News in Sidmouth

Like all other forces throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, police in Sidmouth now have dispersal powers to help ensure everyone adheres to the social distancing guidance laid out by the Government and Public Health England.

These powers have been granted under the Health Regulations 2020 and came into effect yesterday (March 26).

Starting today, Sainsbury's in Ottery St Mary has begun limiting the number of people allowed in stores and at ATMs at any one time.

The supermarket is also urging customers to shop for their elderly, disabled and vulnerable relatives in a bid to ease the pressure on delivery services.

This evening (Thursday 26) at 8pm the people of Sidmouth and across the UK are asked to collectively clap as a show of support for those putting their lives at risk to protect our health.

The Clap For Our Carers campaign has been gaining momentum on social media and has been backed by big name celebrities, Harry and Megan and David and Victoria Beckham.

Sidmouth residents are being invited to join a new WhatsApp group set up by the Government to provide trustworthy information on the coronavirus pandemic.

The new free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), and will further reduce the burden on NHS services.

Devon Trading Standards Service has issued a warning to Sidmouth residents and businesses to be aware of fraudsters who are trying to exploit fear and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.

The outbreak of coronavirus has seen an increase in scams that include counterfeit medical kits that claim to prevent or cure the disease and fake online coronavirus resources which can contain damaging software.

Plans for the siting of a wheeled gypsy wagon to be used as a holiday let or for labour to assist in the running of a vineyard near Sidmouth have been revealed.

The scheme for the Vineyard, off Knapps Lane, Harpford, near Sidmouth, would see the wagon/woodman's hut serve as a dual purpose venture.

In an effort to help our readers who have lost their jobs due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have compiled a list of jobs currently hiring in and around Sidmouth to give you a helping hand in your job hunt!

Grounds Maintenance Operative – Sidmouth

The role of Sid Valley Radio in keeping communications going across The Sid Valley has never been more vital.

Over the coming weeks, your local radio station will become even more important as a source for news and information to families, businesses and individuals adapting to new ways of living and working.

Sidmouth hypnotherapist, Deborah Pearce, is adapting her practice under the current social distancing measures by delivering therapy sessions over the internet.

Deborah said: "Online hypnotherapy is a well-established, tried and tested method of delivering therapy remotely. Many of my colleagues have integrated online therapy into their service to clients in recent years.

The Government has announced this morning that MOT tests are to be suspended for six months - though it will not come into force until March 30.

Vehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, enabling them to continue to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be done from home, or shop for necessities.