New cycle link opens across the River Clyst at Topsham. Read this and more news.

BRIDGE OPEN FOR USE: Topsham’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Clyst is now open for crossing.

The bridge, which cost �500,000 to install and was designed to take vulnerable road users away from the traffic on the narrow road bridge, allows Topsham residents easy access to the Exe Estuary Cycle Trail to Exmouth.

An official opening ceremony will be held in the coming weeks.

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MEMORY HONOURED: A soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2007 has been remembered in a new housing development on the outskirts of Topsham.

Jack Sadler was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand Province, and his memory has been commemorated at the Persimmon Homes development off Topsham Road, which has named one of its new streets Jack Sadler Way.

His mother Jeannette MacDonald, from Clyst St George, was on hand to unveil the sign.

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UNDER DISCUSSION: Plans to build two new homes in Topsham have been submitted to the city council.

The scheme would see The Bungalow in Old Rydon Lane being demolished, with two new detached, two storey houses built in its place. Elsewhere in Topsham, plans have also been submitted to build a ground floor extension at 1 Higher Shapter Close.

Both schemes will now be considered by city planners.

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FIT FOR FREE: Topsham women who want to keep fit are being invited to a free introductory exercise session.

The Fitness League holds sessions at Matthews Hall, Thursdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. The sessions are open to women of all ages, and the first session is free.

For more information call (01395) 442490.

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SPOOKY SOCCER: Topsham youngsters are being invited to take part in a six-a-side Hallowe’en football tournament.

The ‘Soccer Spooktacular’ is being held in memory of former Topsham PCSO Mark Marshall, and former Exeter City star Adam Stansfield. The tournament takes place at West Exe Technical College on October 30, from 10am to 5pm, and entry costs �5 per team.

To find out more, call Nick Taylor on (07889) 345609.

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CHIMNEY CARE: Topsham firefighters are advising residents to make sure they take care of their chimneys.

They have reminded people that chimneys should be swept before fires are lit this winter, to reduce risk of fire.