East Devon Residents' Update - Thursday 17 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

Have you got ID 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

If you're voting in person for the Devon County Council elections on Thursday 1 May, 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 would like another person to vote on your behalf, register for a proxy vote before 5pm on Wednesday 23 April 2025.



A Lego figure holds a '1 Day Later' sign, next to a green waste wheelie bin.

One day later - Easter Recycling and Waste Collections

If you are due to receive a recycling, refuse, or green waste collection on Good Friday (18 April 2025), please note that your collection will be made on Saturday 19 April 2025.

Read more about the Easter Bank Holiday weekend changes to collection days on the council website, and get notifications about collections through the East Devon App

Usual collection day:

Will be collected on:

Friday 18 April 2025

Saturday 19 April 2025

Monday 21 April 2025

Tuesday 22 April 2025

Tuesday 22 April 2025

Wednesday 23 April 2025

Wednesday 23 April 2025

Thursday 24 April 2025

Thursday 24 April 2025

Friday 25 April 2025

Friday 25 April 2025

Saturday 26 April


Don't forget to recycle this Easter

Rescue me! Recycle. Find out what else you can recycle at recyclenow.com. Toilet roll saying: "Rescue me! I want to come back as an Easter Egg box"

If you recycle your empty Easter egg boxes, there's a good chance they can be transformed into new toilet roll tubes and that's not all. Easter egg boxes, made from recycled cardboard, can be turned into lots of other items, such as cereal boxes, fresh egg boxes and delivery parcels. Remember to recycle those Easter egg boxes.


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.


Events in East Devon

South-West artists invited to apply for Summer Open exhibition

Thelma Hulbert Gallery THG Open 2025 call for entries

Applications are open for the THG Open 2025 exhibition, which will be on display from Saturday 12 July – Saturday 23 August 2025. South West-based artists can enter their work in any media including painting, sculpture, photography, print, drawing, video, mixed and digital media. There is no theme.

Entry for up to two artworks costs £10, or it's free for 18-25-year-olds. There is a Main Prize of £500, an Emerging Artist Prize of £250, and a Visitors’ Choice Prize of £100.

Find out how to apply on Thelma Hulbert Gallery's website, and submit your entries before the deadline of Friday 13 June 2025.


A child interacts with a selection of plants on a tray

Free creative play sessions for under 5's

Thelma Hulbert Gallery invites under 5's and their parents/carers to a fun art session led by artist Laurel Coxon. Activities are play-based and sensory, just bring your imaginations and curiosity. 

It's free (donations welcome) and there is no need to book. These sessions run on the last Friday of every month, with the next one scheduled for 10.30am - 12pm on Friday 25 April 2025.

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


Sand Martins arrive at Seaton Wetlands

Four sand martins come out of two holes in a plank of wood

Sand martins at Seaton Wetlands. Credit: Sue Smith

One of the most eagerly anticipated events for bird enthusiasts is the return of the sand martins each spring.

There's a specially-constructed sand martin cliff next to the pond near Seaton Wetlands' Discovery Hut. Benches around the pond make it a perfect spot for relaxed birdwatching. You can also view a live-feed recording of the sand martins' nest boxes, in the Discovery Hut.


Bluebells

Come along to a celebration of bluebells at Holyford Woods

Join the Countryside Team for a free afternoon of activities including guided walks, children’s crafts, and falconry, between 1pm - 4pm on Saturday 26 April 2025.

Keep in touch with the Countryside team on Facebook and Instagram .


Collage of skateboarders and bmx-ers at Cranbrook skate park

Skate Park Jam in Cranbrook

Get ready for an epic day of scooter, BMX, and skate competitions, thrilling pro demonstrations, and groovy music, on Monday 5 May 2025.

Beginners are welcome. Professional riders and skaters will be offering free coaching from 10am - 12pm —perfect for those looking to learn new tricks or boost their confidence. This will be followed by a community jam from 12pm – 4pm, where you can show off your skating skills. 


Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website or read a guide to exploring East Devon for less this Spring


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.


Illustration of Exmouth geo-needle. Have your say and shape East Devon's future. eastdevon.gov.uk/local-plan

Clarification on South West Water involvement in Local Plan consultation

South West Water has been consulted throughout the development of the Local Plan, contributing feedback at each key stage.

Their full comments on the draft plan are publicly available, and they also submitted a response during the recent Regulation 19 consultation. We are currently reviewing all consultation responses, which will be published in due course.

In addition, we have commissioned consultants to carry out a Water Cycle Study, which includes working with South West Water to assess specific impacts on sewage treatment works. This study has experienced delays due to the need for additional data from South West Water.

South West Water is also routinely consulted on individual planning applications, and their input is regularly received and carefully considered.


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



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