THE re-developed Exmouth Strand will provide fitting surroundings for Remembrance Sunday, say triumvirate of councils behind the scheme.

THE re-developed Exmouth Strand will provide fitting surroundings for Remembrance Sunday, say triumvirate of councils behind the scheme.

As the �3 million scheme nears completion, Devon County Council is continuing its preparations for the site to be ready for the memorial service on 14 November, when the majority of the area will be open for use.

Landscaping and planting will be carried out in the coming months and paving works will be completed in early December.

The regeneration scheme, which has been designed by Devon County Council working in partnership with East Devon District Council, and Exmouth Town Council, with input from the local community and businesses, has been on-going since March this year.

Councillor Eileen Wragg, Devon County Councillor for Exmouth Littleham and Town, said: “Local people and organisations were promised that the Remembrance Day Service would go ahead in The Strand, come what may. The contractors have been working like Trojans to ensure that this will happen. The event is probably the most important day in the year for Exmouth and this year it will also coincide with the beginning of the town’s improvements. Thanks must go to all those who have been involved with the scheme, which has taken several years to reach fruition.”

Councillor Darryl Nicholas, East Devon District Council’s Exmouth Champion, said: “I’m delighted that this project has progressed to time and is starting to take shape – looking better every day. The finished product will give Exmothians a central point in the town to be proud of and will inspire us to go on to bigger and better things in the future. I’m especially pleased that the enhancement has already resulted in attracting four new businesses to the area and I look forward to more coming forward as the project is completed. The choice of new trees pays due deference to our geological and cultural heritage, whilst the new lighting scheme is embracing the very latest technology. All in all, this scheme will develop into a magnificent asset for our Town.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “We have been liaising closely with the British Legion over details of routes and sound amplification to ensure this important event runs smoothly.”