Hendren confirmed as Chief Executive of East Devon District Council

Portrait photo of East Devon District Council's new Chief Executive Tracy Hendren

Following an extensive recruitment process, Tracy emerged as the preferred candidate to lead the council into a new era. With more than two decades of experience in local and national government, and a proven track record of effective leadership.


East Devon District Council cabinet announced for 2024/25

At Annual Council on Wednesday 8 May, Councillor Paul Arnott was re-elected Leader, and he announced his new cabinet for the forthcoming year:

Councillor Paula Fernley and Councillor Charlotte Fitzgerald were appointed Assistant Portfolio Holders Coast, Country and Environment, and Councillor Richard Jefferies was appointed Assistant Portfolio Holder Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism.

Councillors elected Councillor Eleanor Rylance Chair of the Council and Councillor Eileen Wragg Vice Chair of the Council.


Major milestone reached for Exmouth seawall project

Photo of the sheet piles installed along Exmouth seafront

Work to repair and improve Exmouth's coastal defences is progressing well, with the installation of the steel sheet pile wall by Sideshore completed on Thursday, 8 May. The new wall goes much deeper than what it replaces, and will provide stronger, more effective protection from storms.

A big thanks to the engineering team for their hard work, as well as to residents, visitors and businesses for your patience through this noisy phase of construction. Businesses along the seafront remain open and look forward to your visit.

Work is ongoing and East Devon District Council will continue to provide updates, such as about the aesthetic finish of the new wall.


Record numbers of visitors flock to East Devon’s top wildlife haven

Photo of visitors enjoying Seaton Wetlands

Easter saw unprecedented numbers of visits to Seaton Wetlands. More than 7000 visits were recorded during the 2024 Easter holidays, a significant increase from the same period for 2023.

Keep in touch with the Wild East Devon team on Facebook and Instagram.


Access improved for all on Seaton seafront

Photos of Seaton's beach matting

Beach matting has been installed in Seaton as part of a project to make East Devon's pebbly beaches more accessible for residents and visitors, such as wheelchair and mobility scooter users. 


Do you have any old, worn out, small electrical items that are beyond repair?

Photo of a box of electricals underneath a bed

If you do, and you can fit them inside your recycling box, East Devon's Recycling and Waste team can collect them from the kerb-side. 

Small electrical items include most products that have a plug or need a battery. The valuable components within the electrical items are stripped out and recycled. 

Visit the council's website for an A to Z of what you can recycle.


Hand holding phone with 'get the app' text on the screen

Have you downloaded our free East Devon App yet?

Join more than 60,000 people using our smartphone app and get simple personalised collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection. You can download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.


Events in East Devon

Last chance to see Thelma Hulbert Gallery's current exhibitions

Photo of a person looking at paintings at the South West Academy Exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery

The “very high quality”, “thought-provoking and fun”, South West Academy and The Glow of Hours exhibitions are on display until Saturday 11 May. The gallery is open from 10am until 5pm.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com


Branscombe's Manor Mill reopens

The Manor Mill at Branscombe © National Trust Images / Eric McDonald

The Manor Mill at Branscombe © National Trust Images / Eric McDonald

For the first time in five years, Branscombe's Manor Mill will be opening its doors to the public for free on Saturday, 11 May, from 1pm until 4pm.

The National Trust is on the lookout for help from volunteers with running the mill and engaging with visitors on what makes it such a special place. To express interest in volunteering, either email branscombe@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01297 680507.


Community barbecue in Colyton

Photo of three people twirling ribbons in a park

Credit: Ihor Andriienko

Families are invited to bring along a picnic blanket, enjoy a barbecue, outdoor activities and games, at Colyton Sports Pavilion, from 3pm - 6pm on Wednesday, 15 May.

There will be stalls with representatives from organisations including Citizens Advice East Devon, Exeter Community Energy, Restore Seaton, and East Devon District Council (EDDC), who will be chatting with attendees about the support that they offer.

This event was organised by EDDC's Community Development team.


Free sustainable festival returns to Sidmouth

Photo of crowds of people at Sidmouth Seafest

Credit: Charlie Fawell

A free fun-filled day and evening for all ages with live music, arts, crafts, dance, DJs, comedy show, food, bar and lots more will be taking place on Saturday 18 May from 10am to 10.30pm.

Get your tickets for the Friday Night Fundraiser, including a fantastic line-up of bands, DJs, food stalls, and one of the best dance bands in the South West, to help support the costs of the free event.


Enjoy the outdoors with Naturally Healthy May

Photo of a parent and a child in woodland. Naturally Healthy May

Credit: Active Devon

Active Devon and Devon Local Nature Partnership are sharing ideas of places to walk, wheel and cycle, as well as places to breathe in, get fresh air, and spot wildlife. To find events near you, visit Devon Connect.


Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website


Communities invited to a free session about creating an emergency plan

Flood sign next to a flooded road

This free two-hour session from the Devon Community Resilience Forum will help your community put together an emergency plan, setting out the response to incidents such as severe weather or flooding.

Come along to the Royal British Legion Clubhouse in West Hill on Tuesday, 14 May, from 2pm - 4pm. Book your place online or by calling 01392 248919.


You may also be interested in the Environment Agency's virtual flood warden, and signing-up for weather warnings and flood alerts.


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