News in Axminster

Libraries across Devon have been providing vital lifeline services over the past year, including one customer attending an online funeral at the library as he had no computer at home.

While library buildings across the county have had to close on three separate occasions over the last 12 months due to the national lockdown restrictions, the services that they offer have continued to run throughout.

The latest grant scheme for East Devon businesses affected by the national lockdown is now live.

On January 4, the government announced a third national lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest crime figures released by police show there were 48 crimes in the wider Axminster area during December 2020. 

These figures compares to 50 crimes the previous month and 48 - the same figure - in December 2019.

My father was a great bodger. This is not said in a derogatory manner because if he had not been gifted in this way there are many things we would have gone without.

I have already written about the treasured football he reconditioned for my first Christmas in the Nissen hut. The partitions he constructed, the doors he fabricated and the electrical wiring he installed in our converted dwelling. He went on to build garages and various outbuildings wherever we lived. Aesthetically, few of these would have scored highly, but practically they were more than adequate.

As the demand for staycations looks set to soar, Andrewshayes Holiday Park in East Devon is looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the park in the summer.

This year, owners and staff of the family-run business are celebrating for more than one reason. 2021 sees the caravan park mark an impressive 85 years in business and reach the finals of the Devon Tourism Awards.

The number of coronavirus cases confirmed across Devon and Cornwall fell by a third last week, with declines in every region.

A total of 2,327 new cases were confirmed across the two counties last week as the total, the lowest for five weeks with Exeter and Plymouth seeing cases more than halve.

Flood warnings are in place around the Axe Valley area persistent heavy rainfall with more forecast.

Flooding is possible today (Saturday) with heavy overnight rain and more this morning.

Devon's Director of Public Health praised the efforts of residents in adhering to the lockdown restrictions as the infection rate in the county fell to its lowest in a month.

But despite a fall in the number of COVID cases across all age groups, Steve Brown said there are still concerns about the number of positive cases in care homes and some business settings.

Devon's care workers need to be recognised now for their vital contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic by being better valued and rewarded, according to Devon County Council's Cabinet member for Adult Health and Social Care, Councillor Andrew Leadbetter.

More care workers are needed to provide care to older people and those with disabilities or mental health needs.

A virtual quiz night is being held to raise awareness and funds of local mental health charity Arc.

Arc Axminster provides easily accessible, fexible, local counselling and psychotherapy at the heart of the community.