 In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
New Cranbrook Leisure Centre project moves to next stage
 Plans to build a new leisure centre in Cranbrook town centre have taken major steps forward, with aims for construction to begin in 2027. This is expected to include a 25-metre pool as well as a learner pool, fitness studio, two studios, spin studio and soft play, supported by a café.
A boost for the water vole population at Seaton Wetlands
 East Devon District Council's Countryside Team, Councillor Richard Jefferies, Axe Vale & District Conservation Society, and Derek Gow Consultancy team
More than 80 water voles were welcomed to Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve on Wednesday 3 September 2025. This marks an exciting new chapter in a conservation journey that began in 2017, when the team first reintroduced this much-loved but elusive species to the wetlands. Recent surveys highlighted the need to give the population a boost, in both numbers and genetics - so this release couldn’t have come at a better time.
Keep in touch with the Countryside Team on Facebook and Instagram.
Fly-tipper fined for illegal waste dumping
A fly-tipper has been fined following two separate incidents of household furniture being illegally dumped in Orchard Car Park in Seaton.
As part of East Devon District Council's investigation, photographic evidence and a witness statement were received from a member of the public, who was able to identify the individual responsible. The council traced the offender and issued a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice.
Waste dumping of this nature is illegal, damages local amenities, and undermines the work of StreetScene staff, who keep public areas clean.
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Scam alert: parking fine text messages
Scammers pretending to be from local authorities have been sending texts claiming that the recipient has an unpaid parking fine. Please note that East Devon District Council doesn’t send text messages about parking fines.
If you’re ever in doubt about whether a message is real, please check with the organisation that you suspect is being impersonated, by contacting them through their official channels. You can report scams by using Action Fraud's online reporting tool, and by forwarding texts to your mobile network provider using the number 7726.
Stay safe, vigilant, and keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of scams like:
- weird phone numbers
- generic greetings
- urgent threats
- bad spelling/grammar
- requests for personal info
- suspicious links or attachments - don’t click on them
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Work scheduled for M5 southbound between Cullompton and Exeter
 National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead, allow extra journey time, and follow signed diversions, rather than sat nav routes, between Monday 15 September to Friday 19 December 2025. Most of this work will take place overnight (8pm - 6am) on weeknights only to reduce disruption during busy daytime hours. For the latest information, check National Highways' daily closures page, and find live travel information on the Traffic England website.
 Events in East Devon
Discover East Devon's history through free Heritage Open Day events
 Credit: Arnhel De Serra - Heritage Open Days
It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free, between Friday 12 - Sunday 21 September 2025. Explore the list of open days, exhibitions, guided tours, and more, to see what is taking place locally.
Explore breathtaking scenery during walking festival
 From Saturday 13 - Friday 19 September 2025, there are five free guided walks each day. See dramatic coastal cliffs and golden beaches, quiet woodland trails, and historic villages. You'll also hear from experienced local guides about the East Devon’s history, wildlife, and landscapes.
Taste East Devon Festival 2025 begins this weekend
 The farmers, growers, chefs, and producers behind the Taste East Devon Food Festival. Left to Right: Sophie (The PIG-at Combe), John Hammond (Ebb Tides), George Dart (Darts Farm), Phil David (the Butchers at Darts Farm), Michael Caines (Lympstone Manor), Patrick McCaig (Otter Brewery). [Photo credit: Becky Craven]
With a packed programme of unique events (from Saturday 13 - Sunday 21 September 2025) hosted by some of the area’s most iconic producers, chefs, and venues, Taste East Devon brings together the region’s rich foodie heritage with fresh new flavours and unforgettable experiences.
Have you got something that needs repairing?
Drop in to a free repair café, run by volunteers, at the Masonic Hall in Seaton, between 10am - 12.30pm on Saturday 13 September 2025.
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Thelma Hulbert Gallery opens two new exhibitions for the autumn
 Frances Williams (CAMP co-director), Gemma Girvan (Thelma Hulbert Gallery curator), Anna Gilroy (CAMP programme and finance coordinator)
More than 120 visitors joined the launch of Thelma Hulbert Gallery's two new free to visit exhibitions (open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm):
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com
Last chance to see Sidmouth Summer Play Festival 2025
 Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are on the case in this fast-paced comedy! In Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, the duo investigates the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville before the legendary hound strikes again. With 5 actors playing over 40 characters, Ludwig’s adaptation is a whirlwind of laughter, mystery, and thrilling plot twists.
Book your place for one of the performances taking place between Monday 15 and Saturday 20 September 2025 from 8pm.
Expert advice for your pooch in Exmouth
 For expert advice, come along to The Strand in Exmouth on Wednesday 17 September 2025, between 10am-2pm. Take advantage of microchipping (cash payments only please), health checks, parasite prevention tips, weight clinics, behaviour and dental advice, plus free services from White Lodge Vets and walking recommendations from Devon Loves Dogs.
It’s the paw-fect day for pets and their owners! Got any questions? Email the Environmental Health team.
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 Active consultations and surveys
If you, or someone you know, is unable to complete an online consultation or 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.
 Council meetings in the week ahead
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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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.
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Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 19 September 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.
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