13/07/2025
Some of you may have seen in the media recently the information about the larger beach management scheme to which we are connected. It’s great that there is a definitive time line now and progress is being made but it has pushed back our project to 2027.
We have decided therefore not to have our information days on Saturday mornings this summer but will use our time and energy to engage with all the public consultations about the larger scheme that will be happening over the course of the 12 months. Next summer we will again drive a campaign of awareness about the need for Access for All, including information days on Saturdays.
It has become clear as well that in the present economic climate we will not be able to raise the construction costs unless any large philanthropic donations are given. It has become harder and harder to access grant monies and the time scale shift has been difficult because most funding bodies want their money spent within a 12 month period. With businesses struggling as well, support from them is really difficult to achieve. We are working with EDDC and with Steve Donnelly the principal engineer to try and find a way to incorporate the cost of access into the larger Beach Management Scheme.
I have attached the presentation from the last advisory group meeting so you can see the details of the time scales and development so far.
Thank you all for your ongoing support and rest assured although we may have been a bit quiet over the last few months, our determination to make sure Sidmouth has access for everyone to our natural environment is as strong as ever.
We may be the 5th most popular seaside destination in the country but if so many people are still denied access to our beach then we have to keep campaigning until there is equality for all.
Dave
