Vital work to protect the cliffs and beach at Seaton Hole will begin next month, following planning approval for a £1.4 million improvement scheme. 

Josh Tate www.radioexe.co.uk

The work is designed to reduce erosion and lower the risk of cliff falls, helping protect the coastline and nearby homes. 

The project is being managed by a partnership of East Devon District Council and South West Flood and Coastal. 

Work will include adding more large rocks (known as rock armour) at the base of the cliffs, refurbishing and removal of wire baskets filled with stones (gabions) that support the cliff base next to Check House seawall and carrying out repairs to Check House seawall.

These planned improvements are set to strengthen defences between Seaton Hole and West Walk Promenade, making the area safer to the effects of the sea. The scheme is also expected to deliver nearly £5 million in long-term benefits. 

Cllr Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council Portfolio Holder for Environment – Operational, said, “While there may be some minor disruption over the summer, this work is essential. It will make Seaton Hole safer and more accessible for everyone, and help protect properties on the clifftop. 

“Please keep a safe distance from the work area and don’t climb on the rocks or near the cliffs, as they are unstable and pose a serious risk.” 

Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of the Council, added, “This part of the coast has seen repeated landslides and ongoing erosion. It’s vital that we act now to protect local homes and ensure this beautiful area remains safe for future generations.” 

The work is due to be completed by November. 

“South West Water explains pollution discharge off beautiful Devon beaches”

That’s the headline but it looks more like a “description” (burst sewer pipe) than an “explanation” of how and why.

No mention of Susan Davy, who is still in charge, pulling on the Marigolds and leading the clean up from the front. – Owl.

People must not swim off Woolacombe and Combesgate beaches

Alex Driscoll www.devonlive.com

Discharge coming from a burst at a South West Water pumping station has led to a pollution spilling into the sea, making bathing hazardous at some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in North Devon.

The discharge of harmful waste into the sea comes in the week that schools are breaking up for the summer holidays.

The incident has affected the water quality at beaches in Woolacombe and Combesgate, with the Environment Agency (EA) telling people not to bathe in the water.

North Devon Council said that signage was placed on the beaches warning locals and tourists of the incident and the danger to people’s health.

An EA spokesperson said: “Our specialist officers have attended this incident in North Devon to investigate and take samples.

“We have also issued advice against bathing at Combesgate Beach and Woolacombe Village bathing waters.

“We advise that swimmers and beach users stay updated via Swimfo for the latest information.

“Members of the public can report environmental incidents to us via the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.”

South West Water later confirmed that the incident was caused by a burst at the Castlerock Pumping Station, north of Combesgate Beach.

At 9.30pm, Monday, July 21, a burst at the pumping station was identified.

South West Water said: “We are utilising tankers to move flows away from the pumping station to reduce any environmental impact.

“We are very sorry for the disruption while our teams are on-site tonight working around the clock to manage the situation.”

The discharge was stopped at 1am this morning, Tuesday, July 22, but work to repair the burst is ongoing.

South West Water told Devon Live: “The discharge was stopped at 01.00 hours today and our teams are still working hard to fix the main.

“The Environment Agency have issued an alert and we are taking samples to assess water quality.”

It is currently unclear how long it will take for the pollution incident to be resolved.

To keep up with our live blog on the incident, click here.

[He is the one still suspended].

Can Alison Hernandez now claim “closure” over the “one for the price of three” debacle? – Owl

ITV News www.itv.com

The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Will Kerr, who has been suspended from his job for the last two years, has announced he is to stand down.

In a statement issued by the Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez they have said that he will retire by mutual consent.

Mr Kerr has been under investigation in Northern Ireland but has not been charged with any offence.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct in England continues although this is not related to criminal allegations investigated in Northern Ireland that have since been dismissed.

Alison Hernandez said: “Suspension from duty is a neutral act and there is always a presumption of innocence until proved otherwise.

“I have now agreed Mr Kerr’s departure from the force to allow processes for new and stable leadership to take Devon & Cornwall Police forward as this is now in the best interests of all parties.

“I remain frustrated at the amount of time this investigation has taken and the way that cross jurisdictional issues have lengthened the process during separate investigations by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and now the IOPC.

“His departure does not signal guilt, but instead a deep appreciation of the need for Devon & Cornwall Police to move forward with stable leadership from a substantive Chief Constable.”

James Vaughan, who came out of retirement to run the force will continue as Interim Chief Constable until a new recruitment process is complete.

In accordance with police misconduct regulations, the investigations will continue despite Mr Kerr’s departure.

Mr Kerr said: “Having been cleared in relation to what I believe were malicious criminal allegations in Northern Ireland, I have decided that it’s now in the best interests of my family and the Force that I retire as Chief Constable.

“After nearly 36 years of public service, this is not the way I would have chosen to retire but the Force, and communities across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, deserve stable leadership in policing.

“I remain a strong advocate for effective accountability in policing, but that accountability process must be fair, timely and proportionate. Sadly, like too many other officers, that has not been my experience over the past two years.

“I continue to wish all of the highly committed officers and staff in Devon and Cornwall Police well and, despite the personal challenges of the past few years, I remain proud of the value of community-focussed policing, and a firm supporter of the people within its ranks.”