News in Axminster

Axminster Care Service has announced the closure of the Axminster Senior Citizens Centre in Church Street.

In a statement issued today, ACS said the decision had been made with great reluctance and the centre in the Old Police Station complex would close on November 30th.

The leader of Devon County Council has thanked residents for responding positively to the national lockdown restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and prevent local hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

The latest figures from Devon County Council show high levels of compliance with the restrictions, with movement on the roads down 30 to 40 per cent, and a fall in the numbers of people using public transport.

Millers Farm Shop in Kilmington, near Axminster, is bringing some festive cheer to customers having opened its Christmas Room.

The popular farm shop opens a dedicated room for all things Christmas every year but manager Olivia Miller said that staff had made an effort this year to make it even more special at a time when some festive joy was much-needed.

An Axminster couple have launched a business dubbed 'the lockdown pet food experts' and are hoping to grow their new venture despite the restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nigel and Sally Bragg of Axminster launched Oscar Pet Food Bridport - a pet food delivery service - in February, just before the first lockdown.

I continue my memories of the characters of Axminster by considering our roads, lanes and landmarks which have been named after well-renowned personnel in Axminster.

SHAND PARK – named after the Shand family, whose engineering company was based in the Midlands and was founded by James Henry Shand – hence the "JHS" signs depicted in the wrought ironwork, which still remains on the side of the footway leading into town on Anchor Hill.

The Coronavirus Community Food Fund from East Devon District Council, and the COVID-19 Fund, a joint grants scheme from the district council and Devon County Council, have been re-opened to new applications.

Coronavirus Community Food Fund

East Devon District Council wants to make sure that its most vulnerable residents know where to come for help during lockdown.

The government is sending a letter to clinically extremely vulnerable residents where they will get guidance on what to do during lockdown and asking them to register online so they can request support from their local council.

Axminster Fire Station has warned of flooding in the area.

After heavy rain throughout the day, the fire service has issued a warning with regards to the River Axe (Upper) flooding in the area from Winsham to Axminster, including Chard Junction and Weycroft.

Local charity Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support has won a special award for its beach hut in Lyme Regis, available solely for the use of those affected by cancer and their families.

In conjunction with Millie's Beach Huts, judges at Ipswich-based Ryan's insurance brokers recognised Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support's Mary Anning Beach Hut for bringing invaluable joy and lasting memories to hundreds of people living with cancer in the local area.

A rescue package of nearly three quarters of a million pounds is set to be given to LED Leisure to ensure they can continue to operate gyms and swimming pools following losses incurred by coronavirus lockdowns.

East Devon District Council's Cabinet on Wednesday night heard that the forecasted losses from the implications of COVID-19 meant that, without additional support, LED's operations would not be viable, and would likely lead to closing of the facilities, particularly swimming pools.