Sidmouth civic leaders hope the town can benefit from a slice of an �18.2million kitty to boost coastal communities in England. Read this and more.

CASH HOPE: Sidmouth civic leaders hope the town can benefit from a slice of an �18.2million kitty to boost coastal communities in England.

Town councillors voted on Monday to make preliminary enquiries as to how they can benefit from the government funding.

“We can’t let this opportunity go,” said Councillor Graham Liverton.

“It could be a good news story for Sidmouth if we could tap into this money,” added Stuart Hughes.

The meeting heard the money is available through the Coastal Communities Fund.

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ART: Exeter Art Society will hold an Exhibition of Paintings by its members from August 25-31 from10am to 4pm daily, at East Devon Art Academy, Old Fore Street, Sidmouth.

Paintings and cards will be on sale and entrance is free.

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DECEASED NAMED: The 67-year-old man who died in a two-car collision on the outskirts of Sidbury on the evening of Sunday, February 26, has been named by police as Ian Louttit of Whitford, Axminster.

Mr Louttit, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was driving a silver Ford Fiesta which was involved in the crash with a grey Peugeot 205 car at Putts Corner, near the Hare and Hounds pub, on the A375 at around 6.45pm.

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INVITATION: An invitation is still open for Sidmouth residents to find out more about Christianity at All Saints’ Church on Wednesday, March 14, at 7pm.

Organisers of the Alpha Course say “life is worth exploring”.

The Reverend Roger Trumper said: “There’s a warm welcome awaiting anyone who would like to join the course. I’m sure they’ll find the sessions interesting and the discussions that follow are always lively.

“No question is out of bounds and we even start with a meal.”

The course cost is �1.50 and a contribution is asked for towards food.

For more information contact Rosemarie Luff on 01395 579345 or e-mail libarytwin@yahoo.com

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FIRE CASH: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service will be among four authorities to share a �7.2million grant from the Government.

Chief fire officer Lee Howell said: “This will allow us to invest in technology for our control room here in Exeter.

“We will be working with colleagues in our network partnership to maximise the opportunities that new technology presents and ensure we have good fall back arrangements.”

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PLANS: Owners of Saddlers Mead in Sid Road have revealed plans for an extension.