Homes & Gardens

A new survey carried out by Reeds Rains estate agents has found that in Britain, 47% of people take between 1-5 minutes to form an impression of a property which they are viewing while others take less than 30 seconds. The study of 244 people looked at the ways they judge a person’s house when first entering and found cleanliness, smell and fresh flowers are crucial in forming a good impression. The study also revealed that ‘how modern and bright the kitchen is’, ‘tidiness’ and ‘the state of decorations (paintwork and wallpaper) are also evident in the minds of people judging a home. John...

Key information is being sent out next week to around 1,800 households living in the Feniton and Exmouth (The Colony) areas giving details of an improved recycling collection service which is to be trialled by East Devon District Council.

From mid-September, residents in these areas will be able to recycle more in their green recycling boxes as the council is adding cardboard and mixed plastics to the extensive number of items it already collects from the kerbside each week.

Every household in the trial areas will receive an additional 70 litre reusable sack which they can...

A new interior design service for homeowners has opened in Sidmouth town centre.

Sarah Yates, an interior designer with 25 years’ experience, has recently relocated her interior design business to Sidmouth and set up a showroom in Potburys on the High Street.

Sarah Yates Interiors provides services ranging from complete interior design projects and home styling solutions to bespoke window dressings and furniture re-upholstering.

Sarah comments: “It’s great to be back in Sidmouth - the town where I grew up and where my family are still based. Having established the...

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service wants your BBQ and cricket celebrations to be a safe and enjoyable experience, but cooking over hot coals can be hazardous. Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager said: “It’s natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends, especially with the Cricket on - many of us can’t wait to get the BBQ lit. We all know how tempting it can be to give stubborn coals a helping hand, but, please be patient and make sure you use the right tools for the job. “By far the biggest danger is the use of flammable...