 In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
East Devon parks win Green Flag Awards for another year of excellence
 Left: Seaton Wetlands. Right: Manor Gardens in Exmouth
New play areas now open
 Left: Carter Avenue play area in Exmouth. Right: Land of Canaan play area in Ottery St Mary
Carter Avenue play area in Exmouth and Land of Canaan play area in Ottery St Mary have been upgraded, providing a great spot for children to enjoy during the summer, and school holidays. Both sites feature a range of exciting new equipment designed to encourage active, outdoor fun for children of all ages.
The grass in the new park may look a little patchy at the moment, but it will grow through the safety surfacing over time. This type of surface is designed to be gentle on the environment and helps with drainage after wet weather - so it’s doing a useful job even if it doesn’t look perfect just yet. Thanks for your patience while the grass settles in.
News about the other upcoming play area openings will be shared in upcoming Residents' Update newsletters, and on East Devon District Council's social media channels.
Updated winter parking offer planned for 2025 - 2026
New simplified winter parking charges will come into place in November after a review of the current winter offer for East Devon District Council (EDDC) car parks. Car park signage, RingGo and car park pay machines will be updated from Saturday 1 November 2025, with the new charges in effect until Tuesday 31 March 2026.
You will be able to park for less than £2 at most of EDDC's car parks for up to two hours and the new charges will increase the availability of spaces in our busiest locations. Free parking will also continue to be offered on Sundays in Axminster, Honiton, and Ottery St Mary.
|
Keep safe around East Devon's cliffs
Following a cliff fall at Budleigh Salterton beach on Saturday 26 July 2025, please avoid the affected area and follow all warning signs, safety barriers and instructions.
Cliff falls are a natural and unpredictable occurrence along the East Devon coast. The cliffs in this area are made of soft rock, which is particularly prone to erosion, rock falls and landslides that can happen at any time—especially following periods of heavy rain or extended dry weather.
The Coastguard advises that people remain at least the height of the cliff away from its base—for example, if a cliff is 20 metres high, a distance of 20 metres should be kept. Do not explore recent cliff falls, as there is a risk of further collapses.
If you suspect someone has been injured in a cliff fall, please call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. Do not attempt to climb or access the site yourself.
Read more about cliff safety on the council website.
|
East Devon District Council welcomes findings from first housing regulatory inspection
The inspection, carried out May - July 2025, assessed the council’s housing operations against four consumer standards. These standards, established by the Regulator of Social Housing, are designed to ensure tenants across the country receive high-quality homes and services.
|
Housing survey sets plan for future investment in East Devon council homes
East Devon District Council has published the results of a comprehensive housing stock condition survey, providing a clear picture of the current condition of its homes, and guiding plans for future maintenance and investment.
|
Events in East Devon
Come along to Sidmouth Folk Festival this week
The week-long (Friday 1 August - Friday 8 August 2025) festival offers a vibrant mix of folk genres and activities.
Whether you're into concerts, social dancing, ceilidhs, workshops or sessions, an unforgettable celebration of the rich diversity of international and traditional folk arts is planned. Come for the week, the weekend, a day or just a single event – lots of ticket options are available on the Sidmouth Folk Festival website.
|
Still Life in Oils Workshop Course
Join artist Gill Burbidge for a four-week course, suitable for beginners or artists developing their practice, exploring oil painting techniques.
- Tuesday 2 September, 5pm - 7pm
- Tuesday 9 September, 5pm - 7pm
- Tuesday 16 September, 5pm - 7pm
- Tuesday 23 Sept, September, 5pm - 7pm
The course costs £120 (£110 THG Friends), including materials and refreshments.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com
|
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
Residents invited to comment on an expanding East Devon town’s governance arrangements
Residents, businesses, and organisations in the surrounding area of Cranbrook are invited to share their thoughts in a review of how their communities can best be governed at the parish level. The review aims to ensure residents feel that the governance arrangements for the affected area, including the parish and town council boundaries and the number of councillors elected to them, are appropriate.
Have your say by the deadline of 5pm on Friday 24 October 2025.
|
Comment on the draft Pavement Licensing Policy
Share your thoughts about the draft policy, that will guide how businesses can place tables, chairs and other furniture on public highways for food and drink service, before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 30 September 2025.
|
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 the response is received before the deadline.
 |
|
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
Cranbrook Placemaking Group will take place from 9.30am on Monday 4 August. You can watch public East Devon District Council meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 You may be interested in
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 8 August 2025.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
You can also share this update on social media and in any online groups you're part of by using the view it as a web page link at the top of the page.
|
