 Exmouth Second World War device update
 This morning (Friday 16 January 2026), Devon & Cornwall Police lifted all cordons which had been in place in Exmouth. This device disposal was successfully carried out at high tide, at around 5am today and the cordon was lifted shortly afterwards. This operation is now complete, and residents are free to return to their homes and continue with their daily lives.
East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, and partners worked together to advise many thousands of residents who were temporarily displaced by a cordon which was put in place after the device was discovered on Wednesday afternoon.
Exmouth Leisure Centre was established as a reception centre and hotel rooms booked for residents who were unable to find accommodation with friends and family.
Last night the cordon was extended, ahead of the operation by the 29 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Group, to move the device to sea and dispose of it safely. The cordon extension temporarily displaced people from an additional 500 homes. Staff from both councils worked throughout the night to support residents.
The frequently asked questions page has been updated following the lifting of the cordon, with information about things like recycling and waste collections, and parking enforcement.
Leader of East Devon District Council expresses his gratitude to the people of Exmouth
 Minutes before the bomb was detonated, Councillor Paul Arnott thanked "the people of Exmouth and how they’ve responded, the patience, the kindness, the collaboration..."
Temporary closures of two car parks
Foxholes car park in Exmouth
Resurfacing works will take place from the week commencing Monday 19 January 2026 for approximately two weeks. During this time, the car park will be closed, but Fortes Café and the public toilets will remain open as usual. For alternative parking nearby, Maer Road Car Park is available.
Canaan Way car park in Ottery St Mary
Resurfacing works will take place from the week commencing Monday 26 January for around two weeks.
Maintenance to East Devon District Council websites on Saturday
Please note that East Devon District Council's websites will be unavailable on Saturday 31 January 2026 between 9am to 6pm due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your patience whilst this essential work is completed. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
 Do you squash your aluminium recycling?
Be a super recycler and squash your small pieces of aluminium foil into a larger ball. This helps the plant in our depot separate out aluminium foil to make sure we can recycle all of it. Aluminium is the most valuable material we collect at kerb-side and it can be recycled over and over again. Metal recycles forever!
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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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 Creative workshops for young people
 To start 2026, Thelma Hulbert Gallery is offering two art sessions to inspire young people:
Youth Art Network session (16 - 25 years) - Tuesday 27 January, 5pm - 7pm
We will explore sticker designs with professional artists: LOW PROFILE. THG's Youth Network meets once a month to learn new skills with free workshops and get involved with contemporary art including curating exhibitions. To join, contact info@thelmahulbert.com.
Youth Workshop (16 - 25 years) - Saturday 31 January, drop-in 11am - 3pm
Come along to have a go at heat/dye transfer processes and create patterns onto fabric. Open to all abilities. Free drop in, booking required. Book here.
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
 Grants fund for voluntary community projects and buildings
Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise organisations are encouraged to apply for grant funding for small community projects across East Devon, and community buildings in rural areas. Applications open soon and the council will issue further information on Monday 19 January 2026.
 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 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.
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Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 23 January 2026.
Please forward this email to anyone you think would find it useful and encourage them to sign up.
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