News in Honiton

A group set up two months ago to tidy up the 'shocking' amount of litter in and around Honiton has grown to 200 members – and is stepping up its fight to clean up public spaces.

Individual members are looking after the streets near their homes, along with nearby children's play areas, and the group has carried out larger-scale clear-ups in places where the problem is particularly bad.

To celebrate Bluebell Week this week, East Devon District Council has launched a photo competition to find the best spring photographs of 2021.

It could be photos of landscapes, wild flowers or wildlife you have spotted this spring.

A new campaign, 'Naturally Healthy May', will encourage Devon residents to enjoy the great outdoors and improve their wellbeing.

Active Devon, a community-focused non-profit organisation, will be working with Devon County Council on behalf of the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to share ideas on social media of new ways for people to stay healthy and have fun outside.

A national motorbike safety campaign, 'Think Bike Week', is being promoted locally by Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The campaign, taking place in the week up to May 3, emphasises the importance of wearing appropriate protective clothing, and keeping bikes properly maintained.

A man wanted by police following a reported assault may be in the East Devon area.

Jack Reid, 25, is from Tiverton, but officers think he may be 'sofa-surfing' in this part of the county, and closer to home in Mid Devon.

Home Instead Exeter and East Devon's newly launched live-in care service means that clients have the option of receiving full-time care within their own home.

Day and night, elderly people will have the same CAREGiver with them to perform the tasks that they need help with, whether that's support with mobility or cooking and housework. The CAREGiver has their assigned working hours, but is there at all times in case an emergency arises.

After shops and other businesses across East Devon reopened last week, it became clear that many traders still have questions about the measures they need to take to be Covid-secure.

The district council's Covid compliance officers have been visiting high streets to help businesses keep themselves, and their customers, safe.

The impact of ash dieback in Devon, and the work of communities to replace lost trees, is the subject of an online photo exhibition, launched today (Monday, April 26).

It's been estimated that Devon will lose 90 per cent of its 1.9 million ash trees to the deadly fungal disease, but the Saving Devon's Treescape project aims to replace them.

Three rainbow coloured benches have been installed in locations around Honiton, as a tribute to all members of the community who have supported each other in one way or another through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The benches were commissioned by Honiton Hospital & Community League of Friends, whose main work has been put on hold due to current circumstances.

Honiton Carers Support Group met outdoors yesterday for the first time since lockdown.

26 carers attended The Kitchen at Combe Garden Centre for a coffee and a chat.