county news

Warning of ‘chaos’ as Devon council carve-up row deepens

Warning of ‘chaos’ as Devon council carve-up row deepens

Miles DavisDevon political reporterExeter City CouncilExeter and Plymouth both want to expand in local government reorganisation and see an expanded TorbayCouncillors are putting party political interests above the needs of communities and risk creating "chaos" in the biggest local government shake-up for 50 years, according to a council leader.Devon County Council leader Julian Brazil, Liberal Democrat, accused rival councils of "gerrymandering" - manipulating boundaries for their own political benefit.Local authorities are drawing up plans for where new boundaries…

Continue ReadingWarning of ‘chaos’ as Devon council carve-up row deepens

Somerset Agratas EV battery factory set to open 2026

Somerset Agratas EV battery factory set to open 2026

A huge, global battery factory is "on track" to open in 2026.Agratas has shared footage of its site near Bridgwater, Somerset.It will be making electric vehicle batteries and energy storage solutions, and is set to be the UK's biggest EV battery plant.About 2,000 people are involved in the build, and when it is finished next year, the site will offer 4,000 jobs. Source link

Continue ReadingSomerset Agratas EV battery factory set to open 2026

Sneezing Devon driver who killed pedestrian avoids jail

Sneezing Devon driver who killed pedestrian avoids jail

BBCTruro Crown Court heard Mr Williams immediately tried to help at the sceneA driver who killed an 83-year-old man after a suffering a sneezing fit at the wheel has received a suspended sentence.A court heard Colin Williams, from Horseshoe Drive, Newton Abbot, Devon, had a sneezing episode but did not slow down or stop his BMW before he struck David and Daphne Clark in St Ives, Cornwall, in April 2024.The 43-year-old admitted causing death by careless driving and…

Continue ReadingSneezing Devon driver who killed pedestrian avoids jail

Down Cemetery Road role was ‘dream come true’

Down Cemetery Road role was ‘dream come true’

Apple TVRuth Wilson helped Connor Raithby with his scene in BristolA West Country actor said it was a "dream come true" to appear alongside Hollywood stars in a major new TV show.The Apple TV thriller Down Cemetery Road, starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, was filmed in Bristol and Somerset.Connor Raithby from Taunton appeared in the first episode and said being able to work near his home was "really exciting".He said: "To actually work with such professionals on…

Continue ReadingDown Cemetery Road role was ‘dream come true’

Flo Robinson: Exeter scrum-half targets maiden PWR title for Chiefs

Flo Robinson: Exeter scrum-half targets maiden PWR title for Chiefs

Exeter scrum-half Flo Robinson says she and her team-mates are aiming to win the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) title this season.The Chiefs were beaten by champions Gloucester last week and are aiming to return to the play-offs after missing out last season.Exeter had been perennial post-season fixtures since their inception in 2020, making the play-offs in three of their first four seasons, including two PWR finals.But England scrum-half Robinson hopes this season with new players such as Black…

Continue ReadingFlo Robinson: Exeter scrum-half targets maiden PWR title for Chiefs

Portland incinerator campaigners “fight on” after court decision

Portland incinerator campaigners “fight on” after court decision

Campaigners have pledged to "fight on" in their opposition to a planned waste incinerator near Dorset's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.The Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge brought by opponents of the incinerator which was approved by the government in 2024, despite it initially being refused by Dorset Council.Dorset South MP Lloyd Hatton said the court decision was "frankly devastating".Developer Powerfuel Portland Ltd said the verdict cleared the way for the incinerator which would bring a "long-term…

Continue ReadingPortland incinerator campaigners “fight on” after court decision

Councillor apologises for Facebook post and resigns from party

Councillor apologises for Facebook post and resigns from party

The former chair of a council has resigned from the Conservative party after she was criticised by two MPs over a Facebook post. Pauline Giles, councillor for St Blazey backed a petition on the platform for "mass deportations", originated by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe.In her post she wrote: "If you want mass deportation of illegals in dinghies sign this petition! We cannot sustain the volume of young black males flooding our country. It jeopardises the security…

Continue ReadingCouncillor apologises for Facebook post and resigns from party

Lyme Regis Cobb breakwater hole plugged ahead of winter seas

Lyme Regis Cobb breakwater hole plugged ahead of winter seas

Large rock-filled bags have been placed over a hole in a harbour wall as a temporary fix to protect it ahead of the winter's rough seas.The void at the bottom of the high sea wall at the Cobb in Lyme Regis was found during a routine inspection in the spring.Dorset Council said the hollow in the Grade I listed stone wall, found where the Cobb forks and is exposed to strong waves, was "about the size of a…

Continue ReadingLyme Regis Cobb breakwater hole plugged ahead of winter seas

Exeter Stories – Exeter Observer

Exeter Stories – Exeter Observer
Exeter Stories – Exeter Observer

A new podcast series featuring in-depth audio interviews with individuals from organisations and initiatives across Exeter is now airing every other Wednesday. Exeter Stories, which launched last month, is hosted by local resident Paul Batterham. He has interviewed entrepreneurs, activists, educators, artists and community leaders from a range of projects across the city about their

Continue ReadingExeter Stories – Exeter Observer

Secret Devon – Henry VIII’s aunt lived in Devon, and liked partying in Tiverton

Secret Devon – Henry VIII’s aunt lived in Devon, and liked partying in Tiverton

Available for over a yearHenry VIII's aunt lived in Devon, liked partying in Tiverton and described herself as "Sister, daughter and aunt of kings". Rosemary Griggs tells the story and relates the shopping list for a Tudor Christmas.Programme WebsiteShow less Source link

Continue ReadingSecret Devon – Henry VIII’s aunt lived in Devon, and liked partying in Tiverton

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

Continue ReadingCows rescued from overturned trailer near Crediton