The abandonment of plans for a solid sea wall to combat flooding issues on the seafront has been welcomed by traders.

At a Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce Breakfast event held on Zoom, members considered the latest developments on the district council's beach management plan.

Members agreed to welcome the news that plans for s solid wall have been scrapped and continue its calls for more community involvement in the plan.

A spokesman for the chamber said: "The Chamber is delighted that the solid wall, over a metre in height, previously intended for Sidmouth Esplanade has been abandoned and EDDC are looking at less intrusive alternatives.

"The Chamber also noted that alternative solution and adaptations were also being examined for East Beach, and again welcomed this more flexible and fresh approach.

"The Chamber has long called for these changes and welcomes the more community-focussed line being taken by EDDC."

The chamber breakfast event itself was well attended and included an Q&A session with Dr Mike Slot of Sidmouth Practice.

Dr Slot was able to answer a number of questions from attendees and to describe how the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccine was being undertaken in the area.

At the present time, vaccine is being supplied to Exmouth and is only of the Pfizer variety, which requires storage at very low temperatures.

It is expected that the AstraZenaca jab, which is more easily distributed, will be available shortly.

Dr. Slot explained that the required infrastructure was in place locally to deliver the vaccine, and that the only constraint was one of supply. Sidmouth is lucky to have a delivery team in place, including several retired local doctors who had made themselves available.

Vice Chairman Sally Mynard also gave a brief outline of the grants that are going to become available to businesses in response to the covid economic crisis, which are being managed by EDDC.