An update on the Covid-19 vaccinations being given to Sidmouth residents, including the imminent availability of the 'Oxford' jab, was among the issues covered at the virtual meeting of the town's Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, January 13. Here's a report of the meeting, by the Chamber's president Richard Eley.

A well-attended Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, conducted by Zoom, included an enlightening Q & A session with Dr Mike Slot, of the Sidmouth Practice. Dr Slot was able to answer a large number of questions from attendees, and to describe how the roll-out of the vaccine was being undertaken in our area.

At the present time, vaccine is being supplied to Exmouth and is only of the Pfizer variety, which requires storage at very low temperatures. It is expected that the AstraZenaca 'Oxford' jab, which is more easily distributed, will be available shortly.

Dr Slot explained that the required infrastructure was in place locally to deliver the vaccine, and that the only constraint was one of supply. Sidmouth is lucky to have a delivery team in place, including several retired local doctors who had made themselves available.

Beach Management Plan

Members then considered the latest developments with the Beach Management Plan. The Chamber is delighted that the solid wall, over a metre in height, previously intended for Sidmouth Esplanade has been abandoned and EDDC are looking at less intrusive alternatives.

The Chamber also noted that alternative solution and adaptations were also being examined for East Beach, and again welcomed this more flexible and fresh approach. The Chamber has long called for these changes and welcomes the more community-focussed line being taken by East Devon District Council (EDDC).

Vice Chairman Sally Mynard then gave a brief outline of the grants that are going to become available to businesses in response to the covid economic crisis, which are being managed by the excellent team at EDDC.