A donation box trying to raise £3.3million to tackle coastal erosion has been removed from Sidmouth seafront.

East Devon District Council took the box away during the Easter weekend for maintenance works but have announced it will not be replaced as repairs would prove ‘too costly.’

The box was installed at the request of the Sidmouth Beach Management Plan funding sub-group to raise awareness and funding for the multi-million pound scheme to reduce erosion and prevent flooding.

An EDDC spokeswoman said: “Since removing the box and reviewing its effectiveness we have decided not to reinstate it as the repairs required to the lock would be costly. The sign raising awareness of the project and need for funding will remain.”

The council says businesses and residents can still donate to the project by emailing: sidmoutheastbmp@eastdevon.gov.uk”