Devon News

Tonnes of rock to protect crumbling east Devon coastline

Tonnes of rock to protect crumbling east Devon coastline

Miles DavisDevon political reporterMiles Davis/BBCThousands of tonnes of rocks are being used to protect the coast at Seaton Hole Thousands of tonnes of rock are being delivered by sea to protect crumbling cliffs.About 6,500 tonnes of rock are being brought by barge to Seaton beach on the south coast of Devon, East Devon District Council (EDDC) has said.It said the rock armour would be used to reinforce the base of the cliffs at Seaton Hole where there have…

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New season a chance for Exeter Chiefs ‘reset’ – Rob Baxter

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter said the new Gallagher Prem season is a chance for his side to have a "reset" after last year's poor campaign.The Chiefs finished second from bottom, winning just four matches, as they recorded the worst top-flight season in their history. It was the fourth successive season that Exeter failed to reach the Premiership final, having reached the previous six.Long-serving coaches Ali Hepher and Rob Hunter have left the club, while a number of…

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Eight Devon fundraisers are finalists in BBC’s Make a Difference

Eight Devon fundraisers are finalists in BBC’s Make a Difference

BBCOarsome Foursome raised £1,000 for YMCA ExeterEight local fundraisers who embraced their own hobbies to raise nearly £100,000 for local organisations are finalists in BBC Radio Devon's Make A Difference Awards.Kayaking the Exe, climbing Everest, swimming in the North and South Poles and baking have raised thousands of pounds for charities across the county.Jamie Lake climbed Everest to support others living with Huntingdon's Disease, while Adam Baker and Charlie Fleury swam in the North and South Poles for…

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‘My son’s donated organs saved nine lives’

‘My son’s donated organs saved nine lives’

Angela FergusonSouth WestFamily handoutLisa Wilson pictured with her late husband Graham, son Tom and daughter Pippa at Tom's graduation from Nottingham Trent UniversityA university student's decision to sign up as an organ donor led to him saving nine lives after his death at the age of 22.Tom Wilson died after being hit on the back of the head with a hockey stick during a training session, his mother Lisa Wilson said.Mrs Wilson, from Barnstaple, Devon, said her son's…

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EFL Trophy: Big wins for Bolton, Plymouth and Northampton

Bolton, who won the competition in 2023, raced into an early lead against Man City with goals from Sam Dalby, John McAtee and Aaron Morley.There was no response from City as the League One side held on for a comfortable win.Kamarai Swyer's first goal for Northampton set them on their way to a 3-0 win over Chelsea. Swyer finished after good play by Michael Jacobs, making his second debut for his hometown club.Jacobs then curled in a beauty…

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Buyer selected to restore Merchant’s House in Plymouth

A buyer has been selected to restore a 16th-century building in Plymouth, the city council has confirmed. Plymouth City Council said four offers were received for the Grade II*-listed Merchant's House on Palace Street, which closed as a museum about 10 years ago. Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for the city's assets, said the preferred purchaser plans to restore the "precious historic property" to its 16th-century appearance.Once restored, the building will open to the public twice a year,…

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Forensic markers to deter Devon and Cornwall sports club thefts

Forensic markers to deter Devon and Cornwall sports club thefts

BBCJames Ewan said thieves "cleared out" Bridestow Cricket Club before the start of the summerSports clubs are being offered forensic markers to help protect equipment, following a rise in thefts. Devon and Cornwall Police said tractors, mowers and other high-value equipment had been stolen from clubs this year, and the crime prevention team had worked with victims to find a solution.Hannah Denton, crime prevention officer, said about 35 incidents had taken place throughout Devon and Cornwall since 1…

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Call-outs to automatic fire alarms reducing in Devon and Somerset

Call-outs to automatic fire alarms reducing in Devon and Somerset

BBCDevon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said only 1.7% of automatic fire alarms attended by the service were classed as emergenciesFire crews will no longer respond to all automatic fire alarms, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has announced.It said automatic alarms alerted the service almost 58,000 times in the five years leading to March 2025 with an average of 1.7% being emergencies.The service said "this places an unnecessary burden on the service's resources and ability…

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Dartmoor prison staff and inmates sue over radon gas levels

Dartmoor prison staff and inmates sue over radon gas levels

Angela FergusonSouth WestBBC"Higher than normal" radon levels were found at HMP DartmoorAround 60 prison staff, prisoners and former inmates of HMP Dartmoor have launched legal action over radon levels.Solicitor Mladen Kesar said he was acting on behalf of more than 500 claimants in total, with between 50 and 60 claims already issued on behalf of prison staff, prisoners and former inmates.All inmates were moved from the prison in Princetown, Devon, after the Prison Service found "higher than normal"…

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Rape survivor urges public to report predatory behaviour

Rape survivor urges public to report predatory behaviour

Andrea Ormsby andArchie FarmerSouth WestGarrett White/PA WireProject NightEye has been launched to tackle violence against women and girlsA rape survivor is supporting a campaign, aiming to tackle violence against women and girl, by urging members of the public to call out concerning behaviour.As part of Project NightEye, Devon and Cornwall Police are asking members of the public to help them collect intelligence on sexual predators.Police said the aim was to prevent sexual and other crimes by identifying predatory…

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New Hilary Mantel prize to help emerging writers

New Hilary Mantel prize to help emerging writers

Emma RuminskiSouth West arts reporterBBCDame Hilary Mantel was former honorary president of the Devon's Budleigh Salterton Literary FestivalA new literary prize in memory of author Dame Hilary Mantel has been set up to champion new writers.The Hilary Mantel Prize for Fiction is being launched on the third anniversary of her death after her private correspondence revealed she had mentored aspiring writers throughout her life.Organisers of the new biennial prize said it was open to unpublished writers without an…

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Arson investigation after fire at Sherford flat block

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Sherford, Plymouth.Emergency services were called at 02:30 BST on Friday, after the fire started in the communal entrance of the four-storey building on Aquila Drive.A total of 28 people were trapped and had to be rescued by the fire service, with 18 people treated for smoke inhalation.Det Insp Katy Deer of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "This fire put the lives of 30 people at…

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