News in Seaton

A new Government Discretionary Grant aimed at supporting small businesses and charities in East Devon was launched yesterday.

Online applications will remain open for two weeks until June 24 on the East Devon website.

The new chairman of East Devon District Council is set to launch legal action against the government over the death of her father in a care home, thought to be caused by COVID-19.

Dr Cathy Gardner's dad Michael Gibson was 88 when he passed away at Cherwood House in Oxfordshire after falling seriously ill.

PLANS have been submitted to create seven new flats at private house Foxford in Fore Street, Seaton.

The proposal would see the existing building, next door to the Kings Arms pub, converted into three flats and a maisonette, with a new communal entrance hall.

After being elected the new chairman of East Devon District Council, Councillor Cathy Gardner admitted that the authority faced a very difficult period and was "in a terrible financial state".

Councillor Gardner, a member of the Independent East Devon Alliance who represents the Sidmouth Town ward, was elected this evening.

Temporary "street cafe" licences are being introduced by Devon County Council to help hospitality businesses re-open in the coming weeks, as coronavirus lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Although a large number of cafes and pubs currently remain closed, many are already planning for when they are able to re-open.

The director of Public Health Devon has explained some of the common misconceptions surrounding the 'R' rate, as it is expected to rise in the South West over the coming days.

The 'R' value, also known as the reproduction rate, is a key metric that helps gauge the rate of the spread of coronavirus, helping the government make decisions on how to ease lockdown.

Seaton residents are being warned by Trading Standards to watch out for scams involving the new NHS Test and Trace service.

The government system, which launched last week, is designed to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by quickly testing people with symptoms and either phoning, texting or emailing whoever they have had close contact with to tell them to isolate for 14 days.

A walking and cycling route between Seaton and Colyford will be completed over the next two years thanks to a cash injection of £600,000.

Devon County Council has approved funding for the Stop Line Way, as part of its Transport Capital Programme for 2020/21 and 2021/22.

East Devon District Council is investing £325,000 on improving four children's play areas in Seaton, Honiton and Exmouth.

Play parks to benefit include Seafield Gardens and Meadway in Seaton, Cherry Close in Honiton, and Brixington in Exmouth.

Seaton Town council is appealing for residents to donate laptop computers and tablets to help reduce social isolation in the community.

At its recent meeting, councillors expressed the desire to build on the tremendous good will and community support demonstrated by local residents and business owners during the pandemic, believing that such community engagement would be integral to the council's work in the future.