News in Seaton

Seaton Community Hospital is among among 100 or so practices nationwide starting vaccinations for COVID-19 today.

The appointments have already been booked and patients informed.

There was unanimous agreement from East Devon district councillors last week on the need for rapid action to reduce deprivation and poverty in the area.

During the pandemic, the NHS, local government and local communities have really come together, reshaping their work in an effort to contain the infection and protect the most vulnerable people.

The number of new coronavirus cases confirmed across Devon and Cornwall last week fell below 1,000 for the first time since the start of October.

A total of 869 new cases were confirmed across the two counties – the lowest since the week ending October 2 – with 104 cases confirmed on Friday, the lowest since October 12.

Residents have the chance to shape the county's roadmap to net-zero by taking part in the Interim Devon Carbon Plan Consultation.

The consultation opened this month and gives the public an opportunity to influence Devon's collective response to the global climate emergency and create a healthier, fairer and stronger Devon.

Coronovirus vaccines for the over 80s will be administered next week at Seaton Hospital.

And county councillor Martin Shaw has revealed on his Seaton Matters blog that 91-year-old Ted Gosling, curator of Seaton Museum and Freeman of Seaton, will be the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine, developed in Germany.

Not sure what you should and shouldn't be recycling this Christmas? East Devon District Council has put this handy list together to help you over the festive season.

Every household in the district will soon be receiving a bin hanger with all the information you need over Christmas and New Year.

The A3052 at Colyford is expected to be closed for nine days in the new year, to allow for the relaying of tramline tracks at the level crossing.

The road - a main route between Lyme Regis, Sidmouth and Exeter - will be closed from Monday, January 4 to Tuesday, January 12 to allow Seaton Tramway to remove and replace the tracks and foundations.

More money will be spent on children's services and adult social care in Devon County Council's target budget for next year.

The council's Cabinet on Wednesday unanimously approved a target budget figure that will see spending rise from £542.8million to more than £571million.

East Devon drivers be warned. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched their annual Christmas drink and drug driving campaign which will run until Friday, January 1 2021. 

Officers want to raise awareness of the inherent dangers involved in drink and drug driving by encouraging people to take responsibility for their actions this Christmas.

Work is underway to ensure that the local elections in May 2021 can run smoothly and proceed as usual despite the coronavirus pandemic.

In May, voters will have the chance to go to the polls for Devon County Council elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections and for one third of Exeter City Council, as well as various by-elections across the rest of Devon that have not been held this year due to the pandemic.