News in Sidmouth

Thousands of NHS patients and visitors in England will soon be able to access free hospital car parking, something already underway at Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary's community hospitals, under a new approach set out by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Currently, NHS trusts are responsible for making their own car parking arrangements, including setting any charges. But the community hospitals in Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary have long insisted that car parking should be free, even if at times, there are complaints about over crowding.

East Devon District Council has begun legal proceedings after the sale of its former Knowle HQ was not completed by the scheduled date.

Lifestory Group Limited (formerly known as Pegasus Life Ltd) were due to complete the purchase of the building in Sidmouth by Wednesday, December 18.

Remember to make a note of the changes to your waste and recycling, plus green waste collection - all detailed below.

Your usual collection day - when you will have your collection

A tree has been stolen from Sidmouth Arboretum, however, the independent association who runs the arboretum has told the culprits to 'look after it' and to perhaps make a donation to cover the cost.

The Norfolk Island Pine was taken from Sidmouth Arboretum earlier this week, prompting the organisation to take to social media to talk directly to the thieves.

Devon County Council is urging people to take care on Sidmouth's roads tomorrow morning (Wednesday 25 December).

The authority's gritters will be out on most of Devon's main gritting routes from around midnight tonight as freezing conditions are expected from around 5am-9am.

Halliwell - Mark, died peacefully in hospital on 16th December 2019, aged 56. Sadly missed by all his friends in Sidmouth.

To see all the latest Sidmouth obituaries and death notices - click the red button below, or the obituaries page located on the menu bar above.

A returning New Year's Eve party in Ottery St Mary will help a family boost the suicide bereavement charity that supported them after the loss of a loved-one.

Gemma Youlden is putting on the December 31 celebration at the town's cricket club for the second time to raise money for Pete's Dragons.

The formal planning application for a flooding prevention scheme to protect 100 homes in Sidmouth and to provide an amphitheatre for public events has been submitted.

Devon County Council's own application for the scheme at the Knowle in Station Road has been revealed, with a grassed amphitheatre with stone steps and feature paving a key feature.

The tradition was started by the late West Hill resident, Betty Williams, who in 2014 attracted national attention with her idea to treat 40 strangers to lunch.

Donations were sent in from across the world, which kept the event running until 2017.

Two people have been injured in a serious collision near Sidmouth today.

Police were called at 11am to Sidbury Mill, Burnt Oak, following reports of a two car crash.