News in Seaton

The majority of Devon MPs have backed the post-Brexit deal with the European Union, saying it "takes back control of our laws, borders, money and trade".

MPs voted to pass the bill, approving the trade and cooperation agreement with the EU, by 521 votes to 73 – a majority of 448 – in the House of Commons just before the New Year.

Seaton and Colyton patients who received their COVID-19 jab before Christmas will be getting their second vaccination as scheduled this week, despite national news stories reporting that they may be delayed.

Recipients of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine had previously been told there would be a three-week gap between doses, with many already booked in for their second jab.

Government proposals to change the number of homes that must be built in East Devon from 928 to 1,614 every year have been shelved.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has welcomed the news after raising concerns with the proposals to change the government quota for the number of properties to be annually constructed in each local authority area.

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown in response to rising case numbers across the UK, to take affect today (Tuesday).

In his address to the nation last night, Boris Johnson instructed people to stay at home and only to leave their house for essential reasons, such as shopping, working (if not possible to work from home), exercise, medical assistance, and to escape domestic abuse at home.

Graffiti vandals left two emergency vehicles out of action after targeting Seaton Police Station over Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Officers are now appealing for information following a spate of criminal damage.

A total of 12 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in Seaton between March and November, according to new figures released by the Office of National Statistics.

Seven COVID-19 related deaths were recorded in Seaton in April, three in May, one in June, and one in August, comparing to 118 deaths due to other causes over the nine-month period.

Beer Coastguards had a busy year during 2020, having been called to duty on more than 130 occasions.

The coastguard team responded to 77 calls for help, as well as providing mutual aid 27 times for Devon & Cornwall Police, and completing 30 safety patrols.

Axe Valley Academy has announced its plans for the return of students amid heightened national concern over the coronavirus pandemic.

The school will be closed tomorrow (Monday, January 4) to all pupils, with only critical worker, vulnerable and ECHP children returning later this week.

Coastguards were called to Seaton after a Chinese lantern was set off on New Year's Eve.

Beer Coastguards were called to a report of a red flare off Seaton beach at 6.39pm yesterday (Thursday). Solent coastguard put out a call to any vessels in the area, but no sightings were reported.

Devon's move into Tier 3 restrictions has left local leaders disappointed, but they felt it was inevitable.

The government reviewed the tier restrictions yesterday (Wednesday) and Devon has now moved up to Tier 3.