East Devon Residents' Update - Friday 11 April 2025

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Text: Residents' Update. Photo of woodlands with a carpet of bluebell flowers. East Devon District Council logo

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


White bell icon on a red banner

Are you ready for the Devon County Council elections?

Your vote is your voice. Vote for the Devon you want to live in. Devon County Council Election Thursday 1 May. Bring photo ID to vote

Time is running out to register to vote for the Devon County Council elections on Thursday 1 May 2025 - the deadline is midnight (Friday 11 April 2025). 

If you're voting in person, you'll need an accepted form of photo ID. If you haven't got ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025.

If you don't want to vote in person, apply for a postal vote before the deadline of 5pm on Monday 14 April 2025. Postal vote will be issued on Tuesday 22 April 2025 to voters who applied from Thursday 3 April 2025 onwards.

If you would like another person to vote on your behalf, register for a proxy vote before 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025.


View of the new seawall at Exmouth from the beach, with construction equipment above

Exmouth seawall repairs: Path due to reopen and traffic lights removed by late April

The finish date for the second phase of urgent works to Exmouth's sea wall has been delayed until late May, after several unforeseen issues.

However, it is hoped the traffic lights on Queens Drive will be removed by the end of April, allowing the promenade path and cycle lane to be reopened at the same time.

In response to community concerns, East Devon District Council is also now taking steps to improve traffic management and provide clearer updates during the ongoing seawall repairs.

Phase two involves installing 150 metres of steel sheet piling to protect Exmouth’s seafront from future storm damage and rising sea levels. These essential upgrades follow severe damage in 2023 and are part of a wider three-phase project to secure the coastline for the next 100 years.

Thank you for your continued patience and support.

Read more about the project and next steps.


Bringing creativity to schools: how the Creative East Devon Fund made a difference

A child holding a printed design above some art equipment

From printmaking to sculpture, seven inspiring arts workshops were delivered at East Devon primary and secondary schools by local arts education charity, Daisi, thanks to support from the Creative East Devon Fund. 254 young people tried out creative processes, building their confidence, and helping them discover new ways to express themselves.

The impact didn’t stop when the workshops ended. Local schools are planning similar workshops, and accessibility improvements. An upcoming initiative will also focus on dance in schools near the River Otter.

Find out more about the Creative East Devon Fund on the Arts & Culture East Devon website.


Events in East Devon

Thelma Hulbert Gallery logo and the exterior of the building

People gathered outside Thelma Hulbert Gallery

Come along to a day of art talks and activities

Hear from fascinating speakers reflecting on the themes of the 'Sensing The Planet' exhibition and enjoy delicious Ethiopian food on sale from Elsie's Habesha Cuisine, on Saturday 12 April 2025.


Art equipment and sketchbooks on a table

Calling 16-25-year-olds!

Young people are invited to Thelma Hulbert Gallery's Youth Group on the last Tuesday of the month in Honiton for free workshops to learn new skills, including curation.

Join artist George Barron to explore branding, identity, and design to create a new look and name for the group, from 5pm - 7pm on Tuesday 29 April 2025. This will be an exciting, creative session. See your ideas brought to life in print and online.

Contact Thelma Hulbert Gallery on 01404 45006 or info@thelmahulbert.com to find out more.

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



Seaton Wetlands hut on the water, with hills in the background

Have you taken part in Seaton Wetlands' Easter Hunt?

Running from 10am - 4pm daily until Monday 21 April 2025, the Easter Hunt is a great way for families to explore the wetlands. Pick up your Easter Hunt checklist and goodie bag from the Discovery Hut for just £3.50. There's a chance to win a prize in the Easter colouring competition too.

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


Community Action Groups Devon logo. Person delivering a presentation at an event

A person stands at a circle of people sat around a table at an event

Be inspired to take action for a sustainable future

Book your place to join the free East Devon SkillShare event at The Beehive in Honiton on Saturday, 24 April 2025, from 9.30am - 4pm.

Learn about regenerative agriculture and biochar (with Blackdown Hills Eco Hub), taking a creative climate response (with Thelma Hulbert Gallery), supporting climate action (with Exmouth Town Council's Climate Officer), running cooperative buying, and social eating initiatives (with Exmouth and District Mushroom Food Network), at workshops throughout the day.


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


Have your say in East Devon's consultations

If you, or someone you know, is unable to complete an online survey, request a paper version, by emailing engagement@eastdevon.gov.uk. Please submit this request at least four days before the consultation closes, so that we receive the responses before the deadline.


Rescue me!

Rescue me. Recycle. Perfume bottle with a face saying not the bin. I could be recycled into a champagne bottle.

Recycle 'Fitz' the perfume bottle (as well as all your empty perfume and aftershave bottles) to give them a new lease of life as brand-new glass bottles. Please put all your glass bottles into your recycling box for collection at the kerbside.


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 residents 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.


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.


You may be interested in



Next edition

We plan to send out our next bulletin on Thursday 17 April 2025.

Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.

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