city news

Fears online GP appointment changes could add ‘pressure’ to staff

Fears online GP appointment changes could add ‘pressure’ to staff

Anna VarleSouth West andGeorge ThorpeSouth WestBBCDr Elpitha Bruce believed striking a balance between the needs of patients and staff was importantDoctors and patients have raised concerns about all GP practices in England being made to offer online booking systems.As part of the move which was ordered by the government and started on Wednesday, surgeries will have to provide the service from 08:00 to 18:30 Monday to Friday.GPs in Devon and Cornwall said the system could put extra pressure…

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R360: Exeter boss Rob Baxter has had no approaches from rebel league

With former England captain Mike Tindall as its figurehead R360's plan is for 12 franchises across the world - eight men's teams and four women's teams. The hope is to get the world's best players competing alongside one another in a global tournament.Rounds would be staged at a different venue across the world with organisers hoping it will begin next year. It comes as England revels in a successful Women's Rugby World Cup triumph while the men's domestic…

Continue ReadingR360: Exeter boss Rob Baxter has had no approaches from rebel league

Plymouth sees start of ‘one of the biggest’ play areas

Work to create "one of the biggest city centre play areas in the country" has started, a council has said.In July, the first part of Plymouth's Armada Way regeneration project opened to the public.The city centre scheme has been the subject of debate after more than 100 trees were felled in March 2023.Councillor Mark Lowry said Plymouth City Council wanted the play village to be "a destination in its own right".He said: "The High Street has changed dramatically…

Continue ReadingPlymouth sees start of ‘one of the biggest’ play areas

Crisis over big dogs in care in South West sparks RSPCA appeal

Crisis over big dogs in care in South West sparks RSPCA appeal

RSPCATwo-year-old Sox was found abandonedThe RSPCA is urging people in the South West to consider adopting larger dogs because it is struggling with record numbers in its care.New data from the charity revealed it can take up to seven times longer for some bigger breeds to find a new home compared to smaller ones.As a result, "gentle giants" like Cane Corso cross Lemmy and Labrador cross Sox are being repeatedly passed over during their time in kennels at…

Continue ReadingCrisis over big dogs in care in South West sparks RSPCA appeal

Exeter pet owner sentenced for dog ‘pack attack’ on woman

A woman whose three German shepherd-cross dogs attacked a woman in a playing field and mauled a small dog to death has been given a 12-month suspended sentence.Sarah Pike, 51, from Exeter, admitted being the owner in charge of dogs dangerously out of control that caused injury in December at Exwick playing fields, in Exeter, when the animals were off their leads.Pike also admitted two other charges on the same day of being the person in charge of…

Continue ReadingExeter pet owner sentenced for dog ‘pack attack’ on woman

Exeter College restaurant wins best of the year for second time

Exeter College restaurant wins best of the year for second time

Exeter CollegeEdie and Millie were visited Birmingham and impressed the judgesA student-run eatery in Devon has been named college restaurant of the year for the second time.Exeter College's fine dining restaurant @Thirty-Four was awarded the AA College Restaurant of the Year - the "highest accolade" achievable for students.The restaurant won the award for the first time in 2023 and were presented with the 2025 award in London at the AA Hospitality Awards.Exeter College said Edie and Millie, two…

Continue ReadingExeter College restaurant wins best of the year for second time

Council denies data and contrives criteria to dismiss community balance concerns in third King Billy student block approval

Council denies data and contrives criteria to dismiss community balance concerns in third King Billy student block approval

Exeter City Council has dismissed concerns that too much student accommodation is having an adverse impact on community balance in approving plans for a new purpose-built block on the site of the former King Billy public house in Longbrook Street.It approved the development plans, which prompted significant criticism from local councillors and community representatives, earlier this month following the failure of several other schemes for the site over a period of seven years, all of which it also…

Continue ReadingCouncil denies data and contrives criteria to dismiss community balance concerns in third King Billy student block approval

Owner puts struggling Paignton Zoo on the market

Paignton Zoo is on the market, its owner the charity Wild Planet Trust has confirmed.No guide price has been released, but a spokesperson confirmed the 85-acre (34-hectare) estate - home to more than 2,000 animals - together with an additional 18 acres (7 hectares) of adjacent land was for sale and "the intention is for it to remain as a zoo". The trust, which has previously acknowledged financial pressures, said it had already taken steps to address the…

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Pioneering placemaking and regional identity in the creative industries take centre stage at the Labour Party Conference

The South West has the potential to become a testbed for investment and policy for the creative industries, according to a special event held at the Labour Party Conference, today. A panel drawing together the region’s higher education institutions – Bournemouth, Exeter, Falmouth, Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth and Arts University Bournemouth – as well as businesses and other organisations, said the excellence and innovation of the creative sector in the region should be recognised more widely. The ‘Creative…

Continue ReadingPioneering placemaking and regional identity in the creative industries take centre stage at the Labour Party Conference

Pioneering placemaking and regional identity in the creative industries foregrounded at the Labour Party Conference

The South West has the potential to become a testbed for investment and policy for the creative industries, according to a special event held at the Labour Party Conference, today. A panel drawing together the region’s higher education institutions – Bournemouth, Exeter, Falmouth, Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth and Arts University Bournemouth – as well as businesses and other organisations, said the excellence and innovation of the creative sector in the region should be recognised more widely. The ‘Creative…

Continue ReadingPioneering placemaking and regional identity in the creative industries foregrounded at the Labour Party Conference

Researchers develop AI to help South West Water detect pipeline problems

The University of Exeter is working with South West Water to explore the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help tackle pipe blockages and pollution. Across the region, around 12,000 smart sensors are sewer level monitors, acting as ‘pairs of eyes’, constantly collecting data such as changes in flow patterns. They are installed in manholes on the sewer network and monitor issues like early signs of blockages that could cause pollution in the watercourses or flooding on land or in properties. Richard Price, South West…

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Business leaders hail degree apprenticeship that will ‘turbocharge careers’

Employers believe a new degree apprenticeship will accelerate career progression and bridge the divide between traditional finance roles and the demands of an evolving sector. Senior business leaders last week visited the University of Exeter for the induction of students on the new Accounting Finance Manager Degree Apprenticeship programme. Delivered by the University of Exeter and AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), the programme is unique in offering both academic and professional accounting and finance qualifications. Apprentices work towards…

Continue ReadingBusiness leaders hail degree apprenticeship that will ‘turbocharge careers’