Users of cashless toll system on Tamar Bridge face rise in fees

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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Alison StephensonLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceBBCCampaigners said the increase in administration charges would hurt those reliant on the crossingA committee has approved a 150% hike in the monthly charge paid by electronic tag holders, using a cashless account to cross the River Tamar.Members of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Joint Committee voted to increase the standing charge for having a TamarTag account from 80p a month to £2, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.The Tamar Toll Action Group…

Special needs school in Street will expand in 2026

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Somerset
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A school that supports children with complex emotional and mental health needs is set to expand.Inaura School has been operating one of its four Somerset sites at Leigh Road in Street since 2023.Somerset Council has now approved plans for the school to extend into a neighbouring building on Leigh Road, creating places for four additional pupils. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2026.A school spokesperson said: "We are proud to have found this additional building…

Police searching for dog after suspected theft in west Dorset

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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Police are searching for a dog they suspect was stolen from a kennel outside a village home.Dorset Police received reports that Gerry, a red cocker spaniel, disappeared from outside a residential address in Hilfield, west Dorset, between 11:30 and 12:30 GMT on Monday.PC Chandler Organ, of the force's rural crime team, said "We are carrying out enquiries into Gerry's disappearance, which we are currently treating as a theft."Officers have appealed for anyone with relevant information or video footage…

Drivers rescued as Storm Bram leads to flooding and fallen trees

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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Ros TappendenSouth of EnglandHampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue ServiceA member of the public rescued a driver after their car was swept downstreamA driver has been pulled from their submerged car after being swept 50m (164ft) downstream from a flooded ford following Storm Bram.A member of the public came to the driver's rescue at Moyles Court Ford, north of Ringwood, Hampshire, at about 08:00 GMT.Four people were also pulled from their vehicles in Thornford, north Dorset,…

Hundreds of studios and student flats approved in Exeter

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCMore than 800 studios and student flats will be built on the old Heavitree Road police station and magistrates' court sitePlans to build more than 800 studios and student flats at a "gateway site" on the edge of a city centre have been approved.A total of 399 student flats and 414 co-living studios will be constructed in buildings up to six storeys high on the site of the old police station and magistrates' court on…

Tom Cleverley: Plymouth Argyle boss discusses decisions with EFL referees chief

Post published:December 9, 2025
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Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says he has spoken to the English Football League's referees' chief about decisions given against his side.Cleverley was left upset at the penalty for Bradford City which sealed the Bantams' 1-0 win at Home Park on Saturday. He felt there had not been enough contact by defender Julio Pleguezuelo on Stephen Humphrys to justify a foul being given. Cleverley says he has spoken with Mike Jones about the decision, as well as a…

Flood and travel warnings for South West as Storm Bram arrives

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Flood and travel warnings have been issued amid heavy rain and strong winds caused by Storm Bram.The Environment Agency has issued flood warnings across Devon and Cornwall, including the Plymouth Sound, River Dart and the south Cornwall coast. Great Western Railway has also urged customers to check their journey and to consider making alternative arrangements as it expects flooding to "significantly affect" its services on Tuesday. BBC South West broadcast meteorologist Bee Tucker said the effects of Storm…

‘Chaotic’ Glastonbury Red Brick factory project given more funds

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Somerset
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Daniel Mumby,Local Democracy Reporting Service,Michelle RuminskiandRuth Bradley,Somerset politics reportersBBC NewsThe current state of the Life Factory building on Morland Road in Glastonbury after worked stopped in January 2024A £2.89m government-funded renovation project continued to receive payments months after the local authority overseeing the cash had put it on hold, according to financial experts.Somerset Council officially 'paused' funding for the Life Factory project in Glastonbury in January 2024 amid serious concerns about its management.Auditors have now revealed payments totalling…

New website launched for young people in Somerset with disabilities

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Somerset
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A new website for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) has launched to give people a space to share their experiences.The Unstoppables, a Yeovil-based group, began as a monthly in-person meet-up. They have since launched an online platform so members can share their experiences more often.Eve is registered blind and is one of the Unstoppables, she said: "It's made a huge difference and changed my life completely. I feel listened to."Unstoppables is open to all…

Brother says crash victim sister was loving and a great mother

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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Sophie CridlandSouth of EnglandFamily handoutEmma was Shanes only sibling.The brother of a woman that died in a two-car crash is raising money to buy a headstone for his sister's grave and to support her four children.Emma Smith was involved in the incident on the A35 in West Dorset in October. Dorset Police said the 37-year-old, from Bournemouth, was pronounced dead at the scene and a 35-year-old man from Poole is on police bail while enquiries continue.Shane Morrison said…

Fire that destroyed Dorchester cafe started by electrical fault

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:BBC Dorset
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A fire service have revealed the cause of a blaze that ripped through a cafe on a high street a year since it happened.The Gorge Cafe on South Street, Dorchester was completely destroyed and neighbouring buildings were damaged on 9 December 2024.Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said: "The fire report states the most probable cause of the fire was a fault with an electrical item."The building contractors have removed the debris and rubble by hand and are working…

Devon council set to maintain green spaces previously leased to trust

Post published:December 9, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Caroline RobinsonSouth WestBBCCouncillor David Thomas said it was a significant step towards securing the future of Torbay's treasured natural spacesA local authority is set to maintain green spaces previously leased to a conservation charity. Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT), which looked after 80% of Torbay's landscapes, said it did not receive increased funds from Torbay Council in time to prevent it from financial collapse in October.Torbay Council said notice of formal liquidation had been received, and it…