News in Sidmouth

Every donkey has their own quirky character, so keeping the peace among the 230-strong herd here in Sidmouth is no mean feat. Thankfully, we have our own 'Donkey Supernanny' on hand to keep the herd happy.

Anyone who's ever planned a wedding will know that the seating plan is one of the biggest head-scratchers of the whole event. Who gets on with whom? Where do the kids go? What's Nan going to eat?

Earlier today, Wednesday 25 September, the body of a man was located in Seaton.

Emergency services including HM Coastguard attended and he was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man who has gone missing in East Devon.

Police have issued the following statement: "William Fowles who is 18-year-old and from Exeter, was last seen in the Beer area of Seaton at around 9:30pm last night (Tuesday 24 September).

The Donkey Sanctuary's Family Food Fair is back on 12 October, promising a day for foodies and families alike.

The annual event celebrates some of the best food and drink the region has to offer, with a focus on inspiring children to get cooking.

East Devon District Council has proposed to raise car-parking tariffs by up to 50 per cent at 'high demand' car parks across East Devon.

This includes Temple Street car park and Blackmore Gardens car park in Sidmouth.

After three years in the making and a hard fought campaign to generate awareness - the Sid Valley Neighbourhood plan has triumphed in yesterday's referendum.

An affirmative 90% of voters marked 'yes' to the question: "Do you want East Devon District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Sid Valley (Sidmouth) to help determine planning applications in the neighbourhood area?"

McShaw Optometrists have received a national award at the annual SightCare Conference, which was held at The International Centre in Telford on Monday 23.

The Sidmouth optometrists walked away with the 'Moment of the Year' award, as a result of an event held at the premises in November of last year.

Sidmouth Town Band took part in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham last weekend and were thrilled to be awarded third prize, in a competition involving the best Second Section bands from England, Wales and Scotland. 

The band qualified for the national finals after winning the West of England Second Section area championship in March.

Tension is growing in the town after a makeshift wall was erected on Sidmouth seafront - allegedly demonstrating the 'proposed height of the wall' that could be installed as a flood defence on Sidmouth seafront.

The idea is currently being discussed by the Town Council as a way of protecting Sidmouth from environmental factors, such as flooding and rising sea levels.

It is the final few weeks to apply for 'Renovate Don't Relocate' - a television programme which gives homeowners the opportunity to transform a premises, instead of moving elsewhere.

They are looking for homeowners in the South and South West of England who wish to participate in an upcoming series.