News, events, and festivals - East Devon Residents' Update - Friday, 12 July 2024

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England will be playing against Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 Final on Sunday 14 July at 8pm

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


White bell icon on a red banner

Strategy for economic growth approved in East Devon

Photo of a busy market stall selling cheese

The East Devon economy is improving, with wage levels rising closer to the regional average, but it also has unique challenges, which the new strategy aims to address.


Sign up for East Devon Business updates about grants, opportunities, funding, and training.


Beach users reminded to dispose of barbecues responsibly following bin fire 

Photo of an area in Seaton where a bin fire happened, taped off

East Devon's StreetScene team, who cleaned up fire damage on Seaton's West Walk on Tuesday 2 July, believe the blaze was caused by a barbecue being placed in a general waste bin. A barbecue bin, provided by the council, was available right next to it.

Read more about using barbecues safely on the council's website.


Plan to address financial challenges facing council’s housing service agreed

Photo of bungalows with solar panels on the roof

To ensure high-quality safe homes are provided to East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) tenants, despite financial challenges, a plan has been agreed by the EDDC Cabinet which will now be passed to Full Council for approval.

Inflation and meeting new regulatory standards are some of the factors placing pressure on the housing service’s finances. Repairing, maintaining and making safe its homes is a priority area for the council. This has not been helped by historic underinvestment in the housing service.


National Trust initiatives hope to boost wildlife across the Killerton Estate

Photo of trees, plants and water at the Killerton Estate. Credit National Trust

Credit: National Trust

The Killerton Estate includes 2,500 hectares of ancient woodland, rivers, floodplains, meadows and farmland. Read about the National Trust's initiatives to improve habitats for wildlife, like the Three Rivers Project, in their Nature Recovery newsletter.


Events in East Devon

Celebrate reading, with llamas at the library

Photo of a Peak Hill llama at Morgan Court

Photo from Peak Hill Llamas' visits to East Devon District Council's Community Hubs in June

As part of the summer reading challenge, llamas George and Harry will be visiting Sidmouth Library on Saturday 13 July between 10am - 11am. From June to September, children taking part in ‘Marvellous Makers’ can discover new stories, as well as joining in with free creative activities at local libraries.


Meet Devon and Somerset's Chief Fire Officer

Photo of Gavin Ellis, Devon and Somerset's Chief Fire Officer

Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer. Credit: Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service

Hear from Gavin Ellis about his role and vision for the fire service. On-call firefighter, Charlie, will also discuss her experiences and how she fits being on-call around her life. Join the free online Community Conversations event on Wednesday 17 July, 12pm - 1pm.


Exmouth's free festival returns

Illustration of the world spinning on a finger. The earth is surrounded by musical instruments, planets, musical instruments, aliens, bees, and more

 

A range of art, entertainment and music events will be taking place from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July at venues around the town, including Manor Gardens, The Strand, and Sideshore. To find out more about the schedule, visit the Exmouth Festival website or download the free app.


Fascinating demonstrations planned for upcoming exhibition opening

Cut from the same cloth by Jane Colquhoun - 4 rows/8 columns of dolls in different outfits

© Jane Colquhoun - Cut from the same cloth

Watch artists at work, weaving, knotting, needle felting, and punch needling at the opening of the 'Seam Collective: A Visible Thread' exhibition on Saturday 20 July, between 10am – 5pm.

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


Taste East Devon Festival announces exciting new events for 2024

The farmers, growers, chefs & producers behind the Taste East Devon Food Festival. Photo credit: Becky Craven

The farmers, growers, chefs & producers behind the Taste East Devon Food Festival, left to right: Sophie The PIG-at Combe, John Hammond Ebb Tides, George Dart Darts Farm, Phil David the Butchers at Darts Farm, Salar Brock Lympstone Manor, Michael Caines Lympstone Manor, Patrick McCaig Otter Brewery. Photo credit: Becky Craven

A diverse range of events and activities that cater to all tastes and interests are planned for the Taste East Devon Festival, running from 14 - 22 September. From exclusive dining experiences, cooking courses, tasting evenings and family festival days, to getting hands-on in the apple orchards or getting knee deep harvesting seaweed, there is something for everyone to enjoy.


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


Planning news

Follow the links to discover recent East Devon planning applications (5 July and 12 July) and decisions (5 July and 12 July).

Does your neighbourhood have a plan?

Photo of a row of new homes

Neighbourhood plans are a way for communities to have a say in future developments where they live.

In the recent Local Plan consultation, 170 comments were received about the calculations for housing numbers in neighbourhood areas up until 2040. The council will analyse and use the feedback to inform officers' final recommendations.

Find out if where you live has a plan, and what stage it is at, by visiting the council's Neighbourhood Plans webpages.


Outdoor ping pong arrives in Gittisham

Collage of photos of the Gittisham ping pong table in action. Group photo of Bill Griffiths, Nick Chapman, Alasdair Bruce and Hamish Hall

Group photo of (left to right) Bill Griffiths, Nick Chapman, Councillor Alasdair Bruce and Hamish Hall

The purchase of an outdoor ping pong table in Gittisham’s play area has been made possible by developer contributions, managed by East Devon District Council. Gittisham Parish Council carried out a public consultation in May 2021, which found that outdoor table tennis was the most popular requested addition to the play area.

Local East Devon District Councillor Alasdair Bruce joined members of the parish council for the inaugural table tennis match, as part of the village's annual Father’s Day barbecue.


Council meetings dates

Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place:

You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.


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

Have you downloaded our free East Devon App yet?

Join more than 70,000 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.



Next edition

We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday, 19 July 2024

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