News in Sidmouth

Police are warning visitors to Sidmouth beauty spots to remove valuables from their vehicles after a spate of thefts in the locality.

Places that have been targeted include Peak Hill in Sidmouth, Weston, Salcombe Regis, Salcombe Hill and Blackberry Camp.

Eight councillors have defected from the Independent Group who were in charge of East Devon District Council and have formed a new group to plan to take control of the council.

Seven of the group have formed a new Independent Progressive Group while the eighth has joined the Democratic Alliance – a group formed of the East Devon Alliance, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and now three Independents.

Sidmouth's public rights of way and its walking and cycling routes will soon be cleared to help residents with social distancing.

From Monday (May 18) Devon County Council will begin seasonal vegetation cutting on public rights of way across the county.

Twelve fantastic East Devon Coronavirus-related projects have now been funded by the Covid-19 Prompt Action Fund, a joint grants scheme from East Devon District Council and Devon County Council.

Sidmouth Voluntary Services were one of the successful applicants, with the money being used to help pay for a kitchen refurbishment to start making and delivering meals for vulnerable people in the Sid Valley.

Following the Prime Minister's statement at the weekend relaxing some of the 'lockdown' restrictions, East Devon District Council have undertaken a review to see whether it would be possible to re-open any of its toilets across the district.

It is hoped 10 fully-accessible public toilets will reopen by Friday, 22 May.

Plans are in the pipeline to reopen Sidmouth's Coburg Fields outdoor tennis courts 'as soon as possible'. However, it is likely to be for members-only for the foreseeable future.

The Government's coronavirus recovery strategy, published on Monday (11 May), included some relaxation of lockdown restrictions including that people can exercise outside as many times a day as they want - and this includes playing tennis.

Locally-sourced, homemade ice-creams in a range of mouth watering flavours are now being delivered to homes in the Sidmouth area courtesy of a popular, family-run business.

Taste of Sidmouth, which has been shut due to the coronavirus crisis have set up an ice-cream delivery service adapted to comply with Government guidelines.

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!

Learning Disabilities Support Worker – Sidmouth

Sidmouth Recycling Centre was forced to close earlier this week after traffic queuing on the road outside was deemed 'a safety issue'.

Recycling centre users are being asked to delay their visits to prevent dangerous queues on public highways.

Staff and residents at five Sidmouth care homes are tucking into sweet treats thanks to the town's community-spirited Roly's Fudge Pantry.

Business partners Carole Hill and Claire Bleach decided to donate a large quantity of their delicious delights currently languishing on the shop's shelves while the business is closed during lockdown.