city news

Section of M5 closed after accident and fire

A section of the M5 in Devon has been closed after a car overturned and caught fire, police have said.Devon and Cornwall Police said the southbound lanes were closed between junction 30, leading on to the A376 Sidmouth Road at the Exeter services area, and junction 31 leading to the A38 Okehampton turn-off at 07:45 BST.They said a car had overturned and caught fire, with the driver sustaining minor injuries.Traffic reporting service Inrix reported police had initially closed…

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Ideas sought for Plymouth Armada Way time capsule

Ideas sought for Plymouth Armada Way time capsule

People have been asked to come up with ideas for items to be included in a time capsule being buried in Devon.Plymouth City Council is planning to bury the capsule under Armada Way next summer before it is dug up in 2047 to mark the centenary of the plaza being rebuilt after World War Two.It said people could suggest items which fit themes including "Plymouth now", nature and the sea, community and belonging, creativity and innovation and everyday…

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Topless runner to take part in topless swim in Devon

Topless runner to take part in topless swim in Devon

A cancer survivor and campaigner will be taking part in a charity swim later. Louise Butcher, who is known as the Topless Runner, will be among the swimmers at the Royal Devon Hospitals Charity Topless Swim 2025 which aims to raise funds and awareness of breast cancer. She said last year's swim at Ilfracombe raised £50,000 with 250 ladies "all proudly showing their breasts" including some who had mastectomy scars.Teams from North Devon District Hospital and Fern Centre…

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Former Exeter policeman named honorary alderman

A former lord mayor of Exeter who served in the police for 30 years has been appointed an honorary alderman.Percy Prowse, 72, is only the 16th person to be awarded the recognition since 1981.Mr Prowse, a familiar figure in Exeter's streets as a cape-wearing police officer, said he was "truly honoured".He had served more than 30 years with Devon and Cornwall Police and was often seen cycling through Exeter in his blue serge cape, said the Local Democracy…

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Sacred and Profane – Exeter Observer

Sacred and Profane – Exeter Observer

St Nicholas Priory is hosting an evening of medieval music following an afternoon workshop with musicians Steve Tyler, Marco Cannavò and Katy Marchant on Saturday 15 November.The evening concert includes European sacred and secular songs spanning the 12th to 15th centuries played on historical musical instruments including hurdy-gurdy, citole, organistrum, portative organ, bladder pipe and gothic harp.The concert will follow an afternoon workshop led by the trio, suitable for all ages, offering an opportunity to see different medieval…

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National Grid customers in Plymouth to get safety check visits

Plymouth residents are to get electric supply safety checks as part of an inspection programme, National Grid says. The utility provider said some domestic and small business customers in the PL1 postcode, including the city centre, Stoke and Devonport areas, were to be visited by approved contractors from 22 October to check "service termination points [known as cut-outs] inside properties are working as they should".Bosses said inspectors would visually check energy suppliers' equipment and record basic details. No…

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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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Woman hit by car at Devon hospital suffering head injury

BBCPolice are appealing for witnesses and information following the collision at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on FridayA woman has serious head and leg injuries after being hit by a car within the grounds of a Devon hospital, police have said. Devon and Cornwall Police said it received reports at about 10:35 BST on Friday to a collision involving a black Toyota Yaris and a pedestrian at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.Officers said the woman in…

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Newquay Zoo wins gold in first try at bloom awards

Newquay Zoo wins gold in first try at bloom awards

Newquay ZooThe zoo's head gardener is Damian KingNewquay Zoo has won a gold award with its first entry into the South West in Bloom contest despite it being put up for sale earlier this month. The zoo is home to 850 animals, including 49 endangered species, and is based in Trenance Gardens.A spokesperson said it was awarded a gold medal in the contest, hosted this year at the English Riviera Centre in Torquay, for its "vibrant planting schemes".Newquay…

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Plymouth man arrested after multiple crashes involving stolen van

A man has been arrested after a van hit a series of vehicles before crashing into a city centre roundabout.The delivery van was stolen from Union Street at about 15:20 BST on Thursday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.The force said it was then involved in three hit-and-run crashes with vehicles on Outland Road, Western Approach and Looseleigh Lane, before hitting another car and crashing into the barrier at Charles Cross Roundabout shortly before 17:00.Officers said a man in…

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Reopening of Heavitree Road in Exeter delayed by a month

Reopening of Heavitree Road in Exeter delayed by a month

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCThe main road out of Exeter will now be closed until 10 NovemberThe main road out of Exeter will now be closed until 10 November - a month later than when it was initially scheduled to reopen.The northbound section of Heavitree Road and the bus lane next to it will remain closed "due to the conditions of the road", Wales and West Utilities has said.The company is carrying out work on the gas network in…

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Zack Wimbush & Orson James: Cornish Pirates sign Exeter pair on loan

Zack Wimbush & Orson James: Cornish Pirates sign Exeter pair on loan

Exeter winger Zack Wimbush and scrum-half Orson James have joined Champ side Cornish Pirates on loan.Wimbush, 21, has played 27 times for Exeter in all competitions and will use the spell at the Mennaye to help recover from a pre-season toe injury.Welsh scrum-half James, 21, has been out for the past 18 months after needing two operations on a knee ligament injury. "This is a great opportunity for both players to compete for spots in a competitive Pirates…

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