News in Axminster

EAST Devon District Council will have to "fight for survival" in the coming years with COVID-19 having already created a large hole in its finances.

That's the view of Axminster councillor Andrew Moulding, leader of the Conservative group on the council.

Axminster firefighters were called to a hedge fire which had spread to a property in Heath Common, Membury, yesterday evening.

The crew were called just after 7pm and one appliance attended the incident. On arrival crews confirmed the hedge well alight and got to work with two hose reel jets to put the fire out.

The chairman of East Devon District Council, Cllr Stuart Hughes, has resigned from the role, claiming attempts to blame him for the unceremonious break-up of an extraordinary meeting of the council as the "final straw".

The meeting was being streamed live on YouTube when it was taken down for breaking the site's regulations, as one member of the council swore.

New East Devon District Council Leader Cllr Paul Arnott promises a new approach to bring stability for all its residents.

EDDC has a new administration following an extraordinary meeting.

Axminster was one of five crews to attend a fire in Ilminster in which affected four houses and three garages.

Fire engines from Chard and Ilminster were called to the scene at Bushs Orchard, Ilminster, at 4pm on Saturday, May 30th. They later requested assistance from Axminster, Martock and Crewkerne stations.

Devon & Cornwall Police have issued 989 fixed penalty notices to those breaking lockdown rules over the past two months.

The figures are for the period of April 1 to May 28 and almost a quarter of the penalties were issued to people from outside the force area.

AXMINSTER Football Club has announced the appointment of a manager for their reformed Reserve team.

The Tigers did not run a second X1 last season but are planning to enter a side in the Devon & Exeter League in the 2020-21 campaign.

Motorists are being warned to beware of thieves operating at local beauty spots as lockdown eases.

Police officers say there has been an increase in thefts from parked vehicles during the last two weeks as more people are taking to the great outdoors.

EAST Devon district councillors reconvened this morning to complete the election of a new leader and deputy leader after last's night extraordinary meeting was abandoned "due to technical issues".

As councillors were casting their votes, the meeting, being streamed live on YouTube, was suspended for violating the site's terms and conditions after a councillor used a profanity which was not muted.

CONFUSION surrounds the election of a new leader for East Devon District Council tonight, which was taking place via video conferencing.

The meeting, being streamed live on YouTube, was suspended for violating the site's terms and conditions after a councillor is alleged to have used a profanity which was not muted.