 Hello,
In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
Council Leader urges South West Water to stop sewage spills
 In response to a pollution incident in Exmouth, reported at 5.31pm on Wednesday 14 August 2024, Councillor Paul Arnott, East Devon District Council's Leader, has issued a statement:
"In February this year, East Devon District Council (EDDC) formally voted to express "no confidence" in South West Water (SWW). Many incidents both before and after that decision have fully justified the vote, but the major sewage spill at The Maer last night represents an historic new low. Despite multiple reassurances from SWW that they have Exmouth under control, they simply do not. This incident not only impacted our residents but also the tens of thousands of tourists that visit Exmouth.
“Our officers and the Environment Agency attended the site as soon as the spill was reported and took direct action to advise residents and visitors not to bathe in the water. I thank them for their rapid response. Due to the severity of the spill, today we have had to ‘red flag’ bathing until we are satisfied that any sewage has dispersed. We are also closely monitoring the impact on one of our car parks.
“As a council, we are meeting South West Water following the vote of no confidence and the ongoing issues with the company. But I urge them to think about their actions and agree a way forward to ensure this does not happen again.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and will hold South West Water to account.”
New black recycling boxes save taxpayer money
 The Recycling Team at East Devon District Council have received their first batch of black recycling boxes, instead of the usual green boxes. The only difference, apart from the colour, is that the new black boxes cost the council less money. Residents requesting replacement boxes or those moving into new homes will receive a new black recycling box in the weeks ahead.
If you have any questions about recycling and waste, visit East Devon District Council's website.
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Have you downloaded our free East Devon app yet?
Join more than 70,000 people using our smartphone app and get simple personalised recycling and waste 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.
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Need help getting back in employment or training?
 The Honiton Youth and Adult Employment Hub is supported by Devon County Council and East Devon District Council
Visit the new Youth and Adult Employment Hub at The Beehive on Dowell Street in Honiton and have a chat with experienced advisers. They can help you with essential skills for job interviews, CVs, applications, as well as providing you with details of employment and training opportunities.
Find out more on Devon County Council's Skills and employment webpages. To make an appointment, call, or text 07870 543994 or email employmenthub@devon.gov.uk.
Don't miss out on Learn Devon's courses starting in September
 Speak directly with a tutor at a face-to-face enrolment event at The Kennaway Centre in Exmouth. Credit: Learn Devon
Develop your skills, gain a qualification, meet new people, and learn something new. A range of courses and qualifications are starting in September 2024 with Learn Devon, Devon County Council’s adult education provider.
The full programme is available on their website. Book your place for an online or in-person event to hear more.
 Events in East Devon
Seaton Wetlands kick-starts the summer break with a sold-out holiday club
 Last week, the Countryside team hosted Seaton Wetlands' holiday club, offering a week full of exciting activities.
Each day, 12 children aged between seven to 12 years old immersed themselves in a variety of outdoor adventures and wildlife experiences. These activities included pond dipping, bug hunting, dam building, crafts, and the always-popular campfire cooking.
Education Ranger Penny Evans, who planned and led the week-long programme, said:
"At holiday club, children had the chance to spend full days outside, exploring nature, making friends, and most importantly, having fun. Leading the holiday club is always a personal highlight of the Wild East Devon events program, as we see children learn new skills and grow in confidence."
This marks the sixth year the Countryside team has delivered the Seaton Wetlands holiday club, which has become a staple in the Wild East Devon events programme.
Seaton Wetlands is open for visitors throughout the summer, and as well as a busy events programme, families can enjoy taking part in a free summer trail. Trails can be picked up at the Lookout and the Discovery Hut.
Discover more upcoming events on Wild East Devon's website.
Feature in Thelma Hulbert Gallery's craft exhibition
 The Present Makers exhibition will feature hand-crafted gift ideas, showcasing the talent and innovation of contemporary craftspeople and design makers in the South West. It will be on display from Saturday 16 November 2024 until Tuesday 24 December 2024.
Apply before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com
Discover art installations around Sidmouth
 Credit: Sidmouth School of Art and Victoria Goodman
Visit the telephone boxes in Sidmouth's town square to find installations about the suffragettes and suffragists. Learn about powerful work and campaigns led by women, and the legacy of their actions both locally and nationally.
Currently exhibited at the wall space public art gallery overlooking the Ham East carpark is 'View From Peak Hill', an oil painting by local artist Victoria Goodman.
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 Planning applications and decisions
Discover this week's planning applications and decisions by following the links.
 Council meetings dates
Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meeting is taking place:
Tuesday 20 August 2024 - 10am - Planning Committee
You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 Council expands paperless billing options available to ratepayers
Ratepayers can now receive their bill online. Registering is quick and easy and can be done on East Devon District Council’s portal.
 Consultations
Discover more East Devon District Council consultations on the Commonplace website.
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 23 August 2024
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