county news

Getting SEN support is ‘like fighting a war’

Getting SEN support is ‘like fighting a war’

Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCRachel Turner says trying to get the education her daughter is legally entitled to is "a constant battle"The mother of an autistic teenager says her council's special educational needs service has "failed" her daughter.Rachel Turner from Exeter said getting the support her daughter was entitled to under a care plan agreement with Devon County Council was like "fighting a war".The council has overspent on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services by more than £50m…

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Trial date set for man accused of murdering inmate

A man accused of murdering a fellow prison inmate has been told his trial will take place next year.James Desborough, 39, from Cornwall appeared before Exeter Crown Court on Friday accused of murdering Steven Kempster, 65, who police said had been found dead in his cell in HMP Exeter on Monday.Mr Desborough appeared at court via video link from prison and spoke only to confirm his name.Judge James Patrick confirmed a plea and trial preparation hearing would take…

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Families rescued after fire breaks out at Sherford flats

Families rescued after fire breaks out at Sherford flats

BBCThe fire broke out at Aquila Drive in Sherford on Thursday eveningTwenty eight people were rescued while a further two evacuated themselves after fire broke out at a block of flats.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said families could not leave their homes due to thick smoke in the communal building at Aquila Drive at Sherford, Devon early on Friday.The service said the fire was confined to the stairwell but other parts of the building suffered smoke…

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Devon sports clubs recognised for positive impact

Devon sports clubs recognised for positive impact

BBC"Women come out of boxercise feeling awesome," says Phoenix Rising founder Claire LearSporting clubs are being recognised for making a change to people's physical and mental wellbeing.Four organisations have been nominated for the Active Award in BBC Radio Devon's 2025 Make a Difference Awards.Phoenix Rising in Torbay, Pisces Swimming Club and the Groovement Project, both in Plymouth, and Devon Deaf Rugby are all up for the award.They were nominated by members of the community ahead of a ceremony…

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M5 closed in both directions in Devon after crashes

M5 closed in both directions in Devon after crashes

BBCPolice have closed the M5 in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell to J28 in CullomptonA number of people have been seriously injured following two multi-vehicle collisions on the M5 in Devon, police have said.The motorway has been closed since Thursday evening following the crashes, which have resulted in major traffic delays. National Highways South West said the motorway was shut at about 23:00 BST in both directions between J27 at Sampford Peverell and J28 in Cullompton.Devon…

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Extra police patrols for freshers’ week at Exeter university

With university courses restarting this month, police in Devon have been putting on extra patrols to help students feel safe during freshers' week - and educate them about the risks of a night out.Devon and Cornwall Police said it was also running joint patrols with Exeter City Council to monitor for suspicious activity, such as unlicensed taxis.Sector Insp Nathan Johnson said as a parent of a university student himself he wanted his daughter - and others - to…

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Top 15 ranking for the University of Exeter as it’s celebrated as one of the most sustainable in the country

Concerted action to support a ‘greener, healthier and fairer’ future has resulted in the University of Exeter being ranked inside the top 15 higher education institutions in the country and named the second most sustainable. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 – one of the most respected annual league tables in the country – has placed Exeter 14th out of 133 universities in this year’s table. The University was also named runner-up for Sustainable University…

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Plymouth Argyle search for new goalkeeper coach after Darryl Flahavan exit

Plymouth Argyle are closing in on appointing a new goalkeeper coach.It comes after news that Darryl Flahavan is to leave the club. The 46-year-old former Southend United and Bournemouth player had been at Home Park since January 2024 having previously spent time coaching at clubs including Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday."Darryl's been a fantastic servant to the football club, he's very good at what he does," head coach Tom Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon."He will be…

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Torquay United boss Paul Wotton says poor away form will change

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton said his side's poor away form will change.The Gulls have earned two points from their four away games in National League South this season and lost 2-0 at AFC Totton in the FA Cup last week.They last won away from home in April when they beat Hemel Hempstead 4-1 in their final game of last season.Wotton's side host mid-table Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, before having a free weekend at the end of September."I'm…

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Ceremony marks new £22m diagnostics centre in Plymouth

Ceremony marks new £22m diagnostics centre in Plymouth

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS TrustThe facility will open in summer 2026A ceremony has been held to mark the structural completion of a £22m diagnostic centre in Plymouth.University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust said the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre at Colin Campbell Court would provide a range of diagnostic tests, scans, and checks including CT and MRI scans, X-rays and ultrasounds.It said the centre, due to open in summer 2026, would help patients receive faster diagnoses closer to home and…

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Ex police officer jailed for stalking 20-year-old woman

A former Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been jailed for four months for stalking and accessing a database for a non-policing purpose.Kevin Davis, 41, of Seafield Road, Seaton, Devon, was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.The court heard Davis, who was no longer a police constable, made "unwanted contact" with the victim in messages on social media, before eventually approaching her at a gym they were both members at - making her feel vulnerable and unsafe.Davis…

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Tom Cleverley: Plymouth Argyle boss faces misconduct charge after red card

Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley had been charged with misconduct by the Football Association after his red card at Luton Town.Cleverley was sent off in the 72nd minute after protesting against a refereeing decision during the 3-2 win at Kenilworth Road.Argyle had two penalties given against them and captain Joe Edwards sent off early in the second half of the League One clash.He has been charged with misconduct after acting "in an improper manner by repeatedly disagreeing…

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