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Somerset Sunday car park charges ‘pushed back’ by council

Somerset Sunday car park charges ‘pushed back’ by council

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…

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Views sought on plan to improve Cornwall air quality

Views sought on plan to improve Cornwall air quality

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…

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University deepens its commitments to responsible research assessment

The University of Exeter has joined a global movement aimed at transforming the way research is evaluated, making it fairer and more inclusive. The University has signed the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment, a commitment by hundreds of organisations worldwide to recognise the diversity of contributions that go into research. As part of this, Exeter has also joined the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA). Historically, research assessment methods have sometimes relied upon publication-based metrics, such as citation…

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Man in court after ‘life-changing’ Wincanton assault

Man in court after ‘life-changing’ Wincanton assault

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…

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Nancy Astor legacy lives on as Plymouth trust keeps giving

Nancy Astor legacy lives on as Plymouth trust keeps giving

A century after a charity was created by ground-breaking MP Nancy Astor, it is still changing lives in her city.Lady Astor made history in 1919 as the first woman to take a seat in the House of Commons, representing Plymouth Sutton.The Plymouth Astor Trust, founded by Lady Astor and her husband in 1925, has donated nearly £485,000 to causes across the city since 2006.Children's Wishes Plymouth, which received £1,000 from the trust, was among a number of charities…

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Major repairs to Newlyn’s historic harbour and quay under way

Major repairs to Newlyn’s historic harbour and quay under way

Historic EnglandA spokesperson for the project said the Old Quay was "a jewel in Newlyn's crown"Major restoration work is under way to secure a historic harbour and quay.Historic England said essential conservation work would secure the stone parapet of the Old Quay in Newlyn, Cornwall, to "safeguard its structural integrity for years to come". Contractors are using traditional methods to replicate the material originally used for its creation centuries ago, Historic England said.A spokesperson for the project said…

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Cliff Top Festival plans scaled back after Highcliffe objections

Cliff Top Festival plans scaled back after Highcliffe objections

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…

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Plymouth dog walker injured in late-night park attack

Plymouth dog walker injured in late-night park attack

A dog walker received a cut to his chest after being attacked in a park, police have said.Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to reports of a serious assault in Yealmpstone Park in the Plympton area of Plymouth at about 23:30 GMT on 26 November.The force said a man who was walking his dog was approached by two unknown men and suffered an injury during an altercation which required hospital treatment. Police said officers were "not…

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EU agrees deal to end Russian gas purchases by 2027 | Russia-Ukraine war News

The European Union has reached a deal to end all Russian gas imports by November 2027.The “provisional agreement” between the European Council – the grouping of the 27 governments of the bloc’s member states – and the European Parliament was announced on Wednesday.Although the deadline is later than that sought by the parliament and some member states, the deal progresses efforts to end all energy imports into the bloc from Russia, which continue to provide Moscow with vital…

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R360 delay is ‘positive news’ for Prem, says Exeter boss Rob Baxter

R360 delay is ‘positive news’ for Prem, says Exeter boss Rob Baxter

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says the postponement of proposed global franchise league R360 is positive for the Prem.The new league was set to start next year, but has been put back until at least 2028. Most global unions and the British & Irish Lions had said players taking part in the event would not be eligible to play internationally. R360 had hoped to launch an inaugural event in October 2026, with eight men's sides and four…

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Devon veteran’s years of struggle after leaving Army

Devon veteran’s years of struggle after leaving Army

Help for HeroesChris Jone was forced to leave the Army Air Corps at just 25 after a training accidentA former soldier has spoken about the loneliness he faced after leaving the Army, as a leading veterans' charity warns thousands will spend Christmas alone.Chris Jones, 52, from Ivybridge in Devon, was forced to leave the Army Air Corps at just 25 after a training accident shattered his left foot, damaged his Achilles tendon, broke his right ankle and tore…

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Man in his 80s arrested over woman’s death in Bournemouth

Man in his 80s arrested over woman’s death in Bournemouth

A man in his 80s has has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman in Bournemouth.Dorset Police said the woman, in her 60s, was found at an address in Wentworth Avenue on Tuesday shortly before 12:30 GMT. Her family have been informed.The force said a cordon was in place and people in the area could expect to see an increased police presence while an investigation into the circumstances of the death continued.The arrested…

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