News in Axminster

The father of Axminster Town Council Douglas Hull died this afternoon (Monday) after a long illness.

A life-long Liberal, Cllr Hull gained a seat on the old Axminster Rural Council representing his home village of Hawkchurch where he was active in the youth club and village hall committee as well as serving on the parish council.

COMMUNITY leaders have welcome news that the government has set up a new £50million fund to support local high streets which have been decimated by coronavirus.

East Devon District Council will receive £130,000 and Cllr Andrew Moulding has assured traders that he will fight for Axminster to get its fair share.

WHEN the coronavirus pandemic broke out Axminster Town Council moved quickly to set up a strategy to support the community.

The council hosted a meeting of community groups with town, district and county councillors in attendance which has led to the formation of ACER (Axminster Community Emergency Response) to support vulnerable residents during the coronavirus crisis.

Coronovirus lockdown is costing Axminster Care Service between £600 and £800 a week – but that has not stopped them providing much-needed funding to local groups and good causes.

ACS is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and since formation in 1986 it has raised tens of thousands of pounds to support numerous charities and local events as well as funding community services.

COUNCILLOR Anni Young has been elected for a second year as Mayor of Axminster.

Councillor Young, who moved to Axminster from London with husband Matt in 1998, has served on the town council since 2015.

East Devon District Council will elect a new leader on Thursday, after Councillor Ben Ingham and his entire Cabinet stood down last week.

The mass resignation came after defections by eight members of the ruling Independent Group – seven to the Independent Progressive Group and one to the Democratic Alliance, a group formed of the East Devon Alliance, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and now three Independents.

Axminster fire brigade is among 24 crews called back to Wareham, in Dorset, as emergency services tackle a forest fire for the sixth day.

The fire at Wareham Forest, affecting 100 hectares of heathland, was sparked on Monday, May 18th and is now believed to have been accidental, after multiple disposable barbecues, campfires and glass bottles were found in the area.