News in Axminster

For 400 years many a weary traveller on their way into Devon has taken a pit-stop for refreshment at the Hunters Lodge, a former 16th century coaching inn, conveniently situated at the junction of Lyme Road and the main A35 towards Axminster.

And for many years it's been a favourite watering hole for a meal out, a drink with friends or a venue for family occasions as well as catering for the passing trade on their way to holidaying in the West Country.

With divisions having been finalised and a full programme of fixtures put in place for the cut-down version of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League season, Axminster Cricket Club will be competing against some old foes.

Axminster will be playing in the E East 3 division against Honiton, Ottery St Mary 2nds and Uplyme & Lyme Regis.

As businesses re-open across East Devon, the district council is working constructively and pragmatically to ensure that it supports them through this all-important phase while maintaining a strong focus on public health and supporting livelihoods.

The council wants to help businesses operate legally, taking into consideration such factors as licensing and public safety as well as helping firms be COVID-19 compliant.

As schools close for the summer and the holiday season gets fully underway, the South West is calling on residents and visitors alike to play their part in keeping the region COVID-safe this summer.

Following the opening up of the hospitality and tourist sector two weeks ago, levels of infection and new cases in the South West have continued to remain among the lowest in the country – and the region's leaders paid tribute to the businesses which have opened up for playing their part in keeping the area COVID-safe.

Local arrangements to keep a sharp look out for any potential new outbreaks of coronavirus in Devon, and take swift and decisive action to tackle and contain them when necessary, are now up and running.

Devon's Local Outbreak Engagement Board, known as Team Devon, and the local COVID-19 Health Protection Board met for the first time last week.

Axminster's Heritage Centre is to reopen from Saturday, August 1 providing an appreciation of the area's past for local residents and an added attraction for visiting tourists.

New measures have been introduced to ensure the safety of visitors and volunteers at the heritage centre.

A successful partnership between East Devon District Council and food charity Fareshare South West which has been supporting Axminster residents for two years is now being rolled out in Honiton.

The partnership was set up in September 2018 with food donated by local supermarkets being distributed to East Devon District Council tenants in Axminster who need support. It currently supports 11 households and a total of 30 residents.

Plans have been approved for a new pub in the centre of Axminster – subject to them being able to overcome some safety concerns.

East Devon District Council's planning committee granted permission to allow a vacant shop in the centre of the town to be turned into a micro-pub.

Axminster's popular Community Waffle House is back in business.

Open last April as a non-profit making community interest company, the Waffle House has been a huge success with every penny made going to help the needy of Axminster, especially the isolated and lonely.

Local cricket teams will hear next week how the Devon League plans to run a series of mini-leagues to get the sport up and running again after missing the start of the season due to coronavirus lockdown.

Writing on the Devon League website today, cricket reporter Conrad Sutcliffe said clubs will be told next Monday (July 20) what their fixtures will be in the mini-division programme planned for the cut-down season.