As 2023 draws to a close, we've taken a look back at some of the stories that made the headlines in the Herald over the last 12 months. Here's our round-up of the news from January to June - part two will be published online tomorrow.

In January there was ‘shock, horror and disbelief’ after plans for a 100-acre quarry at Straitgate Farm in Ottery St Mary were given the go-ahead. Aggregate Industries won planning permission after Devon County Council’s refusal was overturned at appeal. A week later we reported that the county council had ruled out an appeal against the granting of permission but would be responsible for enforcing the huge number of planning conditions imposed on the quarrying company.

East Devon District Council opened a consultation on proposals to allow street trading throughout Sidmouth town centre. The town council and Chamber of Commerce said the plans ‘went too far’ and would harm the town’s shops and businesses. In March the district council decided not to change the existing policy.

In February a new children’s play park at the Ham finally opened after two years of delays and setbacks, none of which had been the fault of Sidmouth Town Council which was behind the scheme. The plans were hit by the Covid pandemic and its aftermath, and then, after work finally got under way, by a spell of very wet weather.

In March Teresa Loynd, owner of Woolbrook News, was crowned Sidmouth Rotary Citizen of the Year for  her community work and her support for Ukrainian families settling in Sidmouth.

Sidmouth Herald: In one of the biggest Sidmouth stories of the year, a major fire broke out at the Knowle – the derelict former premises of East Devon District Council. The property went up in flames in early hours of March 30. Smoke could be seen billowing over the town from miles away. The site had been due to be redeveloped into a care home and retirement living accommodation by McCarthy Stone; the company had just submitted its latest designs for the scheme. Police later revealed that the fire was being treated as arson.

May was a very busy month, news-wise. First came the local council elections on May 4, which left East Devon District Council with no group or party in overall control. The Liberal Democrats increased their seats from seven to 18, which included four Independent  councillors who successfully stood as Lib Dems.

May 6 saw the coronation of King Charles III, with street parties and other celebrations held in Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary.

Three days later, torrential rain caused flash flooding in several areas including Newton Poppleford, Tipton St John and parts of Sidmouth. The Environment Agency said the floods in Newton Poppleford had been the worst for 50 years. A  week later, as local residents continued the clear-up operation, two goldfish that had been swept out of a garden pond by the floodwater turned up alive – one was found by Helen Partridge who described seeing a ‘flash of orange’ in a muddy puddle.

Sidmouth Herald: The goldfish, moved to a bucket of clean water to await its ownerIn June Sidmouth had its Coronation Clock installed – nearly a month later than originally planned. The town council had hoped to have it in place on the Esplanade  before the King’s coronation, but the manufacturers were unable to deliver it in time.

Sidmouth Herald: The new clock in place on the Arches Sidmouth’s first ever Biodiversity Festival took place in June – a programme of mainly free events focusing on nature and the environment. It was well supported and was described as ‘wonderful’ by the  Sid Valley Biodiversity Group who had organised it.