Latest news with #EastDevon
BBC News
8 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Sidmouth coastal defence work pushed back to 2027
The start date for a £21m coastal defence scheme has been pushed back to 2027 due to "various delays", a council has Devon District Council said the project would help protect Sidmouth town and seafront from flooding and erosion for the next 100 project was originally due to begin this year but the council said "a number of factors" had caused delays, including discussions around planning and "various delays due to contractor and staff resources". Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "The team is confident that good planning and teamwork will ensure the project succeeds in protecting Sidmouth's coast." He said they "recognise how important this coastal defence scheme is for the people of Sidmouth"."We're fully committed to moving ahead positively, and we're grateful for the continued support from our community, local councils, and partners," he project, which includes the area between Jacob's Ladder and East Beach, was originally due to begin this August 2024 the council announced delays, saying the project was due to begin in around two years' time.A tendering process is set to begin later in the summer, with the company chosen to carry out the work set to be appointed by the end of the the chosen contractor has been appointed, the project will move onto the design stage, with local residents and stakeholder groups Devon Distict Council is working alongside Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Councils to form the South West Flood and Coastal (SWFC) team.A project board made up of representatives from the council, the Environment Agency and other key partners is also overseeing the delivery of the project and its council said the preferred option for the scheme, chosen following community consultation, is a hybrid one involving breakwaters and increasing the level of shingle on the beach, known as recharging.A "super groyne", which is a barrier going from the beach to the sea, is to be built on East beach or a possible offshore breakwater could be built, which would be designed specifically to retain shingle. The new shared SWFC service would provide sufficient officer and specialist support to this important scheme moving forward, they said plans for a splash wall, which is a secondary coastal defensive wall, was to be re-evaluated and re-considered, following further careful studies."This option will save money in the long run while protecting homes and businesses in the area from floods, risks of rising sea levels, impacts of climate change and erosion for years to come," they project has been funded by the Environment Agency, local councils and community groups.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Second phase of urgent Exmouth sea wall repairs complete
The second phase of urgent repair work to Exmouth's sea wall has been completed, a council has Devon District Council (EDDC) said the "critical phase" of the project involved installing 150m (490ft) of steel sheet piling, extending the defences from the phase one works at the Sideshore Development to the old lifeboat said the combined cost of phase one, completed in 2024, and phase two was £3m, funded by the government and Jung, council portfolio holder for the environment – operational, said it was vital the emergency works were carried out "urgently". Closures lifted The council said the improvements would strengthen the seawall against storm damage and coast erosion, providing vital protection for local homes, businesses, and essential seafront said phase one and two works were timed to take place during the winter months in a bid to "reduce the inconvenience to the absolute minimum".The council said the promenade path, seafront cycle lane and Queen's Drive had all reopened following the works, adding heavy machinery had been removed from the said temporary safety fencing would remain in place around grassed areas until new seed had taken added that phase three, residents' and businesses' feedback would play a "vital role in shaping the final appearance of the seawall".
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Two skydivers die in 'tragic accident' after tandem jump as police launch investigation
Police have launched a probe following the death of two skydivers in a 'tragic accident' which reportedly involved a tandem jump. Emergency services rushed to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield yesterday where the incident is understood to have taken place. A Devon and Cornwall said the force was alerted to the incident at around 1pm on Friday, while confirming an investigation had been launched. A spokesperson said: 'Just after 1pm police were made aware of an incident in East Devon. The incident is being investigated by the relevant authorities.' Robert Gibson, chief executive of the British Skydiving members, said confirmed in a statement that they had been informed of the tragedy. 'Today, Friday 13 June 2025, British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives,' it read. 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident. Once complete, a report - setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations - will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
BBC News
07-06-2025
- BBC News
Explore bats, moths and more at Devon nature events
From twilight bat walks to early morning moth discoveries, nature enthusiasts in East Devon will have the chance to learn more about wildlife in their local area with a number of Wild East Devon programme is "packed with opportunities to get up close with some of the area's wildlife", the East Devon District Council highlights are bat walks at Seaton Wetlands, where participants use detectors to listen for calls from 14 recorded species, including the rare Bechstein's and grey long-eared bats. "From traditional crafts such as willow weaving and spoon carving to immersive wildlife experiences, there's something for everyone," countryside manager James Chubb said. Also new this year are moth and muffin mornings, which will "provide attendees with the chance to discover the beauty of moths and the staggering diversity of species found at Seaton Wetlands", the council Trinity Hill, nightjar walks will guide visitors through dusk landscapes in search of the elusive, ground-nesting nightjar, known for its haunting events include:Willow Garden Owl, Saturday 7 June, Seaton WetlandsSpoon Carving for Beginners, Saturday 14 June, Seaton WetlandsSeaton Wetlands Summer Holiday Club, 4–8 August
BBC News
05-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Seaton Hole: Major cliff protection work brought forward
A massive cliff protection scheme is likely to go ahead this year after a council agreed to bring forward Hole on the south coast has suffered repeated major landslips that have left beach users and coastal homes in Devon District Council said 7,000 tonnes of rock must be delivered by sea to Seaton by September to be able to press ahead with the project before prices go council's cabinet recommended an upfront investment of £673,500 this year to enable the £2.2m scheme to go ahead with a final decision due to be made by full council on 18 June. The council said the decision was "critical to help reduce delays and cost increases".Geoff Jung, cabinet member for environment at East Devon District Council, said: "Approval from council will allow us to push ahead and order the new rock to ensure best value for money now, as delays may result in higher costs being incurred next year."The project included increasing the volume of existing rock armour at the base of the cliffs, upgrading the steel baskets used to hold rocks in place and maintaining the current total cost is expected to be £2.2m and has already been approved by the Environment council said it was confident planning permission would be granted, as no major issues were raised during the pre-application report said there was a "small risk" of not getting planning permission but "in the worst-case scenario" that would result in the council having rock armour for future schemes.
