East Devon has been put into the government's lowest tier in the Levelling Up Fund scheme.

The national £4.8 billion scheme is designed to improve local infrastructure and support town centre regeneration.

Cllr Jack Rowland said he was puzzled by the categorisation that placed East Devon in tier three, alongside Richmond in London, saying: "To think that equates to us with the same economic deprivation strikes me as slightly flawed."

Cllr John Loudoun jokingly suggested that they should "rebrand the district as 'East Devon – a red wall district' – there you go and we'll get the money."

East Devon District Council was placed in the lowest of the three tiers, but bids from tiers two and three could still be considered for funding depending on their deliverability, value for money and strategic fit.

Simon Jupp MP said: "I have spoken up for Exmouth in Parliament and now funding which can be used to develop plans to improve our town is on the way.

"East Devon District Council needs to submit a strong bid to be considered for up to £20 million for Exmouth's High Street.

"I hope the council will work with me to grasp this opportunity for the good of our town."

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