News in Axminster

The revitalisation of Axminster came under the spotlight at this week's town council meeting, when residents were urged to give their views on the future of their town – and one suggestion being put forward is the pedestrianisation of the town centre.

A virtual public meeting will be held on Monday, March 15 to discuss the Axminster Neighbourhood Plan, East Devon District Council's Adaptation, Innovation and Resilience Project and how the council moves forward with the engagement of the community.

Axminster has the golden opportunity to boost its local economy by embracing the electric car revolution, councillors have been told.

During the public forum session at Monday's meeting of Axminster Town Council, Simon Smith from the Community Waffle House and Ian Styles, managing director of Axminster Property, developers of Axminster's most prominent town centre building, spoke about the opportunities of providing charging points for electric cars.

Over the next few months the former skatepark at Cloakham Lawns will see a much-needed facelift, as Axminster business The Cornerhouse Bakery opens 'The Scone Shack' on the site.

Led by Lee Taylor and Cindy Furse, the bakery has exciting plans to encourage walkers and cyclists, providing them with a tasty treat along the way.

Axminster Drama Club (ADC) has announced its return to the stage with a production of 'Nativity! The Musical'.

As with all other theatre groups, ADC has been away from the stage since February 2020, when it staged 'Blackadder Returns', just a few weeks before the coronavirus pandemic lockdown measures were imposed.

Axminster Town Council has approved a grant of £1,000 for Nourish which provides free meals for those struggling within the Axminster Community.

The service was launched by Karen Taylor who is currently operating from the kitchen facilities at Axminster Guildhall which is owned by the town council.

Looking a new job or career path? Take a look at the Axminster Nub News Jobs section which lists current vacancies in and around the area.

Each week, we will be highlighting a local vacancy and featuring them on our website and social media.

Axminster has a "golden opportunity' to reinvigorate its high street by securing significant government funding, town councillors were told this week.

At Axminster Town Council's monthly meeting by Zoom, former mayor and district councillor Paul Hayward gave a report on government funding that was now available through East Devon District Council.

Families with school-age children are being urged to do all they can to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The call comes as schools and colleges invite all students back this week, with pupils to be regularly tested using rapid, lateral flow tests.

East Devon residents have just a few days left to have their say on the district council's new Local Plan.

So far, hundreds of people have had their say in a public consultation, although there have been few comments from young people, and the council is keen to hear from all groups in the community as the new Local Plan will affect everyone who lives, works and plays in the district.

The Shadow Secretary of State for Education will be answering questions from teachers this week on the quality of education in Devon.

The Devon Labour Party is hosting the virtual event with Kate Green MP on Wednesday, March 17, giving educators across the county the the chance to share their experiences and questions.