Hope you are keeping well.

SAFE STREETS

As we open up, the town and county councils, together with the Chamber, are trying to ensure Sidmouth stays safe – and a lot of this can be done using some clever (cheap and ad-hoc) ideas on reshaping our streets; and here's another video, looking at social distancing in public places.

There's also been some debate about temporarily closing off the high street: what will happen in a couple of weeks is the part-pedestrianisation of the town centre and perhaps a café culture for Sidmouth.

BUILDING A RESILIENT ECONOMY

Meanwhile, in Exeter, a network of e-cargo delivery bikes/trikes is to be extended after their success in supporting local, independent businesses during the current crisis. Could Sidmouth have its own e-delivery trikes or e-pedicabs? The VGS is looking into it...

Many of us have been working from home – which has pushed the campaign for better broadband in these parts.

A new Sid Valley Food Group has been formed: please get in touch if you'd like to get involved in pushing for more local food production and distribution. Meanwhile, there are lots of inspiring ideas and projects on food from the Transition Town movement.

CAMPAIGNS

The VGS coordination team and its community energy partner SidEnergy have said 'yes' to a campaign in support of the Local Electricity Bill – which provides “the valuable oxygen of publicity” for community energy.

Many of our cherished buildings and institutions are under threat – including the Music Room at the Sidholme Hotel. An appeal has been launched to 'Save Sidmouth's Hidden Gem'. To donate, please click  here ; with more information here.

BIODIVERSITY

Out of the Science Fest's Biodiversity & Horticulture working group, the new Sid Valley Biodiversity Group has emerged – which will focus on mapping the area's biodiversity and getting projects together. And it has now just formally launched. If you'd like to be part of that, contact the Group on jw.beeproject@gmail.com

Finally, on Tuesday 16^th June, the Café Scientifique will be holding a talk on Zoom on “How the Sid Valley can enhance its biodiversity over the next decade”, with more info on the talk here. Get in touch with the Sci Fest to join the talk on-line.

As always, there's more on the VGS news pages.

Keep safe and keep well.