Torbay school set to refocus on children with autism

Post published:December 4, 2025
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John AyresBBC Devon, TorquayBBCCombe Pafford School in Torquay currently supports children with moderate learning difficultiesA special school which supports children with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and autism is set to switch its focus entirely to autism.It follows an Ofsted area inspection which highlighted Torbay was not meeting the needs of children with Special Educational Needs (Send).If plans are approved by the Department for Education, all pupils in the September 2026 intake at Combe Pafford School, Torquay, will need…

Quantock Hills plan can be commented on by Somerset residents

Post published:December 4, 2025
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Residents have until New Year's Eve to give their views on how one of their county's landscapes should be managed over the next five years.The Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership in Somerset has published its draft management plan, laying out how the area will be preserved and improved up to 2031.The plan includes measures to protect and conserve historic man-made elements.Partnership chair Hugh Warmington said: "This is an important moment for the communities of the Quantock Hills and…

Crime reporting low at Dorset mobile police stations

Post published:December 4, 2025
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Fears that residents might not want to use mobile police stations has been raised by a local councillor.Conservative, Simon Gibson told the December Dorset Police and Crime Panel he feared there remained "a gap" with people reluctant to report crimes online, over the phone or at community contact points.The meeting heard that only 15 crimes had been reported at the points this year, despite more than 400 recorded public contacts.Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick acknowledged that better…

Tax rises for Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone councils revealed

Post published:December 4, 2025
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Arrangements for three new town councils set to be launched from April in Dorset have been set out.Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said the authorities will be able to maintain amenities like parks, playgrounds and community centres, as well as improve services like street cleaning.The council said Broadstone Town Council would cost residents living in a Band D property an estimated £60.41 a year, while Poole's town council would cost £32.59 a year. Band D Bournemouth residents…

Devon ceremony marks start of Royal Fleet Auxiliary build

Post published:December 3, 2025
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BBCThe bow sections of the ships are being built in Appledore, north DevonA steel cutting ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction of a new modern support ship for the Royal Navy.The name of the ship, which is more than twice the length of a football field, was announced as RFA Resurgent during the event in Appledore, Devon.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said £115m was being invested across four shipyards for the Fleet Solid Support…

Somerset residents facing further council tax hikes in 2026

Post published:December 3, 2025
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A council is planning to increase council tax bills for residents as it attempts to balance its books. Somerset Council is proposing raising its share of the precept by at least 4.99% next year and is considering asking permission from the government to go higher. The council's budget plans for the next financial year warn that, even with a proposed council tax rise, the authority is facing a funding gap of £73m - which it said it was…

Kids in and around Bristol can ride buses for free this Christmas

Post published:December 3, 2025
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Children will be able to use buses for free again after a successful summer scheme saw more than 900,000 young people take part. The summer holiday project led to thousands of free journeys being taken every week in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset.Kids Go Free will start up again over the Christmas holidays for children under 16 from 20 December to 4 January 2026.Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:…

Cornish Pirates face key month in Champ title race – Joe Walsh

Post published:December 3, 2025
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Cornish Pirates coach Joe Walsh says the next month will go a long way to determining their season in the Champ.The Pirates face the top three sides in their next four games - starting with a trip to second-placed Worcester Warriors on Saturday.They then host third-placed Bedford the following Friday and meet unbeaten league leaders Ealing at the Mennaye on 27 December after a trip to mid-table Chinnor. Pirates then begin 2026 with a trip to ninth-placed Coventry…

Somerset Sunday car park charges ‘pushed back’ by council

Post published:December 3, 2025
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Ruth BradleyPolitics reporter, in TauntonBBCCars will be able to park for free on Sundays in some parts of SomersetProposed Sunday parking charges branded a "big mistake" by shopkeepers have been voted down by councillors.Charges were due to be introduced at Somerset Council car parks on Sundays in Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater, but the plans faced strong opposition during a public consultation, including some concern from shopkeepers and church leaders.Somerset Council initially proposed changes due to different rates currently…

Views sought on plan to improve Cornwall air quality

Post published:December 3, 2025
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Residents are being asked for their views on how to improve air quality over the next five years.Cornwall Council's draft Air Quality Action Plan sets out proposals to reduce emissions in Tideford, Gunnislake and Launceston, which have been designated Air Quality Management Areas, or places where pollution levels do not meet national air quality objectives.The council said there were five priorities in its draft plan, including reducing transport emissions, supporting behaviour changes through schools and employers, strengthening air…

Man in court after ‘life-changing’ Wincanton assault

Post published:December 3, 2025
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A man has appeared in court accused of inflicting life-changing injuries during an alleged assault.Arthur O'Brien, 33, was charged with grievous bodily harm and being in possession of an offensive weapon after an incident in High Street, Wincanton, on Sunday.A man in his 20s remains in hospital where he is being treated for life-changing injuries, Avon and Somerset Police said.Mr O'Brien was remanded in custody after appearing at Yeovil Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and is next due to…

Cliff Top Festival plans scaled back after Highcliffe objections

Post published:December 3, 2025
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Oak PhotographyThe festival takes place on the clifftop at HighcliffePlans to extend a music festival from one to three days have been scaled back following objections.Stir Events is applying to alter its licence for Cliff Top Music Festival in Highcliffe, Dorset, which has been taking place since 2023.Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council was among those objecting, citing concerns such as noise, antisocial behaviour and transport issues.Stir Events, a community interest company, said it was "listening and responding" and…