Devon and Cornwall Police told to improve vetting of officers

Post published:October 29, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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BBCDevon and Cornwall Police was rated "requires improvement" in three areasA police force needs to improve how it reviews vetting decisions, manages complaints and monitors the use of its IT systems, inspectors have said.His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) assessed the effectiveness of Devon and Cornwall Police in three areas.It was graded "requires improvement" in its vetting of police officers and staff, professional standards and counter-corruption arrangements.Superintendent Alex Doughty, head of professional standards…

Devon conservation charity liquidation sparks fears for reserve

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Torbay Coast and Countryside TrustAlex Foley said many people were worried about the future of Berry Head National Nature ReserveConcerns have been raised over the future of a nature reserve after a conservation charity entered liquidation.Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust chairwoman Barbara King said on Friday financial pressures had proven "too great" despite the charity's best efforts.The trust looked after Berry Head National Nature Reserve and other sites including Cockington Country Park and Occombe Farm.Alex Foley, who runs…

Cornish man who sexually abused children over four decades jailed

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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A man has been jailed for 18 years after he admitted sexually abusing children over four decades.Robert Squires, from Bossiney near Tintagel, Cornwall, pleaded guilty to 23 recent and non-recent child sexual offences including two rapes of a child, attempted rape and multiple indecent assaults.The 80-year-old targeted his victims from a young age and committed the abuse in and out of the county, said Devon and Cornwall Police.Police said he admitted most of the abuse after handing himself…

Calls for for MP Rebecca Smith to quit Plymouth City Council

Post published:October 28, 2025
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Alison StephensonLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceRebecca Smith's OfficeSouth West Devon MP Rebecca Smith (standing) says she will step down as a councillor in 2026Two city council members have called for another member to resign because she is also an MP.Rebecca Smith, who represents Plymstock Radford on Plymouth City Council and was elected as South West Devon MP in 2024, was scheduled to attend meetings on 16 May, 2 June and 15 September but sent apologies.Independent councillors Patrick Nicholson and…

Exeter councillor who attended asylum protest cleared of bullying

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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Miles DavisDevon political reporterBBCAlison Sheridan, a Conservative member of Exeter City Council, has been cleared of all accusations against her.A councillor who attended a protest against the use of a hotel to house asylum seekers has been cleared of all accusations against her including bullying, harassment and bringing the council into disrepute.Alison Sheridan, a Conservative member of Exeter City Council, wore her council lanyard to a protest outside a hotel in Exeter.The council found Sheridan had "exercised her…

What you need to know as pine martens are reintroduced

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:BBC Somerset
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Devon Wildlife TrustPine martens were released at secret locations in Exmoor last monthWhen it was reported that pine martens were being reintroduced into Somerset, some people had questions.The Two Moors Pine Marten Project released nine females and 10 males at secret locations on Exmoor in September.Some people expressed concerns about whether smaller mammals and birds would be impacted.But Somerset Wildlife Trust wants to reassure people the reintroduction of the animal will restore balance in local woodlands and says…

Devon libraries Halloween costume loans ‘really useful’

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:Devon News
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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,…

Radio Devon presenters gear up for three-legged walk

Post published:October 28, 2025
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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,…

Devon and Cornwall attractions face surging costs

Post published:October 28, 2025
Post category:BBC Cornwall
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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…

Man jailed over three-hour garage rooftop standoff in Cornwall

Post published:October 27, 2025
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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…

Car crash causes delays on part of M5 in Devon

Post published:October 27, 2025
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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…

Men crash stolen taxi into parked and moving cars in Bideford

Post published:October 27, 2025
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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…