county news

Devon libraries Halloween costume loans ‘really useful’

Devon libraries Halloween costume loans ‘really useful’

Library users have welcomed a scheme run by Devon libraries offering people the chance to borrow Halloween costumes donated by other visitors.Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the Devon County Council and Torbay's libraries, described the scheme as "cost-effective" as it was designed to prevent the public from purchasing costumes that would only be worn once.Katheryn and her daughter Sophie visited Pinhoe Library, Exeter, on the hunt for a Halloween costume.Sophie chose a Rapunzel costume for this year,…

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Radio Devon presenters gear up for three-legged walk

Radio Devon presenters gear up for three-legged walk

BBCBBC Radio Devon's Caroline Densley and Michael Chequer will be walking three-leggedBBC radio presenters are attempting to complete a section of a 1,000 mile three-legged challenge for Children in Need (CIN).Each BBC local radio station is aiming to complete 25 miles (40.23 km) on 4 and 5 November.BBC Radio Devon's Caroline Densley and Michael Chequer are each hoping to cover 12.5 three-legged miles (20.12km) over the two days.They will be walking each mile tied to a different person,…

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Devon and Cornwall attractions face surging costs

Devon and Cornwall attractions face surging costs

Kirk EnglandSouth West environment and tourism correspondentRick TurnerRick Turner is urging visitor attractions to adapt to the economic climate or risk closureLike the main attraction at his theme park, Rick Turner says it has been a "rollercoaster year" for the sector."Costs have increased massively," the owner of The Big Sheep in north Devon said, reflecting on the state of the region's visitor attractions."It's terrifying times."Mr Turner, who is also the chairman of Devon's Top Attractions, said "there will…

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Radio Cornwall presenters to join in three-legged challenge

Radio Cornwall presenters to join in three-legged challenge

BBCYoung farmers in Cornwall helped James Churchfield prepareBBC radio presenters will be attempting to complete part of a 1,000 mile three-legged challenge for Children in Need (CIN). Each BBC Local radio station is hoping to complete 25 miles (40.23 km) on 4 and 5 November towards a combined total of 1,000 miles. BBC Radio Cornwall's James Churchfield and James Dundon are both hoping to complete 12.5 miles (20.12km) over the two days.They will be walking each mile tethered…

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Gambling addiction in the armed forces

Gambling addiction in the armed forces

Alastair Fee,File on 4 Investigates and Jim Booth,ProducerGetty ImagesThe Ministry of Defence says it has support at "every level" of the armed servicesUp to 15 hours a day, placing bets 10 times his wage. A serving member of the armed forces has told File on 4 Investigates that a gambling problem is easy to hide in the military.Paul, not his real name, started gambling illegally at 16 at the bookies but it was in the forces he says…

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Memorial to LGBT veterans means ‘no more shame’

Memorial to LGBT veterans means ‘no more shame’

Georgina BarnesSouth WestRuth BirchRuth Birch and Julia Currey, shown 22 years apart, met each other in the armyA woman who had to hide her relationship with her now-wife has described a new memorial recognising lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender military personnel as a "significant piece of history".The sculpture, named An Opened Letter, was unveiled by King Charles III to commemorate LGBT+ veterans affected by the ban of same-sex couples in the armed forces until 2000.Ruth Birch, from Truro…

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Flood prevention tree planting scheme looking for volunteers

Flood prevention tree planting scheme looking for volunteers

An environmental group which plants 20,000 trees and hedgerows a year across Somerset is on the lookout for more volunteers to offer their land.Reimagining the Levels (RtL) was borne out of the 2014 floods in the county and tries to reduce the impact of flooding by slowing the flow of waters.The group has planted more than 120,000 trees so far, helping private land owners to provide shelter and diversity.Kate Towers, from Compton Dundon, said the scheme was "good…

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Man jailed over three-hour garage rooftop standoff in Cornwall

Man jailed over three-hour garage rooftop standoff in Cornwall

Devon and Cornwall PoliceLawry Alison threatened to blow up police and the garageA man who threatened to set fire to a petrol station and climbed on its roof, sparking a major emergency service response, has been jailed for 27 months.Lawry Alison, 24, from Polstain Road in Threemilestone, Cornwall, climbed on the roof of Biscovey Garage in St Blazey Gate, near St Austell, on 15 September. While there, he damaged cabling and antennas and made racial comments to members…

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Bridgwater one-way system to be reviewed, Somerset Council say

Bridgwater one-way system to be reviewed, Somerset Council say

BBCThe new one-way system affects Salmon Parade and East Quay in BridgwaterA council has decided to review a controversial one-way system after a petition against it was signed by more than 5,000 people.As part of the Celebration Mile works in Bridgwater, Somerset, East Quay and Salmon Parade have been made one-way to traffic.Councillor Bill Revans, the Liberal Democrat leader of Somerset Council said: "We've listened carefully to residents and local businesses, and are already taking another look. It…

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Car crash causes delays on part of M5 in Devon

Car crash causes delays on part of M5 in Devon

Drivers experienced delays on part of the M5 after a car hit the central reservation.Devon and Cornwall Police said two of three southbound lanes had been closed between junction 28, leading on to the A373 Honiton Road at the Cullompton services area, and junction 29, leading to the A30 at Exeter and Honiton.Officers said emergency services had attended the scene and asked drivers to be patient while they dealt with incident.Diversions were put in place via the A373…

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Men crash stolen taxi into parked and moving cars in Bideford

Men crash stolen taxi into parked and moving cars in Bideford

Police have arrested a man in his 30s after two men stole the taxi they had hired and drove it into parked and moving cars.Devon and Cornwall Police said the white Ford Mondeo taxi driver had picked up the men from Westward Ho! and driven them to the Geneva Court of Bideford at about 16:15 GMT on Sunday.The men promised payment and went in to a house and, when the taxi driver knocked on the door a little…

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Environmental group rejects South West Water’s “greenwashing” funding offer

Environmental group rejects South West Water’s “greenwashing” funding offer

DS Pugh/GeographLittle Green Change rejected a £4,825 grant offer from South West WaterAn environmental group says it has rejected a grant from a water company's community fund, saying it will not "participate in greenwashing".Little Green Change, based in Lyme Regis, Dorset, runs education projects for schools and organisations in South West England.The not-profit social enterprise said it rejected £4,825 from South West Water (SWW), accusing it of prioritising shareholders above investment to stop pollution.SWW said it was disappointed…

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