Storm Austen: severe weather update
Over the last couple of days, East Devon has experienced the first storm of the season. This follows a record-breaking summer of heatwaves, which our area is still recovering from.
Storm gates at Exmouth and Sidmouth were closed and fallen trees on council land are being dealt with when conditions are safe. Details of who to contact about fallen trees can be found on the council website.
Preparing for severe weather
It's that time of year when bad weather and winter illnesses become more likely, so it's always a good idea to be stocked up with extra supplies, just in case. The Government's Be Ready campaign has a checklist and advice that you may find helpful.Ā
Here are some simple steps that you can take:Ā
- follow the County Council's Devon Alert social media pages for highways updates
- charge up a power pack for your phone, and have a torch nearby
- take a note of the numbers 0800 6783 105 and 105, which you can use to report a power cut
- check in on anyone who is vulnerable or may need extra support
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sign up to the Priority Services Register, if you require additional support in the event of disruption to utilities
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Comment on future devolution arrangements
Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority and Plymouth City Council are hosting a consultation about future devolution arrangements.
The proposals include a directly elected Mayor representing the area and helping to secure greater powers, funding, and investment from Government for skills, transport, housing, and economic growth.
They're also seeking views on Plymouth becoming a full member of the Authority, joining Devon and Torbay as an equal partner in decision-making. The proposals would not merge councils, change council boundaries, or affect local services, and are separate from local government reorganisation.
If you'd like to share your thoughts, take part before the deadline of Wednesday 28 October 2026.
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Community grants making a difference
 Left: Devon Healing Horsemanship. Top: Escot Village Hall. Bottom: Axewoods Co-op
The Community Grant Fund is an East Devon District Council funding scheme available for voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises providing support to East Devon residents. We're happy to update you on the positive impact of this grant funding for our communities and we will be sharing further updates from the other recipients.
Devon Healing Horsemanship provided 15 hours of specialist therapy sessions for six families. These have been effective, helping attendees regulate their emotions, and become calmer.
Grant funding meant that urgent interior and exterior structural wall repairs could be carried out at Escot Village Hall. The rotten door was also replaced. These changes have made this valued community space safer and more welcoming for residents.
Axewoods Co-op run forest schools and help address fuel poverty through a local log bank. They received funding towards a tracked barrow and volunteer training. This has helped them manage woodlands, and made it easier to carry logs.
Applications for the second round of East Devon's grant funding are open until 5pm on Monday 26 October 2026.
New pump track coming to Exmouth's Phear Park
Work to install a new pump track alongside the ongoing play area improvements is scheduled to begin on Monday 26 October 2026.
The area northeast of the skate park will be fenced off for approximately seven weeks while work carried out. There will be construction activity in the park, with access for the pump track works from the northeast and further construction movements from the southwest as play area improvements continue. Disruption will be kept to a minimum through coordinated deliveries and site management.
The work is weather dependent, and we'll share further updates on progress and reopening arrangements. Thank you for your patience while these improvements take place.
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More than 600 bulbs planted in memory of loved ones at Connaught Gardens
 Thanks to everyone who attended the memorial bulb planting event in Sidmouth on Thursday 22 October. With your help, a variety of alliums, narcissus, and tulips were planted, and we look forward to seeing these bloom.
Sponsor a seat at Manor Pavilion Theatre
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