news

Fire at ‘very dangerous’ derelict Devon hotel was arson

Fire at ‘very dangerous’ derelict Devon hotel was arson

A fire at a "very dangerous" derelict hotel is being treated as arson, police say.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said crews from multiple fire stations were called to the blaze in Seaton, Devon, at about 03:13 GMT on Wednesday.Devon and Cornwall Police urged people not to visit Seaton Heights Hotel, which it said was "now much more dangerous following the structural damage caused by the fire".The force said the blaze had a "great effect on the…

Continue ReadingFire at ‘very dangerous’ derelict Devon hotel was arson

Police carry out ‘important’ knife crime operation in Cornwall

Police carry out ‘important’ knife crime operation in Cornwall

Almost 30 knives have been handed in as part of a police operation in south east Cornwall.Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police carried out a series of activities between 17-23 November in Liskeard, Saltash, Torpoint and Looe, which included amnesty bins, patrols on trains and visits to shops.The force said the exercises, which were part of Operation Sceptre - a national initiative focused on tackling knife crime - led to 29 knives being dropped off in amnesty bins.Insp…

Continue ReadingPolice carry out ‘important’ knife crime operation in Cornwall

Dorset farmhouse with ex-ballroom becomes social housing

Dorset farmhouse with ex-ballroom becomes social housing

An old farmhouse with an outbuilding that was formerly used as a ballroom has become a supported living scheme for vulnerable young people.West Farm, at an undisclosed rural location in west Dorset, has been opened for people aged 18 to 25 who are at risk of homelessness.The six-bed unit together with two nearby flats are designed to provide safety and teach independence skills, Dorset Council said.Councillor Gill Taylor, in charge of housing, said residents were being given a…

Continue ReadingDorset farmhouse with ex-ballroom becomes social housing

Exeter delivers on global stage at COP30

The University of Exeter played a significant role at COP30 as it aimed to help combat climate change through its world-leading climate science. Highlights from the University’s packed itinerary in Belem included the launch of the Global Carbon Budget, the leading academic authority on global carbon emissions and sinks, which is now in its 20th year. The University and its partners launched the Parliamentarians’ Global Guide to Climate Change and Climate Solutions, a comprehensive guide for lawmakers around the world, and findings from…

Continue ReadingExeter delivers on global stage at COP30

Pedestrian seriously injured in collision with car in Beer, Devon

Pedestrian seriously injured in collision with car in Beer, Devon

A woman has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car. Devon and Cornwall Police said it was called to Common Lane in Beer, Devon, at 16:55 GMT on Tuesday following a collision involving a pedestrian and a Renault Kangoo.The force said the injured woman was in her 80s and from Beer.Police have asked for witnesses or those with relevant dashcam footage to get in touch. Source link

Continue ReadingPedestrian seriously injured in collision with car in Beer, Devon

Homes could be built on former Exeter golf course

Homes could be built on former Exeter golf course

Plans to build 54 houses on an old golf driving range could be approved if developers pledge money to local health services and to make 19 of the properties affordable.Developers plan to build on the former Topsham Golf Academy field off Exeter Road.Heritage Developments would be given a deadline as early as June next year for the conditions to be carried out - other requirements include managing open spaces and providing a children's play area.Exeter City Council officers…

Continue ReadingHomes could be built on former Exeter golf course

Degree apprenticeships at Exeter win two Tech South West Awards

The University of Exeter won in the ‘Commitment to Diversity’ and ‘Supporting Talent’ categories for its degree apprenticeship programmes at last week’s Tech South West Awards. Exeter was singled-out by judges at a glittering awards ceremony at Sandy Park for using degree apprenticeships to create a “truly impactful talent pipeline bridging academia and industry, filling skills gaps while widening participation”. Exeter was also praised for its “clear commitment to diversifying the tech sector with impressive impact for employers…

Continue ReadingDegree apprenticeships at Exeter win two Tech South West Awards

‘Stonehenge tunnel’ and ‘music festival error’

‘Stonehenge tunnel’ and ‘music festival error’

National HighwaysThe Stonehenge tunnel scheme was scrapped last year Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesA Wiltshire MP has slammed the government's proposal to revoke planning consent for a road tunnel near Stonehenge, reports the Salisbury Journal. The controversial scheme was given planning permission in 2023 but was scrapped last year. The search is on for a new developer…

Continue Reading‘Stonehenge tunnel’ and ‘music festival error’

Spotting Pi the whale ‘more exciting than Christmas’ in Isles of Scilly

Spotting Pi the whale ‘more exciting than Christmas’ in Isles of Scilly

A humpback whale called Pi is thrilling locals on the Isles of Scilly who see its annual visit as a winter highlight. For islanders, spotting Pi has become a tradition, and this year photographer Inga Drazniece captured the moment on camera."I need to pinch myself sometimes still," said Inga, who works at a jewellers and spends her free time photographing the islands' wildlife. "Everyone's getting really excited. It's more exciting than Christmas, at least for me."The Isles of…

Continue ReadingSpotting Pi the whale ‘more exciting than Christmas’ in Isles of Scilly

Dignitaries gather for the premiere of Normandy documentary at the University of Exeter

Dignitaries gather for the premiere of Normandy documentary at the University of Exeter

A documentary focusing on a crucial battle in the Normandy campaign of the Second World War has received its regional premiere at the University of Exeter. A CANTERBURY TALE: Albert Figg and the Battle for Hill 112, created by award-winning filmmaker Peter Williams, tells the story of the eponymous battle through the words of some of the West Country veterans who survived its fierce fighting. It also explores the efforts of Sergeant Albert Figg, a Royal Artillery veteran…

Continue ReadingDignitaries gather for the premiere of Normandy documentary at the University of Exeter

Luka Doncic scores 43 as Lakers defeat Clippers in NBA Cup | Basketball News

Doncic, Austin Reaves and LeBron James combined for 99 points as the LA Lakers clinched their group in NBA Cup play.Published On 26 Nov 202526 Nov 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareLuka Doncic scored 24 of his 43 points in the first quarter and finished with 13 assists and nine rebounds as the host Los Angeles Lakers notched a 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday to clinch West Group B of the NBA Cup.Austin…

Continue ReadingLuka Doncic scores 43 as Lakers defeat Clippers in NBA Cup | Basketball News

New research project to provide historical perspective on contemporary farming challenges

The debate over whether UK farming can continue to feed us, be commercially viable and conserve our vulnerable natural environment is set to be addressed by a major new research project combining history with business analysis and environmental science. Researchers at the University of Exeter will examine archival records over a 600-year period – from the Middle Ages to the Victorian era – and assign a sustainability rating to each historical era. It is hoped that the £1.4m…

Continue ReadingNew research project to provide historical perspective on contemporary farming challenges