Author: Archie Farmer

This author has written 34 articles

Camera to be deployed to target noisy drivers in the South West

Camera to be deployed to target noisy drivers in the South West

Communities affected by noisy drivers are being asked where they would like to see a new noise camera being deployed.The technology includes an automatic number-plate recognition system attached to a microphone which can take a directional sound sample and record moving footage.After trials in other parts of the country, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she would like to see the force working with councils to identify locations which would benefit the most from…

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A38 section in Devon shut due to bridge defect, says highways

A38 section in Devon shut due to bridge defect, says highways

A section of the A38 has been closed due to a bridge expansion joint defect, highways bosses have said.National Highways said both lanes on the eastbound carriageway have been shut between the B3380 at Lower Dean and A384 at Buckfastleigh in Devon for emergency repairs.It added repairs would be carried out overnight, with engineers set to be at the site until 06:00 GMT on Wednesday.Bosses said the problems were with the steel joints which were "built into the…

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Cows rescued from overturned trailer near Crediton

Cows rescued from overturned trailer near Crediton

A number of cows became trapped and needed rescuing after a trailer overturned on a road.Crews from Danes Castle fire station in Exeter were sent to the scene on the outskirts of Crediton at 06:29 GMT on Friday.Police confirmed that local road closures were put in place while emergency services dealt with the situation.A winch was used to release five cows before crews worked to right the trailer, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said. Source link

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Fewer shark deaths when fishing guidelines followed

Fewer shark deaths when fishing guidelines followed

Most sharks survived after being released by non-commercial fishermen when angling guidelines were followed, a study has found.The University of Exeter said researchers tagged nearly 70 blue, porbeagle and tope sharks to track their behaviour after being caught recreationally using the catch-and-release technique.Fish are put back into the water to help conserve populations when the catch-and-release technique is used, but animal rights groups have said the method could still cause injury or death.Researchers said out of the sharks…

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Residents urged to share views on Barnstaple’s Rock Park

Residents urged to share views on Barnstaple’s Rock Park

People have been urged to share their thoughts on how a park could be improved.A consultation has been launched into the future of Rock Park, in Barnstaple, in Devon.The town council hopes to gather views on how people use the green space and what improvements they would like to see.The consultation closes on 9 January. Mayor of Barnstaple, councillor Janet Coates said: "Rock Park is an important green space for our community." She said: "We want to ensure…

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Devon and Cornwall police history gem to be digitalised

Devon and Cornwall police history gem to be digitalised

Office of the Police and Crime CommissionerThe items are said to be a glimpse into the historical archivesA collection of thousands of artefacts, documents and photographs charting local policing history is in the process of being digitalised for future generations.The little-known collection of police memorabilia, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, offers a glimpse into the history of policing in Devon and Cornwall.The display is owned and funded by the Office of the…

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Pub used for Harry Potter filming damaged by fire

A pub that was closed for what is thought to be the production of the Harry Potter TV series has suffered damage after a fire.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue received a report of a fire within a storeroom of the Cleave Inn in Lustleigh, in the early hours of Sunday morning.The pub was shut for filming on Wednesday and Thursday, a total of eight fire engines were sent to the scene, with an aerial ladder platform and…

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Residents report unpleasant smell in Tiverton

A council is investigating a "mysterious" and "unpleasant" smell in a Devon town after a number of complaints.Mid Devon District Council has received multiple complaints from residents about a smell affecting parts of Tiverton, the cause of which is still to be determined.To help the council with its investigation, people experiencing the smell have been asked to complete diary sheets until the end of the month.The diary sheets should contain the type of smell and the impact it…

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Devon’s Woody Bay Station receives Grade II status

Woody Bay Station in Devon has been listed as Grade II status as part of moves to mark 200 years of the modern railway.The station has been granted protection alongside six other sites as part of the anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825.Historic England said Woody Bay was built in 1898 and was the best-surviving example of a station on the former Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, which allowed easier access to…

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Devon boy, 7, wins young animal handler of the year

A seven-year-old boy from Devon has won a major award at the 2025 Young British Farming Awards. Jack, from near Kingsbridge, won the junior Young Handler of the Year award after having success in the last two years showing sheep and cattle.The awards ceremony took place at Cannon Hall Farm last week, with Jack being praised for his "enthusiasm, confidence and ability" to get the best out of his animals.Jack's recent success includes Champion Junior Handler at the…

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