Devon

Children's homes future in doubt

The future of three of Devon’s Children’s homes - including one at the centre of a sexual abuse investigation- are in doubt as the council reviews its care of vulnerable children.

The Birchen Road home in Tiverton currently closed after concerns were raised about the potential sexual exploitation of residents outside the home and the placements to the Rifford Road home in Exeter...

Duke of Edinburgh award winners announced

Forty young people from Devon have been honoured for achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

The young people have completed their Gold award and were presented with their awards by Deputy Lieutenant, Sir John Evans QPM DL LL.B at a ceremony at County Hall in Exeter on Saturday 4 January.

The ceremony was attended by Helen Jenny MBE, Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh's...

Artist finds his muse in former clay quarry

A Westcountry artist has been appointed to the position of ‘Artist in Residence’ at one of the region’s largest nature reserves.

Peter Baker moved to the north Devon village of Meeth just two years ago. As a life-long artist, Peter soon found himself searching for a new local muse – to act as a focus for his painting and artistic expression. So when Devon Wildlife Trust bought the 150...

Bigger team to tackle rogue landlords in Plymouth

Plymouth’s expanding its team to get tougher with rogue landlords in the city and improve support for tenants.

£68,000 of funding has been awarded to the City Council by the Department for Communities and Local Government. A new support worker will be recruited to help tenants who are suffering at the hands of unscrupulous landlords and the inspection programme will be extended....

10 oddest late tax return excuses

With the 31 January tax return deadline just around the corner, HMRC has revealed the ‘Top 10 oddest excuses’ for sending in a late return.

The following bizarre, exotic and flimsy excuses have all been used by tardy taxpayers:

1. My pet goldfish died (self-employed builder)

2. I had a run-in with a cow (Midlands farmer)

3. After seeing a volcanic eruption on...

South West celebrates success in conserving endangered crayfish

The South West Crayfish project an organisation which is working to protect native white-clawed crayfish through field conservation work, captive breeding and education, are celebrating after moving over 4,000 endangered White-clawed crayfish to safe haven ‘Ark sites'.

The South West Crayfish Project is led by Buglife, Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Environment Agency...

Police concerned for missing woman from St Ives

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of a woman from St Ives.

Lucie Bray (pictured), aged 39 and from St Ives, was reported missing on Thursday January 2 after being out on a shopping trip in Redruth.

Lucie is thought to be driving a grey Volkswagen Polo, registration WK09 SJX.

Lucie needs medicines which she is not thought to have with her. She is...

Take heed, not speed - motorists ignoring warnings on county's roads

The County Council continues to work closely with the Environment Agency, District Councils and the Police to help manage the severe weather and tidal events today.

Motorists are being reminded to take extra care and to avoid travelling through deep water. Also to drive more slowly in the wet conditions and be considerate to other roads users and adjacent property owners.

The...

Flood warning for Plymouth’s Barbican

Residents and businesses on Plymouth’s Barbican are being warned of expected flooding early on Friday morning due to high spring tides and strong winds.

The Environment Agency has issued a severe flood warning for the Barbican, including Sutton Harbour. The highest water is due to be at 6.50am and but areas could be affected earlier.

Residents and business are being advised...

New Year's Honours for people of Devon

A whole host of inspiring people from Devon are to be rewarded with New Year's Honours.

Those from the County to be recognised include:

MBE (Member of the British Empire)

Betty and John Insley are set to receive MBE's for their services to children and families. John Michael Christopher Duffield has been recognised for services to sailing following his role as...

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