Anonymous benefactor donates £7k for new bus shelter

A fairy godperson has flown to the rescue of East Devon District Council by donating the full price of a new bus shelter - £6,840 – to replace the vandalised shelter at Sidmouth Triangle, which the council had to remove for safety reasons. 

Budget cuts had meant that the council were unable to replace the shelter, which was so badly damaged by fire that it required a complete – and costly - rebuild in hardwood. The council’s insurance company had refused to pay out because the insurance did not cover street furniture, which is what the bus shelter was classified as.

But now all that is possible thanks to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor from Sidmouth who feels passionately about his town. This kindly local resident is someone who actively used the bus shelter before it was deliberately burnt down and he is keen to see it replaced.

He told the council’s Streetscene team that he particularly wanted to do something for the town: “It’s hard to find good causes to give money to, but Sidmouth is a beautiful place and I love living here.”

The Streetscene team placed an order on 10 June for the new shelter, which should be installed and ready for use within 5-6 weeks.

Councillor Iain Chubb, Portfolio holder for the Environment said: “We cannot thank this person enough for stepping forward so generously with a cheque for nearly £7,000. It means we can get cracking with replacing the bus shelter. Having a burnt out shelter in this lovely town does not give a good impression to visitors, plus it’s a local amenity that both locals and tourists need while waiting for a bus.”

Commenting on behalf of Sidmouth’s ward members, Councillor Matthew Booth said: "We would like to express our immense gratitude for this fantastic donation to the town for a new bus shelter, which is in a highly visible and attractive part of Sidmouth. Hopefully, the generosity of this resident will inspire others and contribute to greater community cohesion within the town .”