Costa coffee given green light for sign. Read this and more news

CARNIVAL JUMBLE: Carnival followers are asked to rummage through their unwanted clothes and donate them to help Sid Vale Carnival Club raise money for next year’s float. Secretary Marion Perry is keen to hear from anyone with articles she can have for her jumble sale at Sidford social hall from 10am on Saturday, October 1. Call her on (01395) 514244 if you can help.

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CANCER RESEARCH: Volunteers have come forward to boost a Sidmouth charity shop and help with sorting donated items to sell – but more are still needed. Sharon Lupu, manager of Cancer Research UK in Fore Street, issued a plea for help in the Herald after she had to close the shop on Sundays recently because of lack of staff. A couple of people have since come forward, but other new recruits are being sought. Sharon would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a shop volunteer on (01395) 577203.

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PILOT SCHEME: Devon has been selected as one of 20 areas that will implement a ‘radical’ new approach to services for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Government has listed the county council among 31 local authorities and their Primary Care Trust (PCT) partners chosen to pilot its ambition to create a system that provides children and young people with individual education, health and care plans from birth to the age of 25. The initiative has been described as a ‘radically different system’ that supports better life outcomes for young people, gives parents more confidence through greater control, and transfers power to frontline professionals and local communities. Up to �150,000 per local authority will be handed out each year.

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CHIMNEY RISK: Looming autumn evenings and cooler nights have sparked an open fire safety warning. As part of Chimney Fire Safety Week, which ends on Sunday, Devon’s fire service reminded householders in Sidmouth and Ottery areas to ensure their chimneys are fire-safe by booking a registered sweep. Chimneys and flues need to be clean and well maintained to allow the free passage of dangerous combustion gasses, as well as being free of any blockages like bird nests and cobwebs, according to service bosses. Fire investigation officer, Mike Burroughs said: “Without proper maintenance a chimney can become dangerous. If the worst should happen, a smoke alarm can give you the extra time you need to escape in a house fire.” Wood burning stoves also need to be checked regularly.

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SIGN ‘OK’: Costa Coffee has been granted permission to keep an externally illuminated hanging sign at its Old Fore Street outlet.