One of the leading lights behind an action group dedicated to boosting Seaton’s economy says now is the time for the town and its neighbours to gear up for life after coronavirus.

Del Haggerty, chairman of Promote Seaton, believes there will be a surge of holidaymakers heading for Devon later this year once the health crisis is brought under control – and he is determined that Seaton will be in good shape to welcome them.

Town councillor Haggerty, who runs a travel and tourism employment agency based in the town, is calling on Seaton to work with East Devon’s other towns to encourage the staycation visitors to stop in the district and spend their money here.

Cllr Haggerty said: “The pandemic stopped everything but it is time now to have a new lease of life and we have got to start again.”

Promote Seaton is currently supporting several projects despite Covid-19 restrictions. One of them is an art trail. On the wall outside the Marshlands building is a collection of artworks produced by West Country artists. The intention is for this to be the start of a town-wide art trail. The boards have been well received and some of the artists have sold work as a result.

Postcards of these pieces of artwork are also for sale at the Seaton Jurassic attraction in the town. Any local artists who would like to participate can contact the Promote Seaton group.

Cllr Haggerty said: “Everything we are doing is designed to build footfall and give tour operators and coach firms a reason to come to East Devon.”

He called on the politicians to do their bit too. He said local MPs Simon Jump (East Devon) and Neil Parish (Honiton and Tiverton) “have got to be active in the House of Commons to support us”.

He also encouraged Seaton people to get involved with the action group, whose next meeting is due to take place online at the end of February.

Jo Hemery, administration and community events officer at Seaton Town Council, connects the council to Promote Seaton, which is a voluntary group of local business owners, community group volunteers, members of the public and councillors.

If you would like to be involved, contact Cllr Haggerty at cllrdelhaggerty@seaton.gov.uk or Jo Hemery at assistant@seaton.gov.uk.