Due to the coronavirus and the impact on volunteers and sponsors, Seaton Cycle Fest was cancelled this year but there is every hope that one of the premier British Cycling-endorsed races in the South West will go ahead in 2021.

Seaton Town Council had agreed to act as principal sponsor of the prestigious race in 2020 and 2021, for £15,000.

Councillors, meeting by video conferencing on Monday, reaffirmed their sponsorship payment of £7,500 for the 2021 event, subject to an agreement with the organisers that any monies will be returned to the council should the event not go ahead by reason of COVID-19 or otherwise.

The event is considered to be one of the best town centre races in the South West, which includes the very challenging Seaton Crit. The 2021 race is scheduled for July 4.

Councillors also agreed to make the following grants to local commercial and good causes: Safe Food Hub - £989 towards the establishment of a community larder; Re:Store Axe Valley CIC - £1,000 towards the provision of Christmas Hampers for families in need, in particular books for children; Monsoon - £399 for shop front improvement; The Bush Hat - £274.50 for shop front improvement.