Local News

Zero-carbon homes builder set for most successful year yet

The UK’s leading sustainable housebuilder, Verto, will this year expand further into Devon and Somerset after successfully delivering its Zero Carbon Smart Homes ™across the South West for over a decade. Its next steps include creating a new community of Exeter’s first carbon-negative homes.

Founded by Tom Carr and Richard Pearce eleven years ago, Truro based Verto is the first UK...

Charity book club aims to help veterans turn a new page

A Help for Heroes virtual book club, which was launched in North Wales, has now gone nationwide, as the Charity looks to engage further – and in different ways – with veterans across the country.

And organisers are particularly keen to recruit new members from the Devon area.

The club was the brainchild of the Armed Forces charity’s Project Case Manager, Sarah Hattle, whose...

Applications now open for talented pup-stars

Do you know a dog that can bark along to Britney, howl to Hughie or whine along to Whitney? Now is the time to showcase that pup’s amazing (or hilarious) talent!

Canine Cottages have launched a brand new competition to find the most musical dogs across the UK, with one pup (or pack of pups) being named the UK’s Pup Star .

Whilst record deals for dogs are few and far between,...

Love Moor Life: Protect wildlife and animals

With March marking the start of spring, dog owners are being urged to protect new-born livestock and breeding birds by keeping their dogs on leads while out walking. With miles of footpaths, bridleways and open access land, Dartmoor is the perfect place for people to enjoy with their canine pets. But livestock worrying is a major concern; already there has been an unusually high number of dog...

Ability not disability provides support for businesses

A new project is supporting businesses in Devon to employ people with disabilities.

“Ability not disability” has been co-designed by Learn Devon and Devon County Council’s Adult Social Care, and Employment, Economy and Skills teams working together with people with disabilities to improve employment opportunities within the county.

The innovative programme is one of 13...

More than 100 East Devon council homes to become more eco-friendly

More than 100 East Devon council homes are now more eco-friendly thanks to a special project that helped them upgrade their insulation, heating systems and much more.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has been running a Green Homes Grant programme since 2020 – the Government scheme is designed to help councils fund the cost of reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact...

Do you have a vision for your village? The Prince’s Countryside Fund grants programme could make it happen

The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is inviting applications for grants of up to £25,000 over two years for projects that benefit people in rural communities in the UK.

The PCF’s grant programme aims to empower rural communities by funding community-led solutions that improve their viability and resilience. The direct impact that these projects have on the lives of those that live...

Broadband network upgraded on Dartmoor and Exmoor

A series of upgrades are being made to the superfast broadband network on Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Internet service provider Airband completed its network in the two National Parks, on behalf of Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS), over three years ago.

This network provides access to superfast broadband (speeds of up to 30Mbps) to around 7,000 homes and businesses, making it...

70 oak trees to be planted in East Devon, celebrating Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

A total of 70 oak trees, marking The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will be planted across East Devon this year.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is celebrating the landmark event, which is a first for any British monarch, by gifting oak saplings, with a commemorative plaque, to every town and parish - with hopes planting can begin this March.

EDDC is working with councillors...

Unique hairdressing training salon scoops 2 national awards

Hair at the Academy has been named as winning, not one but two categories in the National Collective Prides Awards! Mary Pugsley MBE is the winner of ‘Exceptional Educator’ and Tyler Gray takes the award for ‘Against the Odds’ at the brand-new Collective Pride Awards, sponsored by Professional Beauty.

The Collective Pride Awards launched by mental wellbeing and suicide prevention...

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