News in Sidmouth

If you have ever stopped to watch Sidmouth Steppers and Otter Morris dancing out this Summer and thought I fancy trying that - now is the time to give it a go.

The start of practice season is the perfect time to try it out, and you are lucky as there are two local Morris sides.

Elliot Brinklow, 11, from Sidbury has been left feeling 'disheartened' after the accumulation of a summer holiday's hard-work has disappeared, apparently stolen, from the end of his drive.

The objects in question were two beautifully crafted 'scarecrows' - one depicting the much-loved character Mike from 'Monster's Inc.', the other being popular wooden puppet, Pinocchio.

Branscombe Harvest Fair took place on Saturday (14) in the beautiful seaside village of Branscombe.

The event, which is located on the village cricket field, attracted over a thousand visitors who enjoyed a hot, sunny day with lots in the way of entertainment – coupled with quality food and beverages.

The 2019 Sidmouth Science Festival takes place from Friday 4 October to Sunday 13 October.

This year's theme is 'Science in our Lives' - to reflect how important the STEM subjects (science, technology, maths and engineering) are to everything we do nowadays.

After last night's shock announcement that East Devon MP Sir Hugo Swire will step down at the next election Nub News has been trying to find out who will replace him as the Conservative candidate at the next election.

So far there has been no official announcement from the East Devon Conservative Association on who will replace Sir Hugo but there is a clear process laid out by the national Conservative Party for selecting his successor.

Following Hugo Swire's shock announcement last night (Friday 12), that he will not be standing at the next general election (click on the red button below for full story), Sidmouth Nub News contacted the East Devon Conservative Association for comment.

Chairman, Bruce De Saram said: "Hugo has been an excellent MP.

East Devon's Liberal Democrat Party has 'welcomed' an announcement from the area's current Conservative MP that he will be standing down at the next election.

A spokesman for the party said the Liberal Democrats 'are looking forward to the fight' and expect a 'much more open contest'.

Low income families in East Devon could benefit by an estimated £270,000 in extra support towards paying their council tax in a scheme which is currently out to consultation.

East Devon District Council's Cabinet has given the green light to consult on a draft Council Tax Reduction Scheme which proposes to increase the amount of council tax support for low income working age households. Pensioners will not be affected by the proposals.

A new scheme for people aged 55 and over which will help them enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of swimming in open water, is already oversubscribed.

Wild East Devon and LED Community Leisure have joined forces to run swimming sessions to give people the confidence to swim in open water and in the sea.

Independent parliamentary contender Claire Wright has said tonight she 'stands ready to take on the issues' important to people in East Devon after a shock announcement from her long time political opponent East Devon MP Sir Hugo Swire.

In a tweet sent out tonight the MP said he remained a supporter of Boris Johnson but will be standing down at the next General Election.