Seaton & Colyton MATTERS

My column in the local press has been cancelled

Posted on May 15, 2023

My fortnightly column in the Midweek Herald, Sidmouth Herald and Exmouth Journal has been discontinued. The editors have told me that they have too many political columns – but regular contributions by three Conservative politicians, Simon Jupp MP, Cllr John Hart and police commissioner Alison Hernandez, will continue, while on the other side only Cllr Paul Arnott and occasionally Richard Foord MP remain.

I’m not complaining, but it seems to me that with a General Election approaching where the East Devon seats will be more closely fought than they have been for a generation, the press should be scrupulously maintaining political balance.

I’d like to thank all the readers who’ve given me such positive feedback over the last three years – it’s made it all worthwhile. My apologies to those who thought I wasn’t outspoken enough, and to the gentleman who told me last year that I was too anti-Tory – perhaps now you understand why!

Green Wedge developer, Baker Estates, ditches affordable housing in another development

Posted on May 11, 2023

We said all along you can’t trust developers‘ promises about affordable housing – perhaps Cllr Hartnell will now join the Seaton residents opposing the proposal?

Developer Baker Estates says last year it realised it wouldn’t make financial sense to deliver the project with affordable housing
— Read on http://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/developer-ditches-affordable-housing-south-8397192

Lyme Regis sewage outrage makes the national press

Posted on May 11, 2023

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12072369/amp/Anger-boils-sewage-filled-river-Lyme-Regis-water-boss-forced-turn-bonus.html

Please support families seeking asylum, housed in a hotel near Exeter – Refugee Support Devon

Posted on May 5, 2023

TotalGiving™ – Please support families seeking asylum, housed in a hotel near Exeter. – Refugee Support Devon – Fundraising Page
— Read on www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/hotel

John Heath (Ind) trounces opposition in Beer & Branscombe

Posted on May 5, 2023

eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/east-devon-district-council-results-may-2023/declaration-of-results-for-east-devon-district-council-beer-branscombe-ward-4-may-2023/

Tory group leader on EDDC decisively ousted

Posted on May 5, 2023

eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/east-devon-district-council-results-may-2023/declaration-of-results-for-east-devon-district-council-tale-vale-ward-4-may-2023

Paul Arnott re-elected in Coly Valley

Posted on May 5, 2023

eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/east-devon-district-council-results-may-2023/declaration-of-results-for-east-devon-district-council-coly-valley-ward-4-may-2023/

Clean sweep for Independents wipes put Tories in Axminster

Posted on May 5, 2023

eastdevon.gov.uk/elections-and-registering-to-vote/east-devon-district-council-results-may-2023/

Paddle Out Protest 2023 – Surfers Against Sewage

Posted on May 4, 2023

Shame that the nearest event is Plymouth … maybe some enterprising canoeists might want to do something in Seaton?

Stand with us. Join Surfers Against Sewage on Saturday 20th May for our UK-wide paddle-out protests.
— Read on http://www.sas.org.uk/water-quality/paddle-out-protest-2023/